The Cafe, a Cup of Coffee and a Job Interview – a Dangerous Brew

May 25th, 2010

I work in a delightful complex. We have a small, efficient café in the middle of our office park run by a lady who has memorised the Christian name of every customer. I can’t tell you how powerful this is. I don’t care if the coffee is a bit ‘burnt’, or the sushi a bit dry. Nothing is more uplifting than the warm personal greeting she gives me when I drop by.

I make a point of not eating at my desk and getting out of the office for a 30 minute lunch break. These breaks are usually at our café. Inevitably I am privy to many conversations – the most common is a job interview.

I probably overhear a job interview once a week… and they make me cringe. I am almost tempted to breeze on over and say, “Excuse me, but I’m an expert in this area and the way you are doing this interview is going to tell you diddly squat about this person’s ability to perform successfully, here’s my card, please call me for some help.” It’s a temping action, but manners always prevail – so far!

What is it about cafes and job interviews?

Is it the notion of relaxing the applicant in the hope of gaining more predictive information? Let me tell you, a general chit chat over a cup of coffee is the poorest predictor of future job performance.

At best it’s going to cost you for the coffee and an hour of wasted time. At worst, if you hire that person,  you are probably going to find that very pleasant, polite, well presented individual you interviewed 6 months ago at the cafe is totally different today – most likely one you’d like to throw a cup of coffee over!!

Maybe its privacy – “Let’s get out of the office to some place quiet for a chat.” There’s nothing private about a café, I know, because I’ve sat at the next table and heard many an individual bare their soul.

In every case the interview questions we horrid – “So tell me about where you’d like to be in 5 years,” or, “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” The only information you’ll get from these questions are opinions.

It’s easy for applicants to give you opinions at an interview. An effective interview seeks to get concrete examples of past behaviour (as it relates to the position) because past behaviour reflects future behaviour.

Another common café observation – the hiring manager is doing all the talking and the applicant all the coffee drinking. Remember the 80/20 rule, when interviewing job applicants, listen 80% and talk 20% of the time.

The informal one-on-one café interview setting is a classic example of the unstructured interview – the worst kind of hiring tool. An unstructured interview leads to bias, snap judgements based on one’s emotional evaluations – “I like this person, they seem very nice, articulate, well presented; they would be perfect for the job.”

Remember, when conducting a job interview, this is the absolute best light you are going to see this person in. It’s easy to be fooled by first appearances. When it comes to an unstructured interview we tend to “rush judge” people. Most managers make up their minds to hire, or not to hire, within the first five minutes.

The best and most valid interviews are conducted in a private setting, with two (or more) interviewers who present the same set of behavioural questions to each candidate. Each question represents a core competency of the job.

Here’s an example: A key competency could be customer service – The question – “Can you please give me an example of the actions you took in a previous job when you were confronted with an abusive customer?”

Most jobs have about 6 to 8 core competencies, so a question for each one will do a good job and take about an hour to get through; I believe the limit for a good interview.

Here’s another tip. Immediately after the interview discuss and rate each of the competencies in relation to the candidate’s answers. This will help you recall the most suitable candidate(s) if you are interviewing several people over a few days.

There are numerous other pitfalls I’ve heard eavesdropping on café interviews, but suffice to say don’t do them – these unstructured interviews are not only the poorest predictor of work performance, but the most expensive (cost of your time) of any tool in the selection process. No wonder employment lawyers are making a nice living and we have an overly worked employment advocacy service!

Rob McKay – Organisational Psychologist – AssessSystems AustNZ Ltd

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Do the Interview & Get the Job Offer – 10 More Questions You May be Asked in a Job Interview & the Best Ways to Handle Them (part 2 of 10)

March 29th, 2010

How to Answer Ten More Tricky Questions you May be Asked in a Job Interview (Part 2 of 10)

Q11- Can you tell me a little about yourself?

