Interviewing with any company can be intimidating but preparation will help chase away some of the butterflies. Remember it is unusual for a company to hire a candidate who fits the job description 100%. View the position advertisement as a dream sheet. You should have a majority of the traits but just because you’re missing a few parts of the experience does not necessarily knock you out of contention.

Without trying to be too traditional, here are some interview thoughts gleaned from hands-on experience.

Before the Interview

Learn all you can about the company – This is much easier in our era of mega-search engines. Look for names, facts, figures, news, anything, etc.

• What are the recent big news items?
• What are the company’s major services or products?
• What are their guarantees?
• What are the approximate revenues?
• What are the customer service trends?
• Who are the big names?
• How do competitor companies look at your interviewing company?
• If you know somebody at the company, quiz them about the organization.
• If appropriate, see if you can make an appointment with someone at the company for your educational purposes (be careful with this one).

Play stump the dummy – Nothing personal … but prepare a list of the toughest questions you can create based on your intimate knowledge of your own profile. The idea is to train hard to make the actual interview seem easier. Be as tough as you can on yourself during the preparation and you will find yourself more confident at the real event. Here are a few starter questions and you can think of more.

• What is your core message related to the position?
• What are your top 3-5 strengths?
• What are your weaknesses? How do you manage around or offset them?
• What will be the most difficult areas of the new job for you?
• Why are you unique?
• How would you interview yourself if you wanted to paint the most complete picture?
• How will you make up any shortfalls in your experience as it relates to the ideal job description?
• What will you do if you are not selected for the position?
• Do you like the company enough to apply for more positions?
• How will you respond if salary comes up early?

In a future post, we’ll talk more about how to maximize your time during the interview.  To summarize, focus any nervous energy you have on preparation. Write it, say it, and think it (or any combination thereof). This will help with the actual interview and keep anxiety in check. Remember too that a little nervousness will help you be sharper in the interview as well. All the best!

And if you have any thoughts or ideas, take a minute and share your best ideas or experiences in the comments below.

This post was written by Michael Friesen, a coach at 360JobInterview.com.  He is the author of Expected End: What Culture Is, Why It Matters and How to Improve It.  He is a leadership coach and a former CFO and Budget Director for the U.S. government.  You can schedule an interview with Michael on his 360JobInterview.com coach page.

Photo iStockPhoto © Ken Kan

“What are your strengths?”

How many times have you heard that question in an interview? There are few things that are more predictable in an employment interview than questions about your strengths and weaknesses, so I’m sure you’ve spent considerable time examining your answer to these questions….right?

OK, I know you have, but you would be surprised at how many candidates “wing it” when it comes to answering these (and other) common questions. Think about this for just a minute: if you consistently answer the same questions the same way, and have not yet been hired, should you rethink your answers….? (I’m just sayin’.)

Savvy interviewers ask these questions for a couple of reasons. First and foremost, they want to see how you respond. Do you spit out a standard answer that shows little or no thought? Are you confident or shy? Do you stumble over your response? Are you contemplative? Are you genuine or putting on a show? Consider that how you answer is often just as important as what you say.

Second, a good interviewer doesn’t stop with the initial question, but continues to explore your answers with additional questions that probe a little deeper. This allows the interviewer to discover how genuine your answers are, and how you deal with the stress of being pushed a bit. If you chose to regurgitate one of the canned responses available in those interview self-help books, the follow-up questions could pose a bit of a problem.

The best way to deal with the standard “What are your strengths?” question is to find out the true answer. My suggestion is to get a DiSC® profile (available online for $25 to $30) and read carefully through the analysis of your behavioral style. This assessment will provide a number of clues to the work environment you prefer, and will highlight your potential strengths and weaknesses. This exercise will allow you to answer the question and provide objective confirmation.

A second online test that I highly recommend you complete is the Clifton StrengthsFinder®. You can buy the book and take the online assessment for about $14. This assessment will provide tremendous insight into your workplace strengths and give you additional ideas about what occupations or positions will best capitalize on those strengths. This information will not only provide excellent material for answering the “strengths” question, but it will also help you understand exactly what jobs fit you best.

