How to Answer This Question in an Interview: Why do you want to work for this company? How to Interview Like a Pro

How to Intervieiw Like a Pro

What do you say when the employer asks you why you want to work for this company?

1. Don't mention money or benefits

Your answer should be about the company and not about you. The employer does not want to hear that you are thrilled with the benefits or that you think you can get a higher salary here.

The company wants to know what you can contribute and what you know about their operation.

2. Show that you have researched the company thoroughly

Many applicants don't know that much about the company. What little they do know is from the job description itself. Be sure you Google the name of the company to see what the current issues are and thoroughly search the website. You may be surprised what you can find, such as annual reports and surveys.

Here are some examples to show your knowledge.

A. I saw that you won the Sterling Prize last year and my experience is compatible with those principles.

B. I believe your engineering department is the best in the state and I would like to work on the _____ Project.

C. I read in your Annual Report that you are embarking on the ____Project. I have designed some prototypes that could be very helpful in developing this project

3. You can mention locale, but it should not be your first answer

Everyone would like to live in Hawaii or Florida or be near skiing so those really aren't good reasons. However, if your parents live in the area, that is worth mentioning but only as number 3 or 4.

4. Be Sincere

Don't say that this is your dream job unless it really is. If you have always wanted to work here, say so. Tell them that you wanted to get some experience elsewhere so that you could hit the ground running,

5. Show that you are the best-qualified for the position

You want to work for this employer because everything you have done up to this point has prepared you for this position. Then you can briefly go through some of your previous jobs and explain how the duties or experience have relevance to this job.

6. Be enthusiastic

Don't get crazy, but show your future employer that you are a good fit for this job and why.

7. Be careful about making suggestions.

Don't be hasty in making suggestions. If asked how you would do something, don't give a definitive answer. Say you would ask others what they thought and research thoroughly before giving an opinion. No one likes a know-it-all and if you give an off the cuff suggestion, this can backfire.

Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of How to Interview Like a Pro, Winner of 13 book awards, How To Negotiate Like A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of 10 book awards, and How to Mediate Like a Pro, Winner of 13 book awards. Visit www.MaryGreenwood.org

How to Negotiate Like a Pro When Renting an Apartment

Renting an Apartment is Like Interviewing for a JobWhen you are looking at apartments, it is almost like a job interview because the owner or agent is looking to pick the best tenant for this rental unit. The agent wants someone who will help keep up the value of the apartment. Here are some tips to help you get to the top of the line.

Look the part
You need to dress the part of a responsible person who will take good care of the apartment. You don't need to wear a suit, but you should look neat and wear nice casual attire. As they say, you don't have a second chance to make a first impression.

Act the part
Just like an interview, a firm (but not too firm) handshake is in order when you introduce yourself. Be sure to look the agent/owner in the eye and smile. I like to make some nice comment, like "what a view!" or "what a nice garden!" or something else positive. The agent will give you his/her card. I like to give my business card. It is a handy way to give my contact information and it shows again that I am a responsible person that can be entrusted with an apartment.

Be observant and ask questions
It is a lot better to see the apartment's problems or flaws before you move in. If you see a water spot or suspect there may be flooding, ask questions about it. If the apartment is near the road, see if you can hear traffic. You should look at the unit with the same diligence you would use if you were considering buying the unit. If you see something, point it out and ask whether it will be fixed before you move in. It is a lot easier to get something fixed before you move in than after!

Visualize yourself in this apartment
I like to visualize myself living in the apartment. This helps because sometimes I can either be too critical or overlook major flaws in the apartment. If I really like a unit, there can be a halo effect so that I don't see any flaws, until it may be too late. Drive through the neighborhood and see if there are people on the street. Do they wave to you? I find it comforting to know my neighbors are friendly. How far away is the grocery store? How close is the nearest restaurant? You are not just renting an apartment, but you are really renting a neighborhood. Trust your instincts. If there is a problem, try to resolve it or walk away.

If you don't like something, speak up
Is there something about the apartment you don't like? Is it perfect except for just one thing? Then speak up. For example, I looked at a rental condo that I really liked. It was spacious and close to the beach. However, it had an ugly old shag carpet that was burnt orange and even covered the steps to the second floor. When I was visualizing myself in this apartment, I just could not get past this shag carpet from the 70's. Finally I thought, "what do I have to lose?" I am not going to take the condo in its present condition. I asked the realtor if it would be possible to replace the rug. Apparently others had complained as well and the realtor said "yes," after consulting with the owners. I rented the condo with a nice new tan carpet that matched my furniture and was very happy. I know I would have been miserable if I had to deal with the orange run on a daily basis!

