better preparation before the interview develop a point of view / personal brand create a...
TRANSCRIPT
Webinar:Job Interview
Differentiation Strategies
Job InterviewDifferentiation Strategies
Better preparation before the interview Develop a point of view / personal brand Create a “springboard” for intelligent dialogue
Deeper engagement during the interview Speak less, say more Ask “wake up” questions Tell targeted stories
More relevant follow-up after the interview Reinforce your personal brand Create opportunities to continue the dialogue
Summary:
Dan RustFrontline [email protected]
Research Depth of research varies based upon:
Your current knowledge of the company, industry, etc. The relative potential value of the opportunity What other candidates would typically do (because
you have to go deeper than the typical candidate) Start with the easily available information
Websites, blogs, Wikipedia, online customer reviews Annual reports, press releases and articles
Find some information that is less accessible Read a book by the founder, or about the company Attend a conference (or even a webinar, etc.) Connect with current / former employees or vendors
Research Ask informed questions during the phone screen
“I read the company’s mission statement on your website and was interested to find out more about how that mission actually is reflected in the day-to-day work environment…”
Ask questions to help identify your “strike zone” “What was it about my resume that caught your attention?” “I’m sure you’re talking to a lot of very qualified people
about this opportunity - what skills or capabilities important for this position are you finding to be most difficult to find, in the candidates you’ve spoken to so far?”
Avoid questions that most other candidates might ask “What are the benefits?” “When are you looking to hire?” “What are the key responsibilities of this role?”
Develop Your Personal Brand and “Unique Value Proposition”
Employer’s Needs
Your Qualifications
Other Candidates
How are you uniquely qualified for this position?
Develop Your Personal Brand and “Unique Value Proposition” Identify all of the assumed competencies and plan to spend very
little (or no) time focused on those… Acknowledge the assumed competencies Provide documentation if necessary
What truly makes you different/special/better for this particular position, with this particular company, and this particular interviewer? It doesn’t have to be a HUGE reason, just relevant and well
communicated Go into the interview with a theme based upon your unique value, and
maintain that theme throughout the interview Examples:
I’m a data analyst with exceptional people skills I have a proven track record of solving complex problems that have no obvious
solution I’m a leader who creates other leaders When everyone else has given up, I’m just getting started
Stories Develop three stories/anecdotes that highlight your unique
value Elements of a good story:
It is true It is brief It has an element of humor You are faced with a problem (bigger is better) You try a reasonable solution, but situation gets worse You try another reasonable solution, but situation gets REALLY
worse You try a third solution – and the issue gets resolved Along the way, the story reveals elements of your character, work
ethic, competency and commitment, all in a manner that is relevant to the job position.
If you are expecting specific tough questions, craft your answer as a story
Proof / Evidence Assemble a portfolio of evidence to support your unique
qualifications for the job Create a section for each key competency
Example: Team Leadership Technical Skills Problem Solving Strategic Planning
Portfolio evidence can include: Performance reviews Awards/Recognition/Letters of recommendation Work samples Certificates of completion/graduation Project summaries Photos / Audio / video files
Wake Up Questions “When you hire someone
for this position, a year from now, what would you hope they would have accomplished?”
“Have you ever made a bad hire? What did you learn from that experience?”
Take-a-Nap Questions “What are the benefits?” “What is it like to work here?” “How many other candidates
are you talking to?” “When will you be making a
decision?” “When should I expect to
hear back from you?”
During the Interview Ask questions that reflect the deep research you have
conducted Ask “wake up” questions, not take-a-nap questions
After the Interview Before you leave the interview, develop a reason
to follow-up (beyond just learning of their decision)
Examples Provide work samples Provide evidence regarding a specific project
Proactive referrals – you don’t have to wait for the job offer to provide references
Thank YouUpcoming Webcasts:
To register for free online courses:
• Job Search Strategies: Prospecting for the Best Opportunities• Writing a Resume that Gets Results• Handling the Initial Screening Call to Get the Interview• How to handle the Toughest Interview Questions• Keeping Motivated Throughout Your Job Search Process
• Http://www.frontlinelearning.com/Giving-Back.html