- Research the company thoroughly. By doing some research, you will be able to handle the employer’s questions more efficiently and intelligently.
- Participate in a mock interview to prepare for thinking on your feet and formulating answers under pressure. “Tell me about yourself” is a common question that companies use to start off an interview, and it is sometimes difficult to summarize a lifetime of experience in a short description. Practice helps you create the perfect description of your qualifications. Alan Kearns, the founding member of the International Association of Coaches states on the Higher Bracket website that a job interview is, according to him, “a story-telling opportunity.”
- Keep a simple attitude and use simple language during the interview. Using unnecessary jargon will only make your employer averse to your selection. Rehearse well what you want to say to the employer, as well as your expectations, but make it appear spontaneous yet well thought out and considered. It comes across poorly if you stammer or stumble when asked about your expected salary. Make sure you don’t make any absurd or baseless claims; back up what you say by describing your job experiences in an explicit manner. Furthermore, you should be sure to indicate to the potential employer how you can be valuable to the firm by relating your past successes. That said, avoid bragging, or your efforts will be wasted.
- According to Kearns, “in an interview, there are many items you can use to help tell your story, like emails and letters from clients and peers, awards, sales reports, performance reviews, and media coverage. You can create a portfolio that incorporates the most pertinent information.” Make use of diverse technological applications to make a presentation about yourself. If you are 50 years old or older, and if it's relevant to the job, provide some indicators of your healthy attitude and energy. For example, you could discuss your passion for mountain climbing or the fact that you attend regular yoga lessons.
- One of the most important job interview attributes for individuals who are senior in both age and position is confidence, especially confidence in what you have to offer your potential employer and confidence about what you want from them. Those who are new to job interviews are forgiven by some recruiters for not interviewing well in light of the fact that they are new to the corporate world. But with seniors and relatively experienced professionals, recruiters generally have far higher expectations. If you feel confident, it will show in your answers and your overall demeanor. Don't let insecurity bog you down and cause you to reply with timid body language or tentative answers.
- Treat everyone with dignity and respect. Your encounters with secretaries or receptionists should always be friendly, or they might prove fatal to your job prospects.
- If your interviewer asks you about your biggest flaw, mention only one and describe the steps you've taken to correct it. Never go overboard in criticizing oneself, as doing so could ruin your chances. Also don't try to sound like a superhero by beginning every sentence with “I,” “me,” or “my,” or by overstating your role. Your interviewer will take you for a braggart and distrust most of the information which you provide.
- Note what went wrong about the meeting after it’s over. Note the questions you feel you didn't answer adequately so that you can reinforce the relevant answers in your follow-up correspondence. Send a follow-up letter thanking your interviewer for seeing you, expressing again how fit you are for the job, and providing any additional information that you forgot to discuss during the interview.
Making the Most of the $100K Job Interview
0 Viewsby Brendon Buthello
