Recommendations for books or sites with advice on job interviews?

[Saartje]

I haven't done very many such interviews in my life, and I've got one coming up in a few days — I'd love advice that will help me ace it. Any suggestions on where to turn? (Or post your own best tips here.)

[lynettefrancois]

Gosh, I haven't interviewed in ages. Put simply, you need to know your strengths and how they would be an asset to the company. Ie know why should they hire you. There's got to be a Dummies book for interviewing (I just LOVE that series). Try amazon.com and read the reviews by people who have already bought books on the subject of getting hired/job hunting/etc. A lot of times they will say, "this book stinks- I recommend such and such instead because..." Also, how about skimming the books at the bookstore on "how to interview potential employees" to see it from the other interviewer's shoes? I hope someone knows some good websites for you! Sorry I'm not more help! I haven't interviewed in nearly 10 years. :o Am I that old already?!!? :D

[Marisa6826]

I asked Jonathan. He says that you should look at it as an opportunity to make a sales pitch for yourself, and to ensure that the interviewer knows everything that YOU want them to know about yourself - your qualifications, interests, etc.

He also suggests that you find out as much as possible about the company. www.thevault.com has a community forum setup where you can read what current (and past) employees have to say about the company. That way, you can have information in hand to ask questions - and even more importantly - what to avoid asking about.

Don't ask questions about things you should be able to easily find the answers to - how many people work for them, their different office locations, what they specialise in, etc. You want to go in with the ability to ask informed questions. You need to make it clear to the interviewer that you've done your homework and that it's not just another day job for you. Have a bulleted list of what you can bring to them - not just the impression that you'll fit 'the mold' of what the position requires. For example, if they have offices in different areas of the country, you might want to slip into the conversation that you have no problem relocating. You might also mention your ability to work unusual hours (not just 9-5) if that's what the job description may entail

I have always found that I've been most successful in getting jobs when I went into the interview expecting to interview THEM as opposed to the other way around. Have a list ready of what you would want to know about the job before accepting the position. Don't talk salary/benefits until at least the second interview. And NEVER be the first one to throw out a number if they ask you. If nothing else, you can check out salary surveys on monster.com, hotjobs.com, etc. They also have interview tips - just do a search.

Have a few copies of your resume ready to offer - don't fold them - have them in some sort of portfolio. Keep references separate and don't offer them unless they ask (you should have on your resume that you will provide them upon request). You want to lean forward toward the interviewer - don't sit far back in the chair. Subconsciously, it makes you appear more engaging. Be aware of how you position your arms. You don't want them folded across your chest. Hopefully you'll be at a conference table, and not stuck across a desk from the interviewer. Be engaging, look them in the eye, make sure you extend your hand first when meeting (and leaving) with however many people you meet. Ask for a business card so you can remember names. It also helps if you jot down any pertinent information on a legal pad (or whatever). It shows that you are paying attention, and it will give you reference material for your thank you note.

Even if you are screaming inside that you want the job, sit back, tell them that you need to mull over their offer and that you will get back to them in a day or so. Go home and promptly send your thank you note to whomever you interviewed with. I usually prefer to send a handwritten one by snail mail, but it is my understanding that it's not unusual (and is acceptable) to send an email.

Good luck, Girlie!

hugs

-m

[Marisa6826]

I asked Jonathan. He says that you should look at it as an opportunity to make a sales pitch for yourself, and to ensure that the interviewer knows everything that YOU want them to know about yourself - your qualifications, interests, etc.

He also suggests that you find out as much as possible about the company. www.thevault.com has a community forum setup where you can read what current (and past) employees have to say about the company. That way, you can have information in hand to ask questions - and even more importantly - what to avoid asking about.

Don't ask questions about things you should be able to easily find the answers to - how many people work for them, their different office locations, what they specialise in, etc. You want to go in with the ability to ask informed questions. You need to make it clear to the interviewer that you've done your homework and that it's not just another day job for you. Have a bulleted list of what you can bring to them - not just the impression that you'll fit 'the mold' of what the position requires. For example, if they have offices in different areas of the country, you might want to slip into the conversation that you have no problem relocating. You might also mention your ability to work unusual hours (not just 9-5) if that's what the job description may entail

I have always found that I've been most successful in getting jobs when I went into the interview expecting to interview THEM as opposed to the other way around. Have a list ready of what you would want to know about the job before accepting the position. Don't talk salary/benefits until at least the second interview. And NEVER be the first one to throw out a number if they ask you. If nothing else, you can check out salary surveys on monster.com, hotjobs.com, etc. They also have interview tips - just do a search.

Have a few copies of your resume ready to offer - don't fold them - have them in some sort of portfolio. Keep references separate and don't offer them unless they ask (you should have on your resume that you will provide them upon request). You want to lean forward toward the interviewer - don't sit far back in the chair. Subconsciously, it makes you appear more engaging. Be aware of how you position your arms. You don't want them folded across your chest. Hopefully you'll be at a conference table, and not stuck across a desk from the interviewer. Be engaging, look them in the eye, make sure you extend your hand first when meeting (and leaving) with however many people you meet. Ask for a business card so you can remember names. It also helps if you jot down any pertinent information on a legal pad (or whatever). It shows that you are paying attention, and it will give you reference material for your thank you note.

Even if you are screaming inside that you want the job, sit back, tell them that you need to mull over their offer and that you will get back to them in a day or so. Go home and promptly send your thank you note to whomever you interviewed with. I usually prefer to send a handwritten one by snail mail, but it is my understanding that it's not unusual (and is acceptable) to send an email.

Good luck, Girlie!

hugs

-m

[kijip]

Ditto to Marisa. All good advice.

And a huge bunch of hire Saartie vibes coming at you...

[kijip]

Ditto to Marisa. All good advice.

And a huge bunch of hire Saartie vibes coming at you...

[jbowman]

Check out Berkeley's Career Center site, it is amazing, amazing, amazing!!!

Here's the link to one article on job interviews (I'm sure a quick search of the site will yield more info):

http://career.berkeley.edu/Article/020913a.stm

Good luck, Sarah! :)

[tiapam]

My favorite book for this is:

Knock 'em Dead 2006: The Ultimate Job Seeker's Guide by Martin John Yate

The section on potential questions is especially helpful.

I also highly recommend reading Negotiating Your Salary: How to Make $1000 a Minute by Jack Chapman. Read it more than once, and then review it right before a salary negotiation. Two highlights: If you are the best person for the job they will pay you what you are worth, and
*always* make them give you a salary figure first and then work from there. And remember, all future raises depend on what you start out at!

-Pam

DD - One year old!

[Saartje]

First interview was today. I at least did well enough for them to invite me back for a second. Thanks, all!

[janeybwild]

Yeah..way to go! You're due for some good things :)