Avoid the trap of preparing for interviews by studying the “pat” answers to interview questions. Instead, spend that time learning about yourself and improving the skills you need to get the job you’re looking for.

This is the first in a series of posts detailing conversations with actual hiring managers from different industries. We’ll be highlighting their concerns, requirements, and the things they might not be seeing in candidates that they wish were there. We hope that in picking their brains we make your job–getting hired–a bit easier.

The competition is stiff and growing stiffer as the economic downturn continues. It doesn’t take a degree in rocket science to know that times are tough; it’s hard to ignore actually, what with unemployment numbers being thrown at us in a nearly constant stream. A press release from the Bureau of Labor Statistics released last week states that approximately 15 million people are without work, putting the unemployment rate at around 10 percent, and this of course means the competition is going to be tougher and the openings fewer. The news is not all bad though; with the right preparation you can set yourself apart from the pack, and we aim to help you do just that.

While it’s true the job market isn’t as hospitable as in previous years, it’s not bad everywhere; there are jobs out there to be had. There might be an overall strain on the job market, but there are variations in industries. Our first conversation was with a manager representing the defense sector which, contrary to prevailing trends, has seen some increase in hiring.

A few things were made quite clear in our conversation. Recent candidates have been reported as seeming rushed and ultimately unprepared in not only their interviewing efforts, but resumes as well. This is thought to be a direct result of the increased competition level in the job hunt; the hunters are getting sloppy. It cannot be stressed enough, however, that one must master the basics, at least of the interview process, and have a flawless resume leading the way for them. Our hiring manager friend revealed that recent candidates have been lacking in the fundamentals of the interview process: dress, punctuality, and preparedness. Though this individual reported some increases for 2009, the outlook for 2010 doesn’t warrant excessive enthusiasm. Things might improve in the coming year, but this is no time to rest on your laurels.

Competition in today’s job market, as we’ve already said, is going to be fiercer than usual and where seemingly tiny imperfections in your job-hunter facade might have escaped notice before, the greater scrutiny each candidate will be subjected to might reveal opportunity-killing flaws.

If you’re job hunting, chances are you have been scouring every reputable publication, in print as well as online, for valuable, potentially employment-earning tips, tricks, and tactics to put to good use if you’re one of the lucky few to score an interview. In this economy and given the widespread job loss across the country, if you’re given the chance to knock the socks off of a potential employer, you know very well that you may not have many other chances. So with a ‘time is of the essence’ attitude, you’ve most likely been searching for any and all information you can get your hands on in order to convince your interviewer that you’re just the person they’ve been looking for.

While business experts have been forth-coming with their abundant resources and lessons from the trade, it is very easy to take all of the information being supplied to you and apply it a little too vigorously. Being prepared for an interview is certainly a step in the direction of employment; it’s very important to know what kind of questions you will be asked and how you will be expected to answer. However, being prepared is something very different from being an automaton, which could happen if you are focusing too much on the grocery list of tips you picked up the night before on your latest Google search for ‘how to get the job.’

Through the time I have spent filling out job applications and sending out resumes I have come to know one thing about my self in the workforce—If I get the chance to be interviewed for a position I am seeking, I know I will land that job. That is the way it has been since I was asked in for my first job interview that led me to my first job right out of high school and the outcome has never been anything different. I don’t have any in-depth analysis of why this is or any knowledge of the underbelly of the business world; the only thing that I kept in mind during an interview is the fact that this company is interviewing me, not quizzing me on what I had learned while preparing for this moment.

The fondest interview memory I have is from the second job I have ever had; when I was interviewing for a position at a book store. I have been a constant reader all of my life. I have always seen books as a reward; either they were pumping me full of knowledge and intellect or they were providing new and exciting lives for me to live in for a little while, so naturally one of my first jobs was working at a book store. While I knew a great deal about the company, as well as what that company expected of me as an employee, and what that interviewer was expecting from me during the interview, I never lost who I was during the interview process. I was courteous, respectful, answered the questions I was asked exactly as I was supposed to, and was do my best to wow the pants off of the person who was conducting the interview by asking follow-up questions to the duties and responsibilities that were being outlined for me..and then I was asked about who my favorite authors were, and that is when I shined through and through. I never tucked who I was away for the event and as I listed the authors I so frequently read, admire, and cherish, that is the moment I knew I landed the job since right after we finished talking about our favorite authors, my second interview was conducted right there on the spot and the next day I received a call letting me know that the job was mine.

