Tips On Job Interviews

How to Win Job Interviews From an Interview Expert and Author

An expert presentation about how to interview and win jobs by a leading interview expert. This video has a number of easily implemented interview strategies that you can use immediately to win an interview and land your next job. It includes information about how to answer tough interview questions and turn the interview into a conversation.

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Be Honest in Job Interviews

There is a difference between telling a story highlighting the positive to make you sound 
better and lying to the interviewer.  It is rare for a company to not conduct reference 
check these days so do not say anything that can not be verified by your boss or other 
references that you provide.

There are many ways to get into trouble during an interview and lying is the most severe.  
Common fibs that are told include educational degrees that you do not hold, saying that 
you are a manager when really you are a team lead and taking credit for a project that was 
completed by a coworker.  All of these things can make you sound good at the time of the 
interview, but what if the interviewer talks to your boss about the stellar project you ran 
for the company when it really was not you.  Your boss is not going to lie for you and if 
you were in the running for the job, you won’t be anymore.

Tips on job interviews:
The best way to handle these scenarios is to tell the truth but put you in the best light.  
Maybe you were a part of the project, instead tell the interviewer the part you played and 
share the success of the project as a whole.  An employee that can recognize and share in 
the success in others is preferable to one who does not tell the truth or wants all of the 
credit for themselves.

This does not mean that you have to share all anything that does not put you in a positive 
position though.  The key is to be honest and only bring up examples that are going to 
highlight your talents and work history in the best possible way.  Don’t claim or state 
anything that cannot be backed up by your references.

Ron Kish

Ask Your Own Questions

Okay, you have made it to the end of your interview and the interviewer says it is now 
your turn.  They want to know if you have any questions for them.  And most likely you 
do:  “How did I do” and “Are you going to hire me” – unfortunately you can’'t ask either 
one.  But there are questions that you can ask to glean some information on how you 
performed and to determine if the company is a right fit for you.

Although it is not acceptable to ask how you did in an interview, it is okay and 
encouraged to ask what the next steps are and the timeline for them.  Depending on how 
this is answered, you may be able to figure out their reaction to you.  But this is not full-
proof and is not a guarantee.  If they take the time to explain all the checks they need to 
go through, how many people they have left to interview and so on, they are probably 
interested and want you to understand that there is still steps left in the process.  If they 
only tell you that you will hear from them within a certain period of time via letter, well it 
isn'’t as promising.

Look at the opportunity to ask your own questions as your chance to interview the 
company.  Of course you have done your research prior to attending and have made up a 
list that you wrote down before attending.  Show your preparedness and pull out the list 
to ask your questions.  Things like company direction and expansion show an interest in 
the business.  Feel free to take notes; it can earn you brownie points.  Ask questions that 
are important to you as well, if vacation time and benefits are a deal breaker for you, find 
out now what the company has to offer.

Ron Kish

Resume Submission: The Importance of Cover Letters

Are you interested in changing careers?  If you are, will you soon start examining all open jobs in or around your area, if you haven’t already done so?  Once you are able to find one or more jobs that meet or exceed your expectations, you will likely start submitting your resume.  Before this point in time comes, you will want to place a focus on cover letters.

Speaking of cover letters, do you already have a cover letter developed?  If you do not, this is one of the first things that you will want to do.  Unfortunately, many job seekers do not realize the importance of cover letters and the impact they may have them.  For more information on why cover letters are so important, as well as tips on how to make the “perfect,” cover letter, you will want to continue reading on.

As for the importance of resume cover letters, you will find that there are a number of different reasons why they are needed.  Cover letters are most commonly used with resumes that will be mailed in.  When you submit a job application in person, you are able to introduce yourself to the individual who is collecting them. This introduction is not possible when you simply mail in a resume. That is what cover letters are used for. They give you the opportunity to quickly introduce yourself before your resume is read.

Resume cover letters are also important, as they can serve as a backup plan. Although resume cover letters come in a number of different formats, you often introduce yourself, outline how you learned about the job, why you would like to have it, and why you are qualified for it.  If properly written, a resume cover letter can act as a backup plan. This is important, as not all resumes or perfect.  If your resume is difficult to read, employers should be able to use your cover letter to determine whether or not you should be contacted for a job interview.

As outlined above, resume cover letters are important and there are a number of benefits to using them to your advantage. As nice as it is to know how cover letters can assist you with landing a job or at least getting a job interview, you may be curious as to what constitutes a good cover letter. A previously stated, cover letters come in a number of different formats. With that in mind, they all have the same goal. That goal is to sell you as the perfect candidate for the job. When an employer reads your cover letter, you want them to turn the page to see your resume with excitement.

When creating a resume cover letter for yourself, will want to first introduce yourself and mention the job that you are applying for. You may event to outline where you learned about the job opening.  Many employers like hearing this information, as it gives them reassurance that their marketing tactics are working.  You will also want to outline your work experience and state why you feel you are qualified for the position in which you are applying for. When it comes to listing your qualifications and work experience, it is important to only site a few examples, as this information can also be found on your resume.

If you are planning on applying for multiple jobs, you will want to create multiple resume cover letters.  This is important, as not all job opportunities are the same.  You can create a resume cover letter template, but be sure to customize that template each time before submitting it to prospective employers.  Customization and personalization is important, as it can help your resume and cover letter stand apart from all of the rest.

As previously stated, you are advised to submit your resume with a cover letter. This is particularly important if you will be mailing your resume in, instead of submitting it in person.  In fact, you will see that many employers are now starting to require cover letters for mailed in resumes and job applications.


Ron Kish