Do you remember how much effort you had put in getting ready for that dream job interview?
Feb 3, 2011 It is not uncommon, however, that after landing a good job, we tend to overlook our interview skills until we are on the job market again. We should be very well aware that interview opportunities can arise at any situation or setting. You could, for example:
- Be asked to participate in an internal promotion process – your boss recommends you for the position and you need to go interview with the hiring manager. Are you ready to talk about your contributions to the company?
- Be contacted by a headhunter with the great job offer you had been waiting for. Will you say the right things or will you come off as unprepared and… just not that convincing?
- Be introduced to a business owner looking to expand and looking for new employees. Are you able to trigger their interest as a necessary asset to the new project?
We all know people who seem to be continually advancing in their careers. Those are the ones who are always prepared to face such situations and take their chances. They keep their interview skills up to date and are confident to handle a surprise meeting with a potential employer. Here are some things to consider:
• Have your elevator pitch updated and ready at all times. The aim of this pitch is that you intrigue the listener with a comprehensive summary of your knowledge, skills and interest. If you manage to catch their attention this way you would likely be invited for a follow up interview.
• Be ready to summarize your top 5 accomplishments and demonstrate why they were vital to the bottom line of your current employer. This will help potential employers match your skills with their needs which in turn make them remember you.
• Know the answer to the most difficult question for someone who is currently employed: “If you are doing such a great job why do you want to leave?” Do not lose confidence and do not destroy your chances to win your dream job over a question you were not ready for. Take your time to prepare a plausible answer for this and similar questions to avoid disappointment.
• Be prepared for the needs of your interviewer. Although it is true that sometimes you could be caught completely off-guard by a head hunter, make sure you do your best to know what is currently on the market and what would a potential interviewer be looking for. Always stay on top of your industry and sector, be up to date with the latest news and in general act as if you are expecting that call to come any minute. In the end, which would you prefer – be ready and the opportunity not showing up, or getting your chance and not being ready to take it?
The Growinfinance.com Team
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