{"id":1349,"date":"2017-12-20T00:59:47","date_gmt":"2017-12-20T05:59:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.workingteddy.com\/?p=1349"},"modified":"2017-12-20T00:59:47","modified_gmt":"2017-12-20T05:59:47","slug":"dominate-your-job-interview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.beanybux.com\/dominate-your-job-interview\/","title":{"rendered":"Dominate Your Job Interview"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Congratulations!<\/strong> It took a lot of work and preparation, but you landed the interview and separated yourself from the others by\u2026<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Using a warm connection to earn a few minutes of time.<\/li>\n<li>Showing all the telltale signs of being a perfect candidate.<\/li>\n<li>Crafting VIP marketing materials and resumes that were so good this company felt compelled to invite you.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Now the game REALLY begins. Why?<\/p>\n<p><strong>Because the job interview is where you win or lose the offer.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Even the world\u2019s best resume and cover letter won\u2019t save you if you commit common, critical mistakes. The REAL way to win an interview is by taking just a few extra steps before it even starts so you can craft the perfect answers, display high levels of competence, and get the job every time.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Here are my best interview tips to get you started.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800000;\">Interview Tip #1:<\/span> Hack The interviewer\u2019s State Of Mind<\/strong><br \/>\nTo prepare for your interview, think about what the interviewer is looking for.<\/p>\n<p>Most candidates, however, only think about themselves \u2014 they get so wrapped up in their own thoughts, concerns, and abilities (aka \u201cthe I, I, I syndrome\u201d) and forget what the interviewer actually wants in the perfect candidate.<\/p>\n<p>Instead of focusing on ourselves, take a minute to ask yourself:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>What\u2019s their state of mind?<\/li>\n<li>What are they looking for?<\/li>\n<li>What does the ideal candidate look like and say in their eyes?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Then, dig deeper and control the conversation by using three tricks to hack into the interviewer\u2019s mind.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Interview Mind Hack #1: Interviewers have jobs, too<\/strong><br \/>\n\u201cWell duh,\u201d you might say. \u201cHow is THAT important?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Because they want to get back to work!<\/p>\n<p>Interviewers don\u2019t want to waste their day talking to boring candidates; they want to check the box that says, \u201cHired,\u201d and get back to work to finish their own projects.<\/p>\n<p><strong>By understanding this reality, you can transform the entire feel of the conversation.<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Instead of seeing it as an interrogation, you\u2019ll sound like a friend who\u2019s just asking if you can help<\/li>\n<li>Instead of putting them on a pedestal, you\u2019ll see them as a future colleague<\/li>\n<li>Instead of spending the entire time talking, you\u2019ll turn the interview into a dialogue and mix in some questions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Remember: they\u2019re looking to hire someone and really want you to succeed because it\u2019s in their best interest.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Interview Mind Hack #2: It\u2019s not just your skills<\/strong><br \/>\nWhat do potential employers really want when they bring you in for an interview?<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ll give you a hint: It\u2019s not \u201cexperience.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>If they were looking for the most experienced person, they could simply read resumes and test people.<\/p>\n<p><strong>But interviews don\u2019t ONLY assess your skills: They also gauge your behavior.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Understanding this gives you a huge advantage because you can prepare by considering the following things:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>What are the behaviors and personality traits that this position requires? For example: salespeople are friendly and personable<\/li>\n<li>What type of language would someone in this role understand and use? For example: do you know what Ruby on Rails means? SEO? ROI?<\/li>\n<li>What nonverbal cues do I want to send before I even walk into the room? For example: How does someone in this position dress? Suit? Dress? Polos?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>When used correctly, you can use these cues to instantly and subtly signal to the interviewer that you are a high-value candidate and vastly improve your chances of receiving an offer every time.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Interview Mind Hack #3: Do your homework<\/strong><br \/>\nFinally, do research on your interviewer on social networks, or the company&#8217;s website.<\/p>\n<p>The goal is NOT to stalk them or memorize everything they\u2019ve ever done. Instead, it\u2019s to learn:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Their background (What schools did they go to? What clubs have they been a part of?)<\/li>\n<li>Their position with the company (Are they in a new role? Were they recently promoted?)<\/li>\n<li>Common interests you both share (Are they into volunteer work, sports, hobbies, etc?)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>With these details, you can spark deeper discussions and stand out by subtly bringing them up during the interview \u2014 you\u2019ll position yourself as someone who goes the extra mile, who\u2019s proactive, and who cares. What\u2019s the result?<\/p>\n<p>A great job offer.<\/p>\n<p>Once you\u2019ve taken these steps to go deep into your interviewer\u2019s mind, it\u2019s time for final interview preparations and practicing how to answer tough interview questions.<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800000;\">Interview Tip #2:<\/span> The Three Step Method To Give The \u201cPerfect Response\u201d (To Even The Toughest Interview Questions)<\/strong><br \/>\nUse these three steps to always give a great answer to any interview question:<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u201cPerfect Response\u201d Step 1: Find the question behind the question<\/strong><br \/>\nLet\u2019s take a cue from the world of dating and analyze this common question:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>Does this make me look fat?<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>How would you answer a question like this? What is she really asking?<\/p>\n<p>This is not just about the fit on a pair of jeans. She\u2019s asking, \u201cDo I feel secure with the way I look? Do you still love me?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>As you can see, the question goes far deeper than it appears on the surface. This same principle is true in interviews.<\/p>\n<p>When someone asks you, \u201cCan you tell me a little about yourself?\u201d it seems simple and very straightforward, but the reality is, \u201ctell me about yourself\u201d has dozens of questions behind the question.<\/p>\n<p><strong>A great way to uncover these hidden questions is to think:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>What is their concern?<\/li>\n<li>What other information does this question give them?