If you follow these tips, you will be negotiating like a pro!

Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of How To Negotiate Like A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of nine book awards, How to Mediate Like a Pro, Winner of twelve book awards, and How to Interview Like a Pro, Winner of twelve book awards. Visit www.MaryGreenwood.org

Be Careful What You Call an Older Employee

Calling an older employee a derogatory name can be age discrimination and grounds for a complaint or lawsuit.

Here is a list, by alphabetical order, of some names not to call your employees.  It does not matter if there is no malicious intent or that the comments were intended as a joke or an endearment. The fact that they are said can be enough to show age discrimination.

Before you meet with an older employee or older applicant, you may want to peruse this list so that you remember not to use any of these terms.

A
Aged
Ancient
Antediluvian
Antiquated
Antique
Archaic
B
Bat
Battle-axe
Been around the block
Biddy
Broken-down
C
Can't teach old dog new tricks
Cautious
Codger
Coot
Creaky
Crone
D
Dear
Debilitated
Declining
Decrepit
Difficult to train
Dinosaur
Duffer
E
Elder
Elder statesman
Emerita
Enfeebled
Elderly
F
Fart
Feeble
Fossill
Fusty
G
Gaffer
Geriatric
Getting on
Goat
Geezer
Golden-ager
Grey
Grey-haired
Grizzled
H
Has-been
Hoary
I
Impaired
Inactive
Infirm
L
Long in tooth
Lots of mileage
M
Mature
Methuselah
N
No spring chicken
Not creative
Not relevant
O
Obsolete
Old
Olden
Old bag
Old bat
Old coot
Old dear
Old duffer
Old-fangled
Old fart
Old-fashioned
Old fogie
Old geezer
Old goat
Old guard
Old hat
Out-moded
Outworn
Oldie
Old Man
Old school
Old-timer
Old Woman
On last leg
Out-dated
Out of date
Over the hill
Over-qualified
P
Passe
Past his/her prime
Prehistoric
Primeval
Primordial
Prune
R
Relic
Retired
Resistant to change
Rusty
S
Seasoned
Senile
Senior
Shot
Slow
T
Time-worn
Tired
U
Useless
V
Venerable
W
Worse for wear

Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, How to Interview Like a Pro, and How to Mediate Like a Pro, Winner of over 30 book awards. Email: mgreen464@aol.com; website: www.marygreenwood.org

How to Negotiate During the Holidays

Ever notice that when you get together with your family for the holidays that the same arguments and resentments bubble up through the good cheer year after year. Despite your best efforts not to let your siblings' comments bother you, you end up playing the same role in your family that you had in junior high. Here are some tips for getting along with your family this holiday season. 

1. Concentrate on having a great holiday and don't get distracted by your emotions.

During this stressful holiday season, it is important to check your emotions at the door. Emotions such as anger or resentments lead to lack of control. You need to get past this stage if you are going to have a happy holiday. If you are the one who is angry or upset, you need to concentrate on what you what to accomplish (such as no scenes or confrontations) and not let anything stand in your way. It does not matter if you don't like a member of your family. Even if someone is rude, insulting, or even baiting you, don't give him or her the satisfaction that he or she has gotten to you.

2. Look Forward Not Back. The Past Is Called The Past For A Reason.

Don't try to settle old scores during the holidays. Remember your goal is to get through the holidays without any flare-ups. Even if one of your siblings did something to you in the past that still makes you mad, get beyond that and try to live in the moment and be happy. No matter how sophisticated and worldly we have become, somehow those same roles we had in high school show through and the same old pecking order manifests itself. In this situation, déjà vu is not a good thing.

3. Be Willing To apologize.

If you are estranged from a relative, maybe this is the year you will make the first move to reconcile. Be prepared to shoulder some of the blame even if you don't remember what the original argument was. Don't say, "I did not do anything wrong." or "It is against my principles to apologize!" That is beside the point. When considering whether to make the first move, keep in mind that people do make mistakes. Also consider that your first move may be rejected and don't be upset by that. At least you know that you made the effort and tried to take the high ground. A sincere apology, and I mean sincere, can go a long way.

