Winning interviews carimac april2016

Interviews - carimac
WWW.LTSEMAJ.COM 14/13/2016

Dr. Leahcim Semaj
Intl. Keynote & Motivational Speaker
Above or Beyond
876-383-5627

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3
INTERVIEWS
INTERVIEWS
4/13/2016

ANOTHER JOBBANK PRESENTATION
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The Fruits and The Roots

Before the interview

Hiring Managers Reveal The 10 Seemingly Small
Things They Judge Candidates On
Small actions like not arriving early and
having a good phone voice make a big
impression on hiring managers.
GWEN MORAN 04.08.16 5:08 AM
http://www.fastcompany.com/3058531/hit-the-ground-running/hiring-managers-reveal-the-10-seemingly-
small-things-they-judge-candi?utm_source=mailchimp&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=fast-company-
daily-newsletter-featured&position=2&partner=newsletter&campaign_date=04082016

It’s interview time for a job you really want.
You’re rehearsed and ready
◦you even researched the company dress code so
you’d wear the right outfit.
But beyond the obvious marks you need to hit to be
a viable job candidate,
◦there are also some lesser-known factors that
impress hiring managers and may boost your success
in the interview.

HITTING THE ON-TIME "SWEET SPOT"
Conventional wisdom says that you should arrive on time, but
it’s more specific than that.
Ryan Miller, research associate at recruiting firm JMJPhilllip
Executive Search, likes to see candidates arrive roughly 15 to
20 minutes early.
That’s enough time to show you’re punctual and you’ve
allowed a window to avoid being late,
◦but not so early that the hiring manager will feel the pressure of
you sitting out in the lobby for a half hour or more.

BEING THE FIRST INTERVIEW OF THE DAY
◦One 2012 study from the University of California found that people
consistently prefer the choice they’re offered first—they liked the first
team they could potentially join better than the second and the first
salesperson better than the next.
◦So, consider opting for early interview times to get in the door first.
◦Another 2011 study from the University of Pennsylvania found that
MBA candidate interviewers who had already recommended three
candidates highly on a given day might be reluctant to recommend a
fourth.

BEING HONEST ON AND ABOUT YOUR RESUME
Interviewers will ask you about your resume, and if you’ve
stretched the truth, it’s a red flag.
it’s rare someone outright lies, but some people take
liberties with titles and job responsibilities.
That’s usually obvious when they start discussing the role.
“If you’re stretching the truth in the interview, that’s a
leading indicator of what I can expect when you're here
working at the firm”.

DOING THE RIGHT HOMEWORK
It’s great that you checked out the firm’s website, but if
everything you recite can be found on the home page, that’s not
impressive.
Search for industry articles and learn about some of the
company’s new initiatives.
Look on social media like Twitter and LinkedIn to get an idea of
who the thought leaders are and what kind of content the
company is posting.
Dig a little deeper and your hiring manager will notice.

ASKING GOOD QUESTIONS
If you’ve done that homework, you’ll be able to ask great questions—another
hallmark of a great employee, Black says.
What questions would impress?
◦ Asking about how the company’s mission statement translates into the day-to-day
workplace comes to mind, he says.
Asking contextual questions about the firm and the industry would be another
winner.
◦ For example, in the highly regulated world of accounting, what do they do to make
sure that employees are comfortable being compliant and transparent?
That shows in-depth research and real thought about what it’s like to work in the
firm, he says.

HAVING A GOOD PHONE VOICE
Kathryn Minshew, CEO of the job and career information
website The Muse,
◦looks for a strong, positive phone voice when she calls a candidate.
"Do they answer the phone with confidence?
Do they sound excited to learn more about the company?
Do they answer your questions head-on with detail, with
composure, without a lot of hesitation?“
Those are all good signs.

FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS
Those tricky hiring managers may also
◦put directions in the job ad or in their follow-up to see if you
actually do follow them.
The Muse posted job ads that requested cover letters and
stated why they were important,
◦yet some people didn’t write them.
Minshew says they missed out on the opportunity to show
more about their personalities—and also failed the first test
they were given.

