{"id":4576,"date":"2023-09-28T06:02:10","date_gmt":"2023-09-28T06:02:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/skillup.online\/blog\/?p=4576"},"modified":"2024-05-20T12:09:00","modified_gmt":"2024-05-20T12:09:00","slug":"the-powerful-interview-get-that-job","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/skillup.online\/blog\/the-powerful-interview-get-that-job\/","title":{"rendered":"The Powerful Interview \u2013 Get that Job"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>

Stephen just spent 45 minutes answering a variety of my interview questions attempting to gain employment as a technical support specialist. His answers were accurate and compelling, which led me to regard him as a strong candidate who would likely be getting a job offer. In a concluding effort to assess his true interest in the role, I turned the time over to Stephen and asked if he had any questions for me about the job.<\/p>\n

Stephen looked at me for a moment, and with a puzzled look on his face said, \u201cNo, I think I\u2019m good.\u201d Perplexed, and wanting to assist him in closing out the interview on a high-note, I candidly told him he had just completed a great interview, and I was trying to determine his level of passion for this employment opportunity.<\/p>\n

After another brief pause and puzzled look, Stephen said \u201cWell, this is my 10th<\/sup> interview in the past two weeks. I\u2019ve applied to Google, Amazon, Apple, and now with you. I\u2019m not as concerned with where I land as I am at getting my foot in the door with one of these companies so I can start my career in the IT industry.\u201d<\/p>\n

And with that response, Stephen went from the top of the list of candidates to the bottom. Knowingly or not, he had just broken a critical rule when it comes to effective interviewing.<\/p>\n

In my career I have interviewed countless candidates for roles in the IT industry and have always been surprised at some fatal and common mistakes these candidates make during the process. Below is a list of some of the critical mistakes to avoid, along with recommendations on how to put the best foot forward.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Research Your Potential Employer<\/h2>\n

Have you ever been on a blind date? One common recommendation to ensure a positive experience on a blind date is to gather information about the other person in advance. Using social media or the date matchmaker to understand your date\u2019s likes, dislikes, interests, hobbies, and personality, can help kick-start meaningful dialog during the date and show that you have more than just a cursory interest in a potential new relationship.<\/p>\n

This same concept applies to a job interview, which in many instances can be compared to a first date.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Research<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Take the time to research your potential employer\u2019s history, mission statement, vision statement, culture, customer demographics, innovations, successes, and headlines. Walking into an interview with an understanding of this information can\u2019t help but come through as you answer questions. When this happens, it will show that you are sincere and motivated about becoming an employee.<\/p>\n

Employers aren\u2019t just looking for someone who can perform well in the role, they are looking for someone with passion for putting on a name badge and becoming a powerful, dedicated representative of the company.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Prepare Your Smart Questions in Advance<\/h2>\n

As was illustrated by my story about Stephen, there comes a point in most interviews when you will be asked if you have any questions for the interviewer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Smart<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When this happens, it isn\u2019t just a courtesy. This is being asked, in part, to determine your true interest in the role and the passion for which you would likely conduct yourself in it. While you are conducting research (see previous step), you should be formulating questions that can be asked when the opportunity presents itself. You don\u2019t have to stick to these prepared questions exclusively, but the point is to be ready to illustrate your thoughtful and insightful interest in becoming a company employee by asking relevant questions.<\/p>\n

As an example, here are some questions you could ask to convey what is being looked for.<\/p>\n