4. Beware And Be Aware.

Be aware and don't let your guard down. Even if you think the holidays are going smoothly, don't be lulled into complacency. Be careful what you say and how you say it. One well-placed comment or zinger by you or someone else can spoil the whole holiday mood. Be alert to others' feelings. It is only a couple of days and you can get through it.

5.Be Thankful.

Be thankful for being able to share the holidays with your family. Remember that some of them may not be around next year or the year after and those very maddening habits you dislike now, you might even miss when they are gone. Try to remember all the good things and accentuate the positive. As my mother says, "If you can't say something nice, don't say something at all." Try saying something nice and see where it takes you. Happy Holidays.

Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awards Best How To Book, DIY Festival Runner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help Category Finalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards Finalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help Category Honorable Mention, London Book Festival How To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating Disputes Winner of five book awards Best National Book AWard, Law Category Best E-Book, New York Book Festival Best How To Book, Beach Book Festival Best E-Book, Indie Excellence Awards Spirit AWard, South Florida Writers Association Email: howtonegotiate@aol.com www.marygreenwood.com

When Not to Negotiate Like a Pro

Sometimes it is better not to negotiate

Although I am an advocate for negotiations any time, anywhere, any how, there are times when negotiation is not appropriate. Here are four circumstances when I simply do not negotiate.

1. I Don't negotiate With friends.

I am not talking about negotiating about movies or restaurants where you pick the restaurant today and I pick one tomorrow. What I am talking about is money. For example, if I am buying something from a friend and it is a fair price, I am inclined to pay the asking price without haggling. I find that that not negotiating is better for the friendship and is worth far more than the few dollars I might have saved. If asked why, I say, "I don't negotiate with friends!" Sometimes, I will say, that's non-negotiable. Friendship is more important than negotiations.

2. I don't negotiate when the price is already ridiculously low.

If an item is a dollar or fifty cents and everyone knows it is priced to sell and worth much more, I think it is insulting to negotiate with a quarter or something lower. When that happens, I make a decision that I am not going to negotiate.

3. I don't negotiate when the salary or offer is ridiculously high.

My general philosophy is to always negotiate salary because if they want you, there is usually money on the table. However, once I was offered a salary that was much higher than I expected in my wildest dreams. I did say I wanted to think about it overnight, but I did take the advice of a relative who suggested I accept the offer before they took the offer off the table. I violated my own rule but was glad I did not negotiate under the circumstances. If it is too good to be true, accept right away.

4. I don't negotiate when the money is for charity.

When I am attending an event where all the proceeds are for a charity, I usually don't negotiate since it is for a good cause. My philosophy is that a lot of people are volunteering their time to make money for their favorite charity and my job as a consumer is to help them meet their goal. It is not my job to try to get the lowest price. I want the charity to make some money.

Even when you do not negotiate, you are still negotiating like a pro.

Mary Greenwood, www.MaryGreenwood.org
Author of How to Negotiate Like a Pro, winner of 9 book awards, How to Mediate Like a Pro, winner of 12 book awards, and How to Interview Like a Pro, winner of 13 book awards.

Alzheimer's Fundraising Event. I will donate to Alzheimer's Association full amount of any sales of my books until October 18.

We had a local fundraising Alzheimer's event in Palm Coast, Florida this week. See my Mom, Peggy Greenwood, on the left and Paula Felici's mother, on the left. Paula is the owner of Le Belle Cose Gallery and Boutique. Both of our Mothers have been affected by Alzheimer's Disease.

Now I am expanding the effort to anyone who buys any of my books, How to Negotiate Like a Pro, How to Mediate Like a Pro, or How to Interview Like a Pro on Amazon, Kindle, Barnes and Noble or any other outlet. Send me the receipt, and I will send the equivalent amount to the Alzheimer's Association. Send to Facebook, LinkedIn or to my email Mgreen464@aol.com. This offer will remain in effect until Friday October 25, 2013. Thanks and together we can make a difference.

Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of ten book awards How To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating Disputes Winner of twelve book awards, and How to Negotiate Like a Pro, winner of twelve books awards. Mgreen464@aol.com visit www.MaryGreenwood.org.

Meet the Author Mary Greenwood: Greet the Artist Paula Felici: Help Defeat Alzheimer's Disease at Le Cose Belle in Palm Coast Florida

MEET*  GREET*  DEFEAT!   

HELP FIGHT ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE!