DEALING WITH SUPPORT STAFF
Your interview may start before you even realize it.
◦It’s not uncommon for recruiters to ask assistants,
receptionists, and junior recruiters about their
experiences with a candidate.
Being courteous and professional with the
receptionist isn’t just the right thing to do—it could
give you a leg up.

SHOWING VULNERABILITY
When it comes to that dreaded question about your weaknesses,
◦don’t go for the pat answers about caring too much or taking your
work too seriously.
◦Instead, show some vulnerability.
We all have weaknesses.
Illustrate a challenge you have and how you’re working on it—it’s
refreshing and shows you have the confidence to discuss your
imperfections and how you’re improving.

RELAYING PAST EXPERIENCES
How you discuss your past is an important clue about
what you’ll be like to work with.
There’s no place for bad-mouthing, even if you did have
a bad experience.
Frame the past as best you can in terms of what you
learned from the experience, and discuss how those
lessons will make you a better employee in the future.

Interview Tips

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The Purpose of An Interview
To receive a job offer
Your opportunity to
market your abilities
and talents
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Before And During The Interview
An employer judges
your appearance
Qualifications
Skills and general
suitability for the
available position
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Equally Important
The interview
gives you a chance
to appraise the job
and the employer
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It Enables You
To decide if the job meets
your career needs and
interests
If the employer is one you
want to work for
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The Preparation Starts
WHEN YOU ARE CONTACTED TO SET UP THE INTERVIEW
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What To Do
Write down the date, time and location of the
interview
Make sure you can find the location
Find out whom to ask for when you arrive
Also note the name(s) and job title(s) of your
interviewer(s)
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Review The Information
For the post you have been
invited to interview for
You should save all the
advertisements you respond to
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Go Prepared
If you know the company for which you are
being interviewed
◦Get as much information as you can about them
◦Their products
◦Services
◦Their place in the market/industry
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Dress Appropriately
Make sure your clothes are clean,
pressed and fit properly
Clean your shoes
Not too much jewelry
Don’t use a strong perfume or
aftershave
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Arrive On Time
5 minutes early is fine, do arrive
not half an hour early
There are many reasons that
determined the specific time you
were given
Don’t be late
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Before You Go In To The Interview
Take one last look
Ask to use the men’s or
ladies room
If you have sweaty palms
give your hands a good wipe
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When You Are Escorted Into The Room
Smile
Respond to the greeting you
are given in a warm tone of
voice
Use correct English and speak
clearly
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Handshakes Are Important
Don’t crush the hand
extended to you
A limp handshake sends a
variety of negative messages
Practice your handshake
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Sit When Offered A Seat
Place your bag/briefcase in an
appropriate place
Ask if you are not sure
Sit up straight, close your knees
and keep your feet on the floor
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Note The Eyes
Maintain good eye
contact throughout the
interview
Don’t try to outstare the
interviewer
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It Is Normal To Be Nervous
But do try to avoid fidgeting
Cracking your knuckles
Or performing other meaningless body movements
4/13/2016

Keep it Interesting

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Respond To Questions
In a forthright manner
Be friendly, honest, and sincere
You will always make a good impression
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If A Question Is Not Clear
You can say so and ask for it to be
rephrased
But don’t do this for every question
Prepare truthful responses to why you have
made each career change
4/13/2016

Prep for the 10 Most Common
Interview Questions
BY CAROLE MARTIN
WWW.LTSEMAJ.COM
404/13/2016

