Nailing the Interview: AMA Career Workshop #3

AMA Career Workshop #3 Nailing the Interview Lynn Hazan Lynn Hazan & Associates James Heckman American Marketing Association

Repeat after me… (Lynn’s Mantra) If you look like… Walk like… Talk like… Sound like…

A Duck!

Do you mirror the job specs? Or not?

The more duck-like you are, the better your chances of success!

What is the purpose of the interview?

Let’s brainstorm…

What is the purpose of an interview?

Determine candidate’s fit for job

Determine job’s fit for candidate

3 R’s: R esume, r apport and r elationship

Connect with corporate culture

Progress to next steps to get hired

A Timeline in Chocolate Past Present Future The resume is about the past The job description is about the present The interview is about the future

In hiring, past performance is a good indicator of future performance. Past Future

How do you match?

Does your service address a critical need?

Can you explain what you do easily?

Do you have a niche in the market?

Are you the “go to” person?

Can you make money?

Why Should I Hire ? Write down your answers. YOU

How to Create Your UPS (Unique Positioning Statement)

What makes you unique?

What makes you special?

What’s your story?

UPS Summary statement for resume

UPS Summary statement for resume Lead off for a successful interview

Elevator Speech

Reasons why employer should hire you

What can you bring to the employer?

30-60 second speech

Stand in front of mirror and practice

Paired Share Why you should hire me! Make it interesting. Time: 1 minute each

Before the interview: Research company 1. Use social media tools 2. Check out competition 3. What is company known for? 4. How do you fit?

Interview Protocol

Know title and name of person interviewing you

Make sure you have correct directions

Mirror client

Always send thank you letter within 24 hours

Professional dress

Do’s and Don'ts of Interviewing

Do:

Arrive on time

Establish rapport

Demonstrate by work and deed your fit for the job

Bring extra resumes & samples

Show enthusiasm

Do’s and Don’ts of Interviewing

Don’t:

Oversell yourself

Undersell yourself

Go to an interview hungry

Be haughty or arrogant

Be too casual

Don’t Lie, Tell the Truth about:

Money

Layoff

Budget cuts

Dates of employment/graduation

Tough Questions?-Not really

Real interview questions--practice your answers!

“How do you resolve conflict?”

“Describe a time when you had to work as part of a team. What was your role and what was the outcome?”

“Why should we hire you?”

“Describe your work ethic.”

“Do you have any questions for me?”

Conversation & Dialogue

Be actively engaged

Ask probing questions

Yes/No answers =

Conversation Killers

Frame the Process: Storytelling at its Best

Problem or need

Opportunity or challenge

Strategies and tactics

Results

What you did with results

Portfolios

Examples of your work

Not just for creatives

Work you did as part of a team

Give context. Tell the story of the project.

Clarify if spec work or produced

Label your work

True Life Stories You Won’t Believe! Candidate… asked for food. took off shoes. was sloppily dressed. swore 3x. wore perfume so strong, I almost passed out.

Wow Project Candidates who are dazzled by a job opportunity should “dazzle employers back” with a “Wow!” project.

Money, money, money…

Compensation - market self-correcting

Big jump in salary possible?

Your competitive worth in the marketplace

Negotiating

Value of benefits

It’s not always about the money!

Scoop on Pay Raises 2008: Labor Dept stats: average increase= 2.6% 2009: Q1= 2% 2009: Q3 & 4; fall below 2% Source: Chicago Tribune 8/11/09

The Empowered Job Seeker 1 to 1 consultation to help candidates re-position themselves for a changing job market. For details, contact lynn@lhazan.com Includes work on resume, interviews, networking, LinkedIn, job searching and negotiating, with Lynn Hazan, a 25-year veteran of the recruiting business.

Resume Review A One-hour Resume Transformation For details, contact lynn@lhazan.com Your resume should be your marketing document. You will leave this session with a resume that reflects your successes and clearly demonstrates what you can bring to an employer. Includes complementary follow-up phone consultation. The Resume Review Summer Special is valid through August 31, 2009!

Volunteer Opportunities Help at the marathon on Sunday, October 11, 2009 See Lynn for details

To sign up for Lynn’s E-jobs, the free, confidential listserv from Lynn Hazan & Associates: Clearly print your name and email address on the sign up sheet!

When you nail the interview, you hit it on the head! Lynn Hazan [email_address] www. lhazan .com 312.863.5401 Follow me on Linkedin: Lynn Hazan Follow me on Twitter: lynnhazan