The key to any person-to-person exchange, whether a job interview, business contact, or acquaintance is to unapologetically be yourself. You can read as many interview preparation articles you can absorb in one sitting but the part of the interviewer that is going to stand out for the person conducting the interview is when you show them what kind of person you are and how valuable you would be to their company.

So, you have a beautifully prepared resume, get a phonecall, and are asked to come in for a ‘chat’. You can do the job well and they seem interested in hiring your talent. The question is, do you want the job?

Ask the interviewer for a break down of what the job entails, from the big tasks to more mundane work. While doing this, make notes of your own and see which components are the most important to the position. Do your strengths fall in these areas? Would you like to be doing these tasks?

The company should offer you a realistic job preview. It’s essentially a recruitment technique designed to give job applicants a sense of the typical workday. It is important for the employer to portray the job realistically, as to minimized any potential disappointment or frustration for the new employee, who perhaps expected something else.

Keep in mind that each job will have its positive and negative aspects. Your job, as the candidate for the position, is to fairly evaluate what’s required and if you can successfully carry it out. There is no point of going through all the formalities and process if both parties will not be satisfied. The goal is to reduce turnover rates, whether for t he employer or the employee.

After going through all of the processes, both candidate and employer have decided on a mutual interest and the candidate then starts the job. It is your responsibility as the job seeker to ask for a trial period. While the job description, interview, and even job preview may have seemed glowing, things can easily change as you begin to work your way into the position. Do not get yourself into a long-term contract without an evaluation period. If there is training, this can also be considered as a time to evaluate whether or not you can see yourself in the position.

Most importantly be honest, with the employer and yourself. Is this the step in your career you want to take? Will it get you to where you need to go? For answers to these questions, consider live career action planning to give you the 360 advantage.

An interview is a potential employer’s chance to get to know you. Are you right for the position? Will you be a good fit in the company? These are important qualities to be aware of before a company will hire you.

The question then becomes, how far can an interviewer go to get relevant information about an prospective employee? While many personal attributes, including personality and particular skill sets are all relevant when being considered for a job, there is a limit as to how far the questioning can go.

According to United States Federal Law, the following are topics/questions that may not be brought up by the interviewer, nor may they be used in any other discriminatory fashion:

• Age

  A common concern amongst employers is whether or not an individual will not only be able to perform the duties of a position, but be able to have long-term goals that have the company in mind. As people age, it is understood that many look to retire from the workforce, hence rendering those of advanced years as more of a burden without any long-term benefits. This is protected by the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) of 1967. Conversely, the younger candidates are seen as a risk; they are more frequently uncertain of their career goals and generally lack the same sense of responsibility a more mature candidate may have.

• Disability

  One of the more widespread prejudices that remain is that against the disabled. They are frequently seen as incapable and dependent people. What you should know is that they can perform a job and be independent in plenty of circumstances. The American Disabilities Act of 1990 ensures that those qualified to fulfill a position’s requirements are not discriminated against due to their physical handicap.

• Gender/Family Status

  With the presence of the Internet and jobs in said industry, it is now more convenient than ever to maintain a career and a family. Women, however, have always been traditionally set in the role of housewife and mother. An employer may not ask about your marital status or how many children you have. They may also not inquire about your plans to marry or start a family. Reference Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII.

• National Origin

  This is an almost tricky subject. So much can be said about a person based upon their background, yet it is illegal to ask an interviewee where they are originally from or what their nationality is. An interviewer can ask if the person is legally able to work in the United States. For federal/government jobs, you may be asked if you are a U.S. citizen. This is also protected by the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

• Race/Color

  Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employment discrimination based upon race or color. While it is nearly impossible to hide your skintone during a live interview, it should not be a topic of discussion for either party. Instead, focus on being the confident, skilled candidate that you are, and you should bypass any potential racism during the hiring process.

