How to Interview Like a Job Getter (1 of 10)

Peruse the typical interviewing guide and you will inevitably learn that when going through a job interview you should sit up strait, speak confidently, be knowledgeable about your prospective employer, dress crisply, lean forward in your chair, etc., etc., etc.

Conducting a more in-depth review of the literature will further prepare you to handle tough questions about work experience, to explain potentially negative aspects of your résumé in a positive light, and to demonstrate that you have actually learned a thing or two from the experiences you have had to date.

Over the next few weeks, I am going to fill in the blanks for you. When I conduct an executive assessment, I assume that the candidate I am meeting has all the characteristics described (and suggested) above. This is the baseline for upper level jobs—stuff that once got you into a job now merely gets you into the game. If you want to ace an executive interview—if you want a positive recommendation from someone like me sitting across the table—I’m going to share 10 things you’ll have to do to stand out from the crowd. Let’s get started with thing #1:

Before you do anything else, connect with the interviewer as a person.
Right at the outset, take a moment to be personable and address the person who will be interviewing you as someone greater than his or her role as interviewer. Connect with this person—ask a question that demonstrates awareness of his or her life. Do it immediately, since once you are in your roles as interviewer/interviewee, the opportunity will have permanently closed. Taking 15 seconds to demonstrate your social skills is a far more effective strategy than merely talking about them, regardless of how much you think you have to say.

Jason Seiden is a personal consultant and coach for ambitious indivdiuals on the cusp of their next big thing. For more on how to get the job, keep the job, and grow the job, visit jasonseiden.com.

1. gio says:

   April 7, 2009 at 10:26 am

   I was fortunate to attend the 1st event and was pleasantly surprised. While the venue was small I was in a position to listen to what Jason Seiden had to say about career searching. My take away was 1) realistic objectives, 2) right mindset/attitude, and 3) right environment. Sitting in front of “get me a new job.com” all day will drive you crazy and isn’t effective. I was expecting the same old keep your chin up, talk but was glad to leave with some nuggets of truth to make this period of my life efficient and more enjoyable. Thanks OWC
2. Steve Davies says:

   April 9, 2009 at 12:43 pm

   Jason,
   A nice introduction to this important topic. I find that a little non-work conversation at the start of the interview also helps me to relax a bit. And that helps me present at my best throughout the interview.

   Steve