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Layoffs and fewer job opportunities have made the
Washington job scene a buyer's market; there is a
glut of good candidates. Relax, with all of the
layoffs, if you are out there looking, you're
probably one of them. As always, though, landing a
good job means going through the dreaded job
interview. Some of them are friendly. Others are
meat grinders. In any case, here are ten tips for
wowing 'em and making them want to call you for a
return visit.
1.
Research, research, research. Know the company cold.
Find out what its pain points are and be ready to
explain how you can help ease them.
2.
Be on time. Arrive 10 minutes early so you won't be
huffing and puffing into the office at the appointed
hour.
3.
People are human. Most of them will decide within
the first five minutes whether they want to hire
you. Be yourself - but not the same YOU that your
wacky beach house friends find so adorable.
4. Demonstrate a sense of humor, but don't do 20
minutes of standup about your off-the-wall family.
Stay focused.
5.
Prepare a great, 30-second speech on your
accomplishments on the job and elsewhere.
6.
Listen more than you talk. There is nothing an
interviewer likes better than the sound of his own
voice.
7.
Be ready to explain why you are leaving - or left -
your last job. Don't disparage your old manager or
the company. It sounds unprofessional, even if your
old boss has a well-earned reputation for being a
horse's ass.
8. Be honest, but don't pour your heart out. If the
interviewer asks you "What is your biggest
weakness?" pause thoughtfully, and say, "I guess I
set my goals very high and tend to work too many
hours." It sounds better than, "I can't even face
the day until noon."
9.
If you want the job, ask for it. A less-qualified,
but enthusiastic candidate, will beat a more
qualified, but seriously attitude-challenged
candidate every time.
10.
Treat the receptionist and other support people at
the employer's office with respect. If you dis them,
they will tell the interviewer and wreck your
chances. Besides, it's not nice.
David Tittle, a veteran of over three decades in the
executive search industry, is a co-founder of Paul-Tittle
Search Group, an executive search firm. He leads
searches for senior executives within the federal
government and professional services communities.
Dave has a BS in psychology from Duke University and
has done extensive postgraduate work in industrial
psychology.
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