What are some do's and do not's for interviewing?

Keep a PMA (positive mental attitude). Spin the response positive.

If you do not have an answer to a question, ask if you can take minute, or if you can come back to that question in a few minutes.

Remember, the interview starts the minute you walk in the door.

Wash your car.

For panel interviews, site in the corner of the room so you can see the entire group at once.

Watch what you eat before the interview. Use a breath mint. Don’t chew gum.

Watch your body space. Don’t invade their space. Maintain eye contact.

Never sell yourself short – know ahead of time what your requirements are and what you will give on.

Discuss total compensation in ranges.

What is your favorite interview question to ask?

What would you like the next person in this position to do differently?.... What you do you need in the first 60-90 days and how would you measure my success?... What is the longer-term growth opportunities for this position?... What are the KPIs?... How soon can I start? Ask for the job… Are there any reasons not to be considered for this job?... Any concerns about my qualifications?

What is the most difficult interview question you have been asked?

Tell me about a time you failed… Tell me about a project that did not go so well… Tell me about a change you implemented and managed… What were roadblocks in your prior job that prevented you from doing well?... How as your working relationship with your last supervisor?... Why are you not working now for your prior employer?

What is this blog about?

This blog was started to share information discussed during our weekly job search work team meetings. The job search work team is a group of people committed to helping each other in their job search by keeping everyone in the team focused on key tasks and wildly important goals - #1 goal being getting a job of course. The team is also an advisory panel that knows you and your search efforts to-date. The team can provide new leads, answer questions and be a sounding board for you as your job search progresses.

Each week, during the team meeting the team follows this agenda:

Focus on the Wildly Important Goals

· Building presence of mind thru out your network and finding the job you want!

Manage to Leading Indicators on weekly basis

· Examples (per person): 25-35 Hours, 5-15 Letters, 15-30 Contacts, 1-2 new Decision Makers

Maintain a Cadence of Accountability

· Attending the Weekly JSWT meeting

Keep a Compelling Scoreboard


· Share Team Tabulations

Format of our weekly JSWT meeting:

· Review team tabulations and update the scoreboard

· Team members provide weekly update on their job search activities

· Team members offer suggestions for agenda items (aka the Question-of-the-Day). Agenda items must always be actionable and are stated in the form of a question:

“How often should I follow up with a decision maker, and what is the best way?”

· Everyone contributes to developing possible answers to the question.

Despite our focus on metrics, the Question-of-the-Day is the most valuable part of the meeting. I invite you to share the results of our meetings and contribute your suggestions and useful links.

Best wishes for a successful and rewarding job search!