<\/li>\n<li>Are they testing to see if I\u2019m familiar with the job\u2019s responsibilities?<\/li>\n<li>Do they just want to see how I handle vague questions?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Always take time to pause and think about what they want. If you jump into answering their question or trying to sound good, you can miss what\u2019s really being asked.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Always look for the question behind the question<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Tip on how to use this in your interview: Come up with a list of 10 potential interview questions. Run them through the criteria above to uncover the hidden meaning behind what the interviewer could really be asking. Make sure to write this down before moving on.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u201cPerfect Response\u201d Step 2: Find the plain English answer<\/strong><br \/>\nIf we try too hard to sound smart and professional, we end up sounding like idiots: \u201cYes, the occupation filled me with immense joy as I interacted with my supervisor on a day-to-day basis to execute the financial\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>HUH?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A better strategy is to first translate what we\u2019re trying to say into to a plain English answer. Then, if our response is compelling, we can polish the exact language to make the answer interview-worthy.<\/p>\n<p>Imagine the interviewer asks \u201cWhy do you want this job?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Before blurting out something about how you really \u201clove their corporate values\u201d or how you\u2019re \u201cso passionate\u201d about the job, come up with a plain English response.<\/p>\n<p>Here are some real reasons you might want to work at Company X:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The company does great work.<\/li>\n<li>There a lot of smart people here.<\/li>\n<li>I think I can do a good job.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>So here\u2019s what your answer might look like in plain English:<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI want to work here because the company does great work, there are a lot of smart people, and I think I can do a good job.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Tip on how to use this in your interview: With the 10 questions you deconstructed earlier, come up with your plain English responses to them. Be sure to also address the question behind the question.<\/p>\n<p>At this point, we\u2019re not concerned about structure and sounding great. We just want to get a response on the page.<\/p>\n<p>That plain English answer is already better than most. Now, take it to the next level by using the third and final step.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u201cPerfect Response\u201d Step 3: Polish to perfection.<\/strong><br \/>\nThe way to polish your plain English response to perfection is to add a compelling story.<\/p>\n<p>A story, when told well, is the easiest way to decommoditize an answer and elevate yourself in the eyes of the interviewer.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Here\u2019s how to do it:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Start with a broad opening<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Set the stage with some high-level background to let the interviewer know what you\u2019re going to talk about before diving into the details.\n<ul>\n<li>For example: \u201cI want to work at ACME Company for three key reasons. First, you\u2019re doing amazing, life-changing work in the field of x. Second, I\u2019m confident I can make a huge contribution, given my experience in y. And third, you have some of the smartest people in the world working for you. That really excites me from an intellectual perspective.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Then, get really specific<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Now, transition into a short story with only the relevant details.\n<ul>\n<li>For example: \u201cWorking with the smartest people is a big deal for me. You\u2019ll notice that I have a history of actively seeking out and working with the top people in my field, such as John Smith and Jane Doe, who really pushed me to accomplish z.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Highlight the important takeaways<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Lastly, get broad again and highlight the key takeaways.\n<ul>\n<li>For example: \u201cThe bottom line, I thrive in environments filled with smart, ambitious people, and that\u2019s why I\u2019d love to be a part of the team.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Notice how different this is from what most people say in interviews: It\u2019s crisp and concise with no fluff and packed with details that are engaging and impressive.<\/p>\n<p>Filter your responses to common interview questions through this step-by-step system and you\u2019ll give the perfect answer every time.<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800000;\">Interview Tip #3:<\/span> Avoid These Deadly Interview Mmistakes<\/strong><br \/>\nYou\u2019ve got the interview, you\u2019ve done your research, and you have your amazing answers \u2014 you\u2019re almost there.<\/p>\n<p>Don\u2019t blow the whole thing by committing one of the three biggest interviewing mistakes.<\/p>\n<p>You could do everything above correctly and still get a NO if you make an error that lands you into the \u201c<span style=\"color: #800000;\">Do Not Hire<\/span>\u201d pile.<\/p>\n<p>To make sure that doesn\u2019t happen, avoiding these costly blunders is how you set yourself apart from other candidates and get the job of your dreams.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Congratulations! It took a lot of work and preparation, but you landed the interview and separated yourself from the others by\u2026 Using a warm connection to earn a few minutes of time. Showing all the telltale signs of being a perfect candidate. Crafting VIP marketing materials and resumes that were so good this company felt [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1352,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3689,3690,3695],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-1349","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"hentry","7":"category-career-counseling","8":"category-developement","9":"category-jobs","11":"post-with-thumbnail","12":"post-with-thumbnail-icon"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.beanybux.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1349","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.beanybux.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.beanybux.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.beanybux.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.beanybux.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1349"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blog.beanybux.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1349\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.beanybux.com\/wp-json\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.beanybux.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1349"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.beanybux.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1349"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.beanybux.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1349"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}