This commonly asked question is like an opener to get the interview rolling, Many people like to talk about themselves and after all this question does get at the purpose of the interview in the first place, which is to get information. The employer wants to learn as much as he/she can about you. It also gives the interviewer a chance to watch you in action, see your body signals, poise, etc. This is your golden opportunity to sell yourself by telling about your abilities, past accomplishments, future aspirations, etc. You also have an opportunity to tell about what contributions you think you can make to their company based on what you have done in then past. It also gives you some measure of control over the interview. You could, for instance, answer some of the questions you anticipate they will ask you, rather than just sit back and wait to be asked. Your interviewer should appreciate this because it tells him you are “cutting to the chase” and perhaps saving some time. By doing this you are also displaying your confidence in yourself, your way with words, and perhaps your assertiveness.

Think of the interviewer as a customer and you as a salesman (and the product being sold). Your job is to convince he/she that you are the best product to fill his needs as a customer. Be prepared for this question or some variation because it’s almost a certainty that you will be asked it.

Q12 – Why do you want to work for our company?

This question gives you the opportunity to show the interviewer that you have done your homework and are really interested in their company. Use the information you have gathered about the company to relate to what you have done. Now you can launch into what contributions you think you can make to their company.

Q13 – What position are you after?

The answer to this should be on the tip of your tongue. If you answered and ad, use the same words the ad used. If you aren’t sure what the position is this is a good opportunity to ask the interviewer what the position is and what it entails.

Q14 – What do you consider your outstanding achievements in school and on the job?

These should be on your resume’ in brief form but here you can expand upon them with more detail. Use specific numbers where you can. It’s lots more convincing to say “my suggestion to raise the temperature 10 degrees C. for making product X caused a 10.4 % increase in the production rate for this product and ended up adding $14,350 in additional profit to my company” than to say “I told them to raise the temperature on this one product and it made the company lots more money.

Q15- What is your greatest strength?

A good answer here will undoubtedly increase your chances for a job offer. Consider this another opportunity to tell your prospective employer what you do best. This is not the time to be modest. Just don’t go so far as to sound like a braggart. Here again be specific about why X is your greatest strength. Put numbers on it if you can.

Q16 – Do you plan to make this job your career?

If you are applying for a job as a mail boy to get your foot in the door, resist the temptation to reply with “yeah, I want to be a mail boy the rest of my life” Instead you could say you like what their company does and think you might fit in to one of several areas as openings develop. The absolute WORST answer you could be “I don’t know” Don’t do it.

Go over this question ahead of time and have an answer ready in case they ask.

Q17- What hours are you available to work?

Best answer is that you are flexible and will work whatever hours they need you to work. Any other answer may limit your opportunity to get an offer. Most employers expect their employees to work whatever hours they are assigned and also work overtime if it needed.

Q18 – What minimum salary would you accept?

The answer to this has to be a personal choice but if you think they are just shopping around for the cheapest employee, you might just answer that you are interested in the going rate for the particular position. Another answer is to turn it around and ask them that if they feel you are qualified for the job, to make you an offer.

Q19 – Will you work overtime if it is offered?

The only acceptable answer here is yes. Saying anything else will probably spoil your chances with just about any company.

Q20- Why did you leave your last job?

If you are still working for a company, the simplest answer is I haven’t left the job I have at present. If you are unemployed be sure you have a positive answer here. An answer like ‘I couldn’t get along with my boss’ won’t cut it here. If you were laid off, better have a good reason for it. One of the better answers is you are very ambitious and your previous employer just didn’t have enough opportunity for advancement.

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For more answers to questions, watch for part 3 of 10 in this series of articles.

Good luck at your next interview!.

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Know How To Answer Job Interview Questions

March 1st, 2010

There is nothing I dislike more, than attending a job interview. They are a necessary evil, no doubt, but I have always dreaded them. It seems to me that all you do is show that you are good or bad at job interviews, and not whether you are good at the job you’re a candidate for. Some job interviewers approach the interview very scientifically, reading up on techniques, psychological profiling and so on. For the interviewee, you must know how to answer job interview questions.

A job interview is the art of telling people what you think they want to hear. Having said that, there must be a degree of honesty here. We all exaggerate our experience and skills a bit from time to time, but remember that if you claim to have a four-year track record of flying passenger airplanes, you will need to back it up later on.

