10 Tips to Avoid Wretched Reviews

Bring Storytelling into Prime Time

An interview is a conversation. Don’t fall into an answers-only rut. That’s why

you’ve spent time learning to storytell with true prepared stories that highlight

your accomplishments (see Chapter 5). Remember, a conversation is

really a series of questions and answers. As soon as you answer a question

Go In Knowing Your Lines

About 90 percent of candidates “didn’t get the wiki” that their purpose in an

interview is to do infinitely more than ask for a job. Not you. You got the wiki.

Your goal is two-fold: First, to demonstrate that you are a good “fit” for the

organization — like salt and pepper, bread and butter, Arnold Schwarzenegger

and Hummers.

Second, you’re looking for breaking news on whether the position is really

something you want to invest your life in.

Leave the Begging to Others

Neediness is one of the all-time deal killers in the job market. Whisper in your

own ear before walking in the door: “I don’t need this job. I do need air, food,

and water.” Keep things in perspective. Sell your strengths and your ability to

do the job. Employers don’t hire because they feel sorry for you; they hire

because they want you to solve their problems.

Share the Stage with Dignity

Generally speaking, participate in an interview as an equal, not as a subordinate

of the person conducting the interview. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t

show courteous respect to the interviewer, especially if the interviewer is a

general and you’re a buck private. Participating as an equal is a subtle matter

of self-perception, so remind yourself of your status before the interview

begins.

Remember How a Star Is Born

From the moment you walk into an interview room, demonstrate confidence.

Your first impression makes a difference. Stand up straight, make eye contact,

and offer an enthusiastic handshake with your interviewer. If you don’t

remember names well, jot down the interviewer’s name on your notepad as

soon as you’re seated. Ditto for any other person you’re meeting with.

Avoid Ad Libbing Ad Infinitum

Although you should always do your share to keep the conversational flow

going, droning on loses your audience. Telling your interviewer more than

he or she needs to know could be fatal.

Your stories should be no longer than 60 to 90 seconds and they must —

repeat, must — have a relevant point related to your topic. Stick with your

rehearsed stories, your research, your adequate answers, and the questions

you need to ask.

You’re looking for an easy give-and-take in your interview without coming

across as a motor-mouth.

Keep in Mind That “Friends”

Is a Television Show

Don’t make the mistake of being overly familiar. A good interviewer is skilled

enough to put you at ease within the first 10 minutes of the interview. That

doesn’t mean that the interviewer has become your best friend. Never let your

guard down. Remember that you’re there to give and receive information about

a position that you may want. From start to finish, treat this encounter as the

professional business meeting that it is.

Know That Faulty Assumptions

Equal Faulty Interviewing

Think about this scene on a stage: The leading lady is supposed to rush to the

leading man as he enters stage right; for some reason, she assumes he’ll enter

stage left and rushes to an empty space. She looks as though she doesn’t know

what she’s doing.

The same is true when you make a wrong guess at what your interviewer has

in mind with a particular question. When in doubt, ask! You don’t lose points

at an interview for asking questions when you don’t have a clear understanding

of a point

Keep Emotions out of the Interview

Sure, this might be a time of stress in your life. The rent’s due, the car’s on

the fritz, or you recently had an argument with your significant other.

Put it all behind you while you’re on stage in the spotlight. Here’s why: The

interviewer may at times consciously attempt to provoke you into a temperamental

outburst. Don’t fall for it or take it personally. This may be only a part

of the interviewing process. Remember, your role is to be cool, calm, and collected

— so play the part. When emotions enter an interview, failure follows.

Ask Questions That Show

You Care Where You Go

You want to be sure you’re getting the true picture of what this job is really

about and whether you want it. Arrive with a list of several prepared questions

about the company, the position, and the people who work there. Ask questions

that begin with “what,” “how,” and “why.” Avoid simple “yes” or “no”

questions. Take notes. Most interviewers are unimpressed by a candidate

who has no questions — are you disinterested, or do you think you already

know everything?