• Religion/Beliefs

  Your beliefs are your own personal matter and should remain out of the workplace to maintain a sense of professionalism. An employer cannot ask if you are a follower of a particular religion or political affiliation. What is relevant, however, is your work availability. They may ask about your availability to work certain days. If your religious beliefs do not allow you to work on a certain day of the week or requires you to be abstain from work for some holidays, inform the employer that you will be available to work weekends or other holidays that others will be out of the office.

• Sexual Orientation

  You may be proud of who you are, but it is not what defines your ability to perform well in any given job. An employer has no right to ask about your sexual preferences. There is no relevancy of sexual orientation to a career outside of the LGTB community, so there should be no questions related to the matter during an interview.

The right person for the position can be of any ethnicity, gender, status, or orientation. To be the best candidate for the job, you need to be prepared. Arrive ready and confident at any interview by practicing live 1 on 1 with a 360 Job Interview coach.

If you feel that you’re being, or have been, discriminated against during the hiring process, contact the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

I need not tell you that in this day and age, with such few jobs and so many candidates the need to ace the interview is an understatement. Yet, so many people go into the interview without a clear strategy and plan. They do not anticipate what questions are going to be asked and what their response would be. Thus when asked a question that they obviously have not prepared for they are thrown off course. They become anxious and are unable to focus on the questions the interviewer is asking and are not responding to the nonverbal cues which give insight to what the interviewer is responding to both positively and negatively. Therefore the candidates need to have a firm grasp of the company, who they are, and themselves, what they bring to the table and what they can do to help the organization meet its organizational objectives.

In this column I will focus on typical questions both traditional and behavioral that each candidate should be prepared to answer. If these questions are prepared for, it will take a significant amount of pressure off the interviewee and allow them to focus on the interviewer thus being more present.

Question # 1- Tell me about yourself.

This is the classic open ended question. This is the question that always throws people who do not prepare for it. It demonstrates how people organize their thoughts and also gives them the opportunity to control the flow of the discussion. Many people who do not prepare for this question and try to wing it, often ramble on and on with no focus. They end up forming a bad impression to the interviewer, which they can’t recover from in subsequent questions.

The best way that I know of to handle this question is through a functional presentation. Tie the functional presentation to the key duties and responsibilities highlighted in the job description. For example:
“I’m a financial professional with more than 20 years of experience in working in investment banking. My back ground includes:

1. Analyzing Financial Statements
2. Preparing Financial Reports utilizing spreadsheets
3. Reviewing various company performance information and making investment recommendations.
4. Creating budgets and forecasts for financial products.
5. Designing systems and procedures to improve departmental performance.

Which one of these areas would you like to discuss first?

The interviewer’s response will indicate what she values most in the position. Thus giving the opportunity to give further responses to demonstrate your competency to do the job.

Question # 2- What are your Strengths?

The strengths that you discuss should be related to the position you are being interviewed for. For that financial analyst position you should select as your primary strength, your analytical skills. That is the primary reason they would want to hire you. Your interpersonal and administrative skills are supportive skills. If you were going for a sales position, your interpersonal and communicative skills are of primary importance.
For all of your strengths, make sure that you have specific behavioral examples that demonstrate those competencies.

Question #3- What are your weaknesses?

This can be tricky, you don’t want to admit something as a weakness that is important to the job. On the flip side you don’t want to give a canned answer that most interviewers have heard a number of times before. There are several options here. One option would be an area that once was a weakness that now has been remedied. It should be in an area that is not essential to the position. This is an example for the financial analyst example. “I used to be uncomfortable with public speaking, yet I realized that it was an area where I wanted to master. I joined Toastmasters International whereby I have had the opportunity to learn how to make presentations and I am now very comfortable speaking in front of audiences and have received positive reviews from others.”

Another option is to say something like this, “I can’t think of any weakness that would keep me from doing this job effectively, but I do believe in self improvement.” Then give examples of what you do to further develop yourself, from reading, attending seminars, etc.

Question #4- Why did you choose the college you graduated from?

