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You have prepared for your interviews by learning about your potential employer’s industry and business. You also linked your previous accomplishment stories to the desired competencies of the position. To further differentiate yourself from others during the interview, you should incorporate the career guide tips below.

Incorporate Rebuttals for Weaknesses

A majority of job seekers have a few weaknesses. These are potential red flags that can generate concern for potential employers. For example, let’s assume you have had multiple positions during your career. Likewise, a potential employer may think of you as a job hopper. To indirectly address this potential concern, you should strategically mention your desire for a long-term position when you answer traditional interview questions. Below are some career guide examples:

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Why did you leave your previous company?

“I acquired valuable experience with my previous employer. However, due to the global crisis I was displaced. Most importantly, I have the opportunity to advance in my career with your company and make an impact over the long-term”.

Tell me about yourself or walk me through your resume

“… In conclusion, I am seeking to help the company generate sales and profit growth consistently over the long-term by either meeting or exceeding expectations”.

Why Our Company?

“… Most importantly, I am provided the opportunity to come to work every day to help the company generate sales and profit growth in both the short- and long-term.”

Keep Your Composure

On a few occasions you may have been in an interview that was not going well. However, after this interview you either received an offer or were invited back for a subsequent interview. Likewise, it’s extremely vital to keep your cool during all interviews no matter how bad you believe the interview is going. The interviewer could be testing your composure by giving you a “stress” interview; especially if the position you are interviewing for requires you to work in pressure situations.

I remember one interview in business school that had me sweating and I was on the verge of walking out. However, I maintained my cool when I remembered that the position I was interviewing for required candidates to work effectively under pressure and in hostile environments. I also realized that the interviewer had created a pressure environment and was measuring my ability to deal with it in real time. At the end of the interview, the interviewer smiled and stated that I performed well under pressure. Likewise, I moved on to the final rounds.

Ask this Question

Once the interviewer has finished asking you questions, he or she will ask, “Do you have any questions?” This is the perfect time to assess your performance by asking a question similar to this: “Are there any concerns or clarification you need regarding my ability to perform this job?” If the interviewer states no, then proceed by asking the standard interview closing questions. If the interviewer voices some concerns, address them. If the interviewer asks for clarification, provide this additional information. Afterwards, ask the interviewer if there are any additional concerns or clarification before asking additional questions about the position and company.

You should listen to Tom Dezell’s “Networking for the Shy and Nervous Job Seeker.” Go to www.blogtalkradio.com/thecareercatalyst to download the previous shows, register for a free BlogTalkRadio account, mark these shows as a favorite, and listen live every Tuesday night.

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Tune in to Episode 32 “Get Hired Faster for the Money You Are Worth,” Tuesday, February 9^th at 9PM EST with expert guest Molly Wendell.

Remember the knowledge of the crowd is greater than the knowledge of a few. So participate in JobRadioUSA’s career community and persuade others to do so as well.

Bonus Lens, Hub, and Examiner Articles You Should Read (If You Have Not Done So)

• Examiner: Four ways to Uncover Hidden Jobs
• How to Successfully Conclude Your Job Search in 2010
• How to Supercharge Your Stalled Job Search
• How to Get a Job by Networking with Your Warm Contacts
  
• Tap into the Hidden Job Market via Cold Calls
• 6 Step Process to Ace Any Job Interview
• The Characteristics of a Dynamic Resume
• The Four Components of a Dynamic Cover Letter
• How to Prepare for an Upcoming, Potential Layoff
• How to Cope with a Difficult Job Search

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