First Date & Job Interviews

The first date with the one we really are attracted to is on a par with the interview for the job we really really want. 

We want to make a good impression, we dream about the possibilities if it goes well, we get a nervous energy that is peppered with fear, excitement and intrepidation. 

Like a first date we also spend way too much time thinking and planning for how we’re going to look instead of what we’re going to talk about, common interests, what football team we support, our travel experiences etc. No we leave that to “ going with the flow”. You don’t marry a man cause you like his jeans and you don’t get that job because your suit is splendid.

On dates and in interviews, people need to connect and connecting takes work, confidence and an ability to give interesting answers.

So, when preparing for the interviews think about making an impression in your conversation.
Talk about goals and where you want to go in the future. Discuss your previous leadership successes, going over projects at work or in social or community service settings. Talk about responsibilities you have taken and how you directed or assisted the outcome. 

When communicating your job experience don’t just list employers. Expand your explanation to include: 
 I have experience in....
 The job involved the following....
 These are the skills or insights I have gained as a result...
 This is how I can apply these to great benefit in your job...

The cardinal sin of job interviews is the belief that interviewers can read into your CV. Interviewers are not telepathic. A candidate must be able to talk through all details on their CV and add on information that is relevant and succinct, giving specific examples and illustrations backing up every point made in order to demonstrate suitability for the position. 

Candidates should expect questions such as:
Tell me about the time you were most persuasive in overcoming resistance to your ideas or point of view?
What are your weaknesses?
Tell me about a time when you felt most pressured and stressed in work and what was the outcome?
Describe the most extensive planning that you have done?



Having dealt with the verbal communication, candidates must remember that not all communication is about what comes out of your mouth; good eye contact, clear vocal quality, facial expression and correct body posture are all vital for success. 

The Second Interview
This gives a “golden” opportunity for other mangers in the prospective employers organisation the chance to get a “look and feel” for the short listed candidate. The rules of the first interview still apply but the candidate needs to get more in-depth and detailed in their examples and illustrations of their skills.

Written by  Michelle Thomas, Director of Training at Michael Associates, Communications Consultants. Individual Job Interview training is practically based in 3-hour sessions. For further information Telephone (01)    67 08461 or email: michcom@iol.ie  or www.michaelassociates.net