I have spoken to dozens of job seekers who have responded to our
"Standing up for Journalism" initiative. Each of them has reinforced that today’s job market is a challenge. The media industry has laid off more than 3,000 folks, new graduates have just entered the job market and the baby boomers are not all ready to retire.
In the face of this fierce competition, just getting an interview is work. So when you do manage to secure that opportunity, the last thing you want to do is blow it.
I found a CNN.com link on
eight mistakes to avoid in interviewing. Their tips are good advice and can act as a guide to help folks who fret about that face-to-face meeting with a potential new employer.
And let me add my perspective.
Don’t bad-mouth your last boss or your last employer. You are presenting yourself. Your work history is important, but remember that negative comments tend to reflect on you. The interviewer is not meeting your former employers.
Be prepared with questions. If you care, you are curious. Take time to think about relevant questions that show your desire to be successful in the new position.
Don’t ask for personal needs to be satisfied until an offer is presented. Asking for vacation, compensation and benefits before the offer is placed is not only presumptive but also jumping the gun. You could shoot yourself in the foot.
Be careful not to sound entitled to a future by asking how long it might be until you get a promotion. You are interviewing for a position the employer will most likely want to see someone fulfill, grow in and make successful. Talking about the next step too early in the process can leave the impression that you are focused only on your future and not the company’s.
Small talk is just that -- insignificant. Build rapport by showing interest in the other person. Focus on questions that relate to the company and his/her role and responsibilities in the company. Find out why that person came to the company and what makes him/her continue to enjoy his/her job.
Scripted answers don’t impress employers. Have bullet points to keep yourself on track, but respond sincerely to the questions asked and let the conversation be natural.
Keep bitterness behind you. When you are angry you don’t sway anyone’s opinion.
The best advice I found in the CNN column? "This is a conversation between a couple of humans that are trying to get a good understanding of one another. Act accordingly."