In The Interview

Why Should We Hire You?
Summarize your experiences:
◦"With five years' experience working in the Fast
Food industry and my proven record of customer
service,
◦I could make a big difference in your company
◦I'm confident I would be a great addition to your
team
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Why Do You Want to Work Here?
The interviewer is listening for an answer that indicates you've
given this some thought and are not sending out resumes just
because there is an opening
For example,
◦"I've selected key companies whose mission statements are in
line with my values, where I know I could be excited about
what the company does, and this company is very high on my
list of desirable choices."
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What Are Your Goals?
Sometimes it's best to talk about short-term and
intermediate goals rather than locking yourself into the
distant future
For example
◦ "My immediate goal is to get a job in a growth-oriented
company
◦ My long-term goal will depend on where the company goes
◦ I hope to eventually grow into a position of responsibility."
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Why Did You Leave (Are You Leaving) Your Job?
If you're unemployed, state your reason for leaving in a positive
context:
"I managed to survive two rounds of downsizing, but the third
round was a 20% reduction in the workforce, which included
me."
If you are employed, focus on what you want in your next job:
"After 2 years, I made the decision to look for a company that is
team-focused, where I can add my experience.“
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When Were You Most Satisfied in Your Job?
The interviewer wants to know what motivates you
If you can relate an example of a job or project when you were
excited, the interviewer will get an idea of your preferences
"I was very satisfied in my last job, because I worked directly with
the customers and their problems;
◦that is an important part of the job for me."
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What Can You Do for Us That Other Candidates Can't?
What makes you unique?
This will take an assessment of your experiences, skills and
traits
Summarize concisely:
"I have a unique combination of strong technical skills, and
the ability to build strong customer relationships.
This allows me to use my knowledge and break down
information to be more user-friendly."
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What Are 3 Positive Things Your Last Boss Would Say About You?
It's time to pull out your old performance appraisals and
boss's quotes
This is a great way to brag about yourself through someone
else's words:
◦"My boss has told me that I am the best employee he has ever
had. He knows he can rely on me, and he likes my sense of
humour”.
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" What Salary Are You Seeking?”
It is to your advantage if the employer tells you the range first
Prepare by knowing the going rate in your area, and your bottom line
or walk-away point
One possible answer would be:
◦ “I am sure when the time comes, we can agree on a reasonable
amount.
◦ In what range do you typically pay someone with my background?”
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"If You Were an Animal, Which One Would You Want to Be?”
Interviewers use this type of psychological question to see if you
can think quickly
If you answer "a bunny,"
you will make a soft, passive impression
If you answer "a lion,"
you will be seen as aggressive
What type of personality would it take to get the job done?
What impression do you want to make?
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9 Things You Should Never Say in
an Interview
AVOID THE FOLLOWING INTERVIEW PITFALLS AS PART OF A STRATEGY
THAT SELLS YOUR STRENGTHS AND ASSETS
BY JENNIFER RAE ATKINS, WETFEET
CAREERBUILDERS .COM
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Listen Slowly
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1. "What does your company do?“
•Ask questions that show you're well
informed and eager to work at the company,
•not those to which you should already know the
answers
•or that can be easily gleaned from the company's
website or annual report
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2. "My salary requirements are very flexible“
•Compensation is often the touchiest subject in an interview
•When push comes to shove, you should be willing at least to give a
range, even if you have to be broad
•But don't pretend to be flexible when you aren't
•Don't sell yourself short, but ask yourself how much you honestly
think you're worth
•Do research about what similar jobs pay and what salaries are like
•If a company comes back with too low an offer, you can always try
and negotiate up
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3. "It would be hella cool to get jiggy with this job.“
•Maybe that is how all of your friends talk (and it's become a
habit with you), but it's not the way you should speak during a
job interview
•Using slang is a serious turnoff for interviewers
•You may be articulate, intelligent, and confident, but like, you
sure won't sound that way
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4. "Butch Stewart himself offered me a $100,000 bonus.“
Don't lie! You'll be found out, and you'll regret it
Someday when you least expect it, someone somewhere will
discover that you didn't really increase sales by 999% in 6 months
Interviewers know you'll probably exaggerate a little to sell
yourself; but don't cross the line between exaggeration and out-
and-out lying
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5. "In 5 years, I see myself on a boat in the Caribbean.“
When interviewers ask you about long-term goals, they want an answer that
relates to the company
Even if you don't plan to stick around long, say something that reflects a
commitment to the position and the company
This may seem to contradict the previous exhortation about lying, but try to
think of it as a rhetorical question
You might still be at the same company in five years, right?
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6. "Sorry, I don't know how to do that“
Rather than admitting that you don't have a specific
skill, stress that you're a fast learner and are excited
about the possibility of acquiring new skills
Most companies would rather hire an enthusiastic,
smart person who needs to be trained than someone
who already has the required skills but isn't as eager to
learn
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7. "You see, I just went through a painful divorce. . . .“
Even if an interviewer starts getting personal, don't
follow suit
You may think you're being open and honest, but you're
really just coming across as unprofessional, unfocused,
and disrespectful
Keep it businesslike and polite
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8. "What can your company do for me?“
Interviewers hate arrogance and selfishness
Stress the contributions you can make
Tell them about how your efforts helped previous employers
Remember, you're the one being interviewed, and while you
should use the opportunity to get your questions answered, you
shouldn't make it seem as if you'll be doing them a favor if they
hire you
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9. "I left my last job because my boss was a real jerk”
Bad-mouthing your previous employer is possibly the dumbest thing
you can do during an interview
Even if your last company was a chaotic hellhole, your boss was a
monster, your coworkers were Martians, and you got paid in tin cans
◦ say that you left to look for more responsibility
◦ you wanted greater opportunity for advancement
◦ or you were just ready for a change.
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At The End Of The Interview
Thank the interviewer for seeing you
If you have not been told
◦Ask what you should expect to happen
next
4/13/2016

