How to Interview Like a Pro; Don't Assume the Interviewer Has Read Your Resume

1. Don't assume the interviewer has read your resume.
Don't assume that the interviewer has actually read your cover letter, resume, or anything else you may have provided. Even though you have written a full explanation in your cover letter, don't be surprised if the questions cover what you have already included in your packet. There are many explanations for this. Maybe the material did not get from human resources to the individual panel members. Even if it did, maybe the interviewers have not had the chance to read your information. Some interviewers may feel it is a waste of time preparing when they can just ask the applicant what they want to know.

If you get asked an obvious question, don't roll your eyes. Consider this a second chance to convince the committee that you are the best candidate for the position. For example, I mentioned in a cover letter that I had written two award winning books pertinent to the position. I was asked when the books were going to be published. I realized very quickly that the interview had not read my letter. However, it did give me an opportunity to toot my own horn and explain what the books were about and show how they were related to the job.

2. Ask what you can do for the company.
Of course, I am paraphrasing the famous John F. Kennedy quote. It is your job to show the interviewer what you can do for the company, not what it can do for you. That is why talk of benefits and salary are usually not appropriate at the first round of the interview unless the employer brings up the subject. In this economy especially, you need to show the future employer why it needs you and how your experience and expertise are going to help it move forward. This is where your research comes into play. You can show what you can bring to the table. You may be able to give some good suggestions on improvements that their competitors are using or suggest ways to save money.

3. Be observant.
The conventional wisdom is that a picture is worth a thousand words. While you are walking around the offices of your prospective employer, you are probably rehearsing your answers to hypothetical questions. You also need to be attentive and see what is going on behind the scenes. First impressions are not always correct, but they can give you a glimpse of what working at this company will be like. Look at the interaction between your prospective boss and associates. Observe whether the employees seem engaged. Usually a company will put its best foot forward for a prospective employee. If that is not happening, you may wonder why. What is the diversity of this employer? Who is making the coffee? Can you tell the management style of your future boss? This may be your next job so you need to pay attention.

You need to be super vigilant about finding out everything you need to know about this company and more specifically about your boss and co-workers so that if you do get a job offer, you will be informed enough to make a good decision.

If you follow these tips you will be interviewing like a pro!





Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author ofHow To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awardsBest How To Book, DIY FestivalRunner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help CategoryFinalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year AwardsFinalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help CategoryHonorable Mention, London Book FestivalHow To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating DisputesWinner of five book awardsBest National Book AWard, Law CategoryBest E-Book, New York Book FestivalBest How To Book, Beach Book FestivalBest E-Book, Indie Excellence AwardsSpirit AWard, South Florida Writers AssociationEmail: howtonegotiate@aol.comwww.marygreenwood.com