The tips for giving a successful interview performance are many and well documented – be on time, dress appropriately, convey interest and enthusiasm, etc. However, what is less well understood – except by exceptional job candidates – is that the interview process can be a forum that is managed primarily by you, the job seeker. A well-managed interview will convey your knowledge of the company, your passion and leadership abilities that are key to enhancing the organization, and your value in being able to immediately make a contribution to your new employer.
Here are 3 steps that will make you the master of your future interviews:
- Research your potential employer beforehand and be prepared to offer recommendations for organizational improvement. Surprisingly few applicants invest the time in becoming knowledgeable about an employer’s business. Even fewer understand it well enough to offer potential recommendations for enhancement. While this is easier to do with an employer with which you’re already familiar – say, a former competitor – being able to offer ideas for organizational improvement will demonstrate your level of understanding of their processes and needs.
- Be prepared to ask insightful – and if need be, tough – questions. Remember that not only should you be a “good fit” for a potential employer; they should be a good fit for you as well. Asking intelligent questions will demonstrate your own level of interest and intelligence, and may reveal some responses that give you guidance as to whether you truly wish to work with this organization.
- Know ahead of time what your key references will say about you to prospective employers. It’s best to assume that interviewers will contact both your former supervisor and the Human Resources contacts at your recent places of employment (and perhaps some of your co-workers as well). If any of your references offer unfavorable commentary about you, it’s unlikely you will be re-contacted by potential employers. Find out beforehand what they will say about you by utilizing a third party reference checking firm such as Allison & Taylor; if any negative commentary is revealed, you will have recourse to discourage a former employer from continuing to offer such remarks.
Invest the time to know your potential future employers – you will stand out from other candidates and better ensure that you will be their newest employee.
Are you protected by your old company’s policy to only confirm the dates and title of employment?
Our experience is, that with a little pressure, most managers break company policy and speak their mind to either help or hurt a candidate’s chance at another job. Who from your past job will help you or hurt you – you need to know.
Click here to find out what is really being said about you.
Is your past boss badmouthing you?
50% of our clients have lost good job offers due to bad or mediocre comments from previous employers. Reference-Letters.com will confidentially find out what is really being said about you and give you the power to stop it!
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Interviewing well but not getting the job?
Maybe it’s something that a past employer or reference is saying. Could a jealous colleague be sabotaging you? Could your past boss be less than happy at your departure? Reference-Letters.com will help you find out.
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Do you have a separation agreement with your past employer? Is it being honored?
Is your past employer giving you the professional and prompt reference that was promised or are they saying, “Well according to our agreement I can only confirm that he worked here.” Reference-Letters.com will find out what is really being said and give you the power to enforce your agreement.
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Were you a victim of discrimination, sexual harassment or wrongful termination?
Your previous employers could be affecting your new job search through their comments to prospective employers. Don’t let them continue to hurt you and your career.
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Are you being BLACKBALLED?
Last year our clients were awarded more than $2 million in settlements. Reference-Letters.com will find out what is really being said about you and give you the power to stop it!
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You’ve put time and effort into your resume, developed your network of possible employers and recruiters, worked on your interview skills – but have done nothing but typed a list of your references. Don’t leave this crucial area to chance. References are the final factor in who gets the job offer. Your past employers – anyone you reported to will be contacted. Do you know what they will say? Reference-Letters.com will find out what is really being said about you.
Click here to find out how!