Dr. Leahcim Semaj
Intl. Keynote & Motivational Speaker
Above or Beyond
876-383-5627

WWW.LTSEMAJ.COM 65
The AoB Advantage
Over 20 years of experience in change management, recruitment, market
research, psychometric testing in every industry from mining, to
telecommunications, hospitality and much more.
A longstanding reputation of excellence in the Jamaican and Caribbean space.
Visionary thought leadership with the most qualified team of associates in the
industry.
A list of clients rivaled only by the yellow pages directory.
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ABOVE or BEYOND
Our Transformation Matrix
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LINKs
The Beginnings
This service addresses issues at the foundational level of society, the LINKs that
are crucial to our survival.
 Workshops, Radio Show & Webinars
 Digital Products – Pod Casts
 Woman/Man
• Finding Your Soul mate
• Constructive Disengagement
 Parent/Child
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B What U R
To Be The Best You
A career consultation which helps individuals to select the ideal career(s).
Regardless of “who you are”, we can help you identify “what you are.”
We can equip you to pursue your passion, realize your purpose, earn a living and if
you choose – earn a fortune.
 Workshops & Webinars
 Digital Products
 Realizing Your Dharma
 Living Your Vision
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Kontaks
The Right Person In The Right
Position
Do you have the right people on the bus and in the right seats?
Resumes and Interviews can show you the fruit. We can show you the root.
We have the art of recruitment down to a science, we call this “Kontaks.”
 Advertising
 Recruitment & Selection
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The JobBank
Providing Returns on Your Human Capital
Even businesses need guidance from time to time. Teams lose
enthusiasm, management loses vision and it becomes hard to tell if
company and individual values are aligned, if they aren’t failure is a
surety.
 Facilitation & Presentations
 Work Values & Job Satisfaction
 Strategic Planning
 Staff Training
 Testing & Assessments
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Psyhcles
Facilitating New Beginnings
All business change. They upgrade, downsize, form alliances and merge, break
apart, expand and contract. This process is normative, and while unsettling for
those involved should not be viewed negatively. To ignore these cycles, is to
ignore life itself. Instead of ignoring be prepared!
 Change Management
 Acquisitions and Mergers
 Restructuring
 Growing from Redundancy
 Preparing for Retirement
 Life Change Consultations
4/13/2016

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