Your answer should reflect that your choice of school had to do with professional goals, not such things as location, social life and cost. Again with the example of the person applying for the financial analyst position. “I choose my school for several reasons. I wanted a school where I would have professors who had real world experience as well as academic knowledge. Also, this school was located in the financial district affording me the opportunity to have internships in financial institutions, gaining real word experience. That is what I bring to your organization. Excellent professional education with actual job experience.”

Question # 5- What are your career goals?

Your career goals should reflect reasonable expectations. You should aspire to a senior level position in your profession. Aspiring to be CEO could turn some employers off, in that most people will not be CEO. They may fear that if you did not progress to that level you may get frustrated and leave, thus they would loose any investment in you. By the same token, they want somebody who is interested in career progression. They don’t want somebody who is content to stay in the same position for an extended period of time, thus blocking another person’s progression. A response may be: “ I would hope to progress within the financial management profession moving to higher level positions based upon my performance and the opportunities that open up in the organization.

Question #6 Why are you interested in working for this company?

In the back of people’s mind might be, “because you were the only organization that was interested in interviewing me.” But obviously that is not what you are going to say. Also, you don’t want to give a patronizing response like “because you are a great company.” You want to demonstrate your match to the job and the company. For the financial analyst, “the job and career path with your organization is an excellent match to my skills and career goals. The job description is for a person who…. The career path in financial management leads to… That is what I am looking for.

Question #7- We are interviewing other candidates, why should we hire you?

Of course you cannot know how qualified the other candidates are, but you can certainly make the case for yourself. “The reasons you should hire me are as follows. “I have an excellent academic record as demonstrated by my high QPA. I have work experience having had several internships in this industry with excellent reviews. I have demonstrable analytical, organizational and interpersonal skills. Which one of these areas would you like to discuss first?”

Question #8 – What jobs did you like best? What jobs did you like least? Why?

You never want to be in a position where you are badmouthing other people. Do not say anything bad about a company or person. Say something like this: “I have learned a lot from every position I have had. What I preferred were supervisors who communicated to me what their expectations are and were open to asking questions. In a situation where that was not the case I managed to adapt and communicate what I was doing and get feedback via email.”

There are certainly many more questions that could come up and you cannot anticipate all of them. But if you prepare for these questions you should do very well on the interview and way better than people who are not prepared which is sadly more people than not.

You can improve your skills by practicing with a skilled professional, such as a 360 Job Interview coach. Be sure that you are familiar with the technical skills that are required for the job and have the answers prepared. In future columns I will cover what questions you should ask on an interview.

One of the more dreaded questions in an interview is that of when they inquire into your expected pay. Money is almost always a sticky subject to discuss, and no one wants to be thrown out of the running because they’re seen as being too expensive. Nor do you want to be perceived as one who undervalues your worth, especially if you get the job and you find out you could have easily asked for more money.

Always do thorough research before a job interview. Amidst the research, be sure to look for the salary range and benefits the company is looking to pay. Most listings will not include this information in detail, and will usually just state “commensurate/depending on experience” (d.o.e.).  If going through a recruiter, just ask the recruiter what the employer is looking to pay for a qualified candidate.

Since one’s income is always as more delicate topic of conversation, try to avoid asking friends or colleagues in the same field how much they make. Instead, try using one of the following online salary calculators:

• Salary.com

  Salary.com is fairly straight-forward and easy to use. Their base-range salary estimator is free and fairly accurate. It also includes tabs for bonuses, benefits, and estimated paycheck. A ‘premium’ report costs $30, but is not as detailed as one could get and is therefore not worth paying for.

• Salary Expert
  

  It’s not too simple to get your salary report from this website. The only part that is potentially more beneficial is that they offer a large selection of possible positions from the entered job title. After you select a title, you’ll have to go through a process of answering questions that are mostly only relevant if you are currently employed.

• Home Fair

  This salary calculator is provided by a website focused around relocation. It is really easy to use, and does have updated positions in its database. Not only will they give you a base salary range, but it also includes a range of bonuses and benefits, plus what your take home salary should be after taxes and other withholdings.