Meet the Author: MARY GREENWOOD

Attorney, Mediator, and Author,
How to Interview Like a Pro, winner of 13 book awards,
How to Negotiate Like a Pro, winner of 9 book awards,
How to Mediate Like a Pro, winner of 12 book awards.

Meet the Artist: PAULA FELICI      

Artist and Owner of Le Cose Belle Gallery and Boutique 

Help Defeat Alzheimer's Disease  

Wine and Cheese Reception and Book Signing

WHEN: Friday October 11, 2013,  4 pm-7 pm

Where: Le Cose Belle Gallery and Boutique

5915 North Ocean Shore Blvd. (AIA)Palm Coast, Fl. 

Special Raffles and Door Prizes

A percentage of sales and raffles will be donated to the Alzheimer's Association of Jacksonville, Fl.

RSVP: pmf3641@gmail.com

How to Deal with Age Stereotypes in a Job Interview

Some employers seem to prefer younger applicants for their positions. Often they have presumptions about older workers. If you are over 50 or even 40, here are some of those age stereotypes and how to address them in a job interview.

1. Stereotype #1. Young people are more techie and more familiar with advances in their field.

If you have recently graduated from college or even high school, there may be a presumption that you are automatically going to be more techie than a person over 50 and that you are going to be more in touch with advancements in your field.

You need to show up front that you have good computer skills and that you know social media like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. If you need a refresher course, then you should take some classes with a private tutor or at the Apple store. Make sure you know the language of social media so you are not embarrassed at the interview by a term you don't know.

To show that you are up-to-date in your field, be sure to read some current articles about recent trends. When I would apply for a Human Resouces position, I always read the recent Supreme Court decisions on employment discrimination so I could discuss my knowledge of recent cases.

One way to show your computer skills is to have a flawless cover letter and resume. Any errors will put your application in the reject pile. If you have a relevant website or blog, put that link on your resume, too.

2. Stereotype #2. Younger applicants will accept a lower salary.

We know that employers are trying to keep their expenses as low as possible. When they hire new employees, they prefer to offer a salary at the bottom of the pay range. If an employee has recently retired from this position, it is a way for the employer to save some employee costs.

Employers may think that candidates with a lot of experience will not take the advertised salary for this position, and if they do take it, they will jump ship as soon as they can find a higher-paying job. If this is a younger person's first or second job, their salary expectations probably are lower than yours.

As an applicant, you need to show that you are the most qualified for the position with your experience, expertise and education. If you do have some flexibility about salary, let the employer know. For example, if you already are eligible for social security or have a pension, then you may have some negotiating room for the salary. If you have a reason to stay in the area, let the employer know that as well. For example, you may have parents or children living in the same region or your spouse may already have employment nearby.

You need to show the company that paying you more for your experience gives value to the company. Explain that you have worked similar positions at similar companies and that you can hit the ground running. If you can, show that you can take on additional duties from other positions so that your value will even be greater. However, do not sound like a know-it-all when doing this.

Stereotype # 3. We can train a younger people for the job because they are more hip and flexible. Older applicants are stubborn and set in their ways.

The conventional wisdom is that older workers are set in their ways and want to do things the way they always have done them and are resistant to change. You have to show that unlike an old dog, you can learn new tricks. You have to show by your answers and demeanor that you are creative and have good ideas. You need to show that you are a problem solver.

Being hip is not a requirement for a job, but you still need to show that you can be hip, too, but in a dignified way. Dress with some flair, but don't be provocative or frumpy. Perhaps a nice pair of mod eye glasses will be a nice touch. I always like to wear a red suit or jacket, since red is supposed to be a power color. Always look professional.

These are just a few of the age stereotypes, you may face. Be prepared with your response and you will be Interviewing Like a Pro.

Mary Greenwood, Attorney, HR Director, Mediator, and Author,
 How to Negotiate Like a Pro, winner of nine book awards
How to Interview Like a Pro, Winner of  thirteen book awards,
How To Mediate Like A Pro, Winner of twelve book awards
Available at http://www.amazon.com
Visit http://www.Marygreenwood.org
Email: Howtonegotiate@aol.com

How to Answer This Question in a Job Interview: What are Your Weaknesses?

The worst thing you can do when asked about your weaknesses is to say you can't think of any or that you don't have any. That just sounds arrogant.

Be honest but pick a relatively weak weakness. Your interviewers do not want to know that sometimes you have tantrums, take a lot of time off, let your secretary sign important papers, or don't get along with coworkers.

If you are applying for a budget job, don't say you aren't good with numbers. If you know that your predecessor is a micro-manager, don't say you like to get into everyone's projects,

A. Here are some suggestions with a solution to followup.

1. Sometimes I have too much on my plate and am stretched too thin.

Solution: I am working on delegating some of my projects to others.

2. I work too hard.

Solution: I am working on balancing my personal and business life.

3. I am impatient. I like to do things myself rather than explain to others.

Solution: I am learning the virtues of patience and will take time to explain what I need.

4. I am a perfectionist.

Solution: I am taking measures to overcome this. I realize that everything I write or work on does not have to be perfect all the time.

5. I hate to fire employees and I put off addressing employee issues. I often feel that with enough mentoring and training, an employee can be salvaged.

Solution: Although I still like to help troubled employees and give them a second chance, I am now addressing employee issues sooner if it is detrimental to the workplace.

B. Be prepared to answer the employer's follow-up question.

1. How is that a weakness? I want employees to work hard.

Answer: I will always work hard for the company, but I want some balance. Of course, I will make myself available 24/7 via cell phone. When I am needed, of course I will stay late at work.

2. How is that a weakness? Everyone has too much on their plate. Multi-tasking is a way of life.

Answer: That is true. However, I am always working on being efficient and meeting my deadlines. In some cases, I may do the bulk of the work, but mostly it will mean that my team and I are working together to get the job done.

3. How is that a weakness? I like perfection.

Answer: So do I. However, being a perfectionist can slow things down. If I wait for the third or fourth review, I may miss a deadline. I trust my staff and when I feel the product is excellent, though maybe not perfect, I will approve it.

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

Mary Greenwood, Attorney, HR Director, Mediator, and Author,
How to Negotiate Like a Pro, winner of nine book awards
How to Interview Like a Pro, Winner of thirteen book awards,
How to Mediate Like A Pro, Winner of twelve book awards
Available at http://www.amazon.com
Howtointerview@aol.com
http://www.marygreenwood.org

Can an applicant really be overqualified or is this code for age discrimination?

A. What does it mean when an employer says you are overqualified for a position? Is it a code word for age discrimination?

In my opinion, no one can really be over-qualified for a position. Either one is qualified and meets the minimum qualifications or one does not. So what is an employer really saying when it says you are overqualified? What are they worried about? Why would the employer want to hire someone with less experience or fewer qualifications.

1. The employer feels it cannot afford someone who is "overqualified" and is suspicious when an applicant will accept a lower salary than previously earned.

2. The employer is worried that the workers will jump ship at the first opportunity to get a job that better fits their qualifications.

3. The supervisor may be intimidated that you have more qualifications or experience than she does and think you may want her job.

5. The employer does not want to hire older workers and knows enough not to say it directly so it says it does not want "overqualified" workers.

B. If you are an older worker, how can you overcome the employer's bias against "overqualified" applicants?

1. The employer feels it cannot afford someone who is "overqualified" and is suspicious when an applicant will accept a lower salary than previously earned.

Explain to the employer why you are willing to accept a lower salary. Here are some possible responses:

a. I am on Social Security (or have a pension) and I have the flexibility to apply for jobs I really want even if the salary is lower.

b. I really want to work in this area (in my case Florida) and I know that the salaries are lower here. I know we take some of our salary as sunshine and good weather.

2. The employer is worried that the applicants will jump ship at the first opportunity to get a job that better fits their qualification.

Of course, a younger less-experienced employee may also jump ship if an opportunity presents itself, but that may not concern the employer. Here are some responses:

a. My family lives in this area and I am willing to take a lower salary to live nearby.

b. This job is the one aspect of my field that I like the most and this is where I would like to spend the rest of my career.

3. The supervisor may be intimidated since you have more qualifications or experience than she does and may think you want her job. Here are some responses:

a. When asked what your long-term goals are, don't say you want to get promoted. Instead say that after a long career in this field, you want to stay put.

b. Try to emphasize that you are a team player.

c. Be careful not to sound like a know-it-all.

d. Don't give advice at the interview on how things could be better based on your experience. Save this for later.

As an applicant, you must try to show that your experience and qualifications are a plus for this position. If you follow these tips, you will be interviewing like a pro.

Mary Greenwood Author of How to Interview Like a Pro, winner of fourteen book awards.
www.MaryGreenwood.org