• PayScale

  It’s rather straight forward to get a base salary range with PayScale. Unless, that is, you want to have it customized to consider your qualifications. While it’s great that they offer a free semi-custom salary calculator, the process is a tad bit frustrating. Their database of skills and certifications is not so vast, so you will not get as specified a result as may be desired.

In the end, you’ll get approximately the same report from each service, but they are useful services to have bookmarked.

After looking up your potential earning capacity and all of the wonderful benefits you should be receiving for what you can do, never give a number answer for your salary expectations. Not until you’re hired and just negotiating out the details, at least. Instead, tell them you are ready to consider a variety of factors and the more important aspect is the company and team you’ll be working wtih. If they still press for an answer, say it’s flexible and with this economy you’d be willing to work with them on your potential salary.

Be sure you have a 360 advantage before going in by getting personalized interview coaching with the pros. Good luck on your next interview.

The Eastern art of Feng Shui comes alive when utilized to enhance your Western life. Use the concepts of yin and yang, cardinal directions, color, and an overall balance of energy to help you snag that job. Even before you get an office to decorate, it is useful to incorporate these ideas to give you an advantage in your next interview.

While in a interview, you are in the interviewer’s comfort zone. This is their workplace and they know what works for them within the space. Do not worry. You can manipulate what you have to work with in the room, just always be observant of the following:

Positioning Yourself

Interviews are nerve wracking for nearly everybody. Give yourself an advantage and a boost of confidence by watching the way you are positioned. First, find your Magic Number on the chart below, based on a combination of your birth year and gender. Those with the Magic Numbers 1, 3, 4, and 9 are best when facing the east, southeast,  south, or north; Magic Numbers 2, 5, 6, 7, and 8 are at their strong point sitting towards the west, southwest, northwest, or northeast. You will feel empowered by being aware of the cardinal direction when in the building (an easy way is to check by the sun’s location) and positioning yourself to face towards a beneficial direction.

From The Practical Enyclopedia of Feng Shui, Gill Hale

Additionally, sit up straight and resist the urge to lean on anything. You want to give the impression of a strong, confident candidate that’s perfect for the job. This will not be what they see if you’re slacking. Image is even more important for women than men, as most people are to socialized to pay more attention to such features in ladies.

Home life is also very connected to how you perform in other areas. Try to position the head of your bead towards beneficial directions. Always keep your house free of clutter. Maintain the peace of the house and the family so you’re not rushed or harried when you show up for your interview.

For more advice on preparing for your interview, the best advantage around is always the 360. Try out the 360 live one on one interview coaching. Good luck in your search for right position.

One of the strongest complaints about candidates for a job during a job interview is their lack of knowledge about the company. It amazes me that so many recruiters complain that the person being interviewed does not understand the business. A great way to be prepared is to utilize the 360 advantage by receiving one-on-one personalized job interview coaching.

I remember preparing my son, who is now a Vice President in a major financial firm, for one of his first interviews. We went into so much detail in this preparation to make sure that he understood the business the firm and the key issues. When he had the actual interview, he did so well that the firm decided to hire him for a more desirable position.

Preparation goes beyond just looking at the basic financials of the firm. It involves really understanding the key issues that the firm is challenged with. They expect you to carry on a knowledgeable conversation about the industry. They want you to be able to render an opinion about the issues. Most people are not able to do so, because they do inadequate preparation.

What are some of the sources of information? Clearly, there is plenty of public information, especially about large firms. Anything written by the company will be biased somewhat, but there are other objective sources. Read industry and news reports to round out some of the information.

Another useful tool is social networking. You should be able to find people who currently and who worked formerly at the firm through Linked In. If you do a ‘search by company’ you will get information on current and past employees of the firm. This is especially useful if the firm is private or little known in the general pubic. When you find these people ask your contacts to pass along a request to these individuals for you to have an informational interview.

By going out of your way to learn more about the industry and speak to people who are currently or formerly with the company, the recruiter will conclude that you are very interested in working for company and went out of your way and when beyond the usual approaches to research the company.

In my next entry, I will discuss what questions you should ask on an interview.