To answer job interview questions is to walk a thin tightrope. The questions tend to be designed to find out lots of contrary information. For example, are you a good team player and do you also enjoy working alone? Do you like to lead and are you good at following instructions?

Sometimes, I have been so nervous at job interviews that I don’t listen properly which make it difficult to answer job interview questions at all. In fact, the key is to swallow your nerves and listen intently. Otherwise, you’ll have to wing it. The questions are not there to trip you up, but to find out about you, and what’s more fascinating than talking about yourself!

When I answer job interview questions, I try to be calm and collected. I have had some success with meditation exercises before going into the interview. Some people do the much-recommended technique of imagining the interviewer in his or her underwear. I tried this once and got a fit of the giggles. Unsurprisingly, I did not get the job. Try to think of it as a conversation between equals, rather than a job interview.

The worst situation is when you really don’t want the job. In my younger days when getting a job was a case of needing cash quickly, I went for all manner of different positions. When this is the situation, they always seem to want you to answer job interview questions like, why did you choose their particular company? You have to quickly come up with an answer. Out of all the companies manufacturing ball bearings in the world, why did I choose them? Tough one.

To answer job interview questions is an art. In the end, the only person you can be is yourself. Trying to be who they want you to be is hard to sustain, especially if it’s a panel of interviewers peering at you. Each job interview gets easier. Well, it’s marginally preferable to going to the dentist.

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10 Biggest Job Interviewing Mistakes

January 21st, 2010

Okay, so you made the commitment to go back to school and learn new skills or acquire a degree in order to make yourself more marketable. Now it’s time for the job interview. Just make sure that you don’t waste all those months (and maybe years) of education and skill upgrading and blow it all with a bad job interview.

What are some of the biggest job interview mistakes?

1. The number one biggest job interview mistake is to fail to research the company for which you’re interviewing. It may seem obvious, but many people just don’t do their homework and find out about the company for which they hope to work. For example, have you gone to the company’s website if they have one? Do you know the CEO’s name, the stock ticker symbol (if applicable), and the names of their biggest competitors? Failure to be prepared with knowledge of the company shows disinterest to the interviewer. Make sure you know as much as you can about the company before stepping foot in the interview room.

2. Dressing inappropriately for the interview. Notice the word “inappropriately,” which can imply under-dressed as well as over-dressed. For example, casual clothes are inappropriate for a corporate job. A suit and tie can be inappropriate for a creative job or laid-back company. A cocktail dress is just inappropriate. The more you know about the company, the more you know what appropriate and inappropriate clothing is to that company.

3. Not knowing why you’re there. Be clear you know exactly for what position you’re interviewing. It’s not a job you’re interviewing for, it’s a position, a need you’re fulfilling for the company. How can you convey the fact you’re right for the position if you’re not really clear on what it is?

4. Not being rested. If you’ve partied the night before, are lacking sleep, and didn’t give yourself adequate time to prepare for the interview, it shows. Make sure you get plenty of sleep and your clothes are pressed and ready. In addition, make sure you’ve eaten something before the interview.

5. Not knowing how to physically get to the interview. Many people make the mistake of neglecting to find out exactly where the interview is being held and how to get there. Go to MapQuest or look at a paper map, but make sure you know how to get to the building. You might want to drive the route the night before so you’ll know where to park and how far the building is from the parking lot. If you end up late to your interview because you didn’t know how long the drive would take, or exactly which route to follow, you’ve already lost the interview before stepping in the room.

6. Not defining your strengths. Leave a positive impression with the interviewer about what benefit they would receive by hiring you. This is where you really have to market yourself and let the interviewer know what you can do for them. You have to let the company know what sets you apart from all the other applicants.

7. Not asking questions. When the interviewer asks you at the end of the interview if you have any questions for them, are you prepared with 3-4 intelligent questions, or do you just smile and say, “not really.” Interviewers like it that you ask questions. But, make them questions that show your interest in the company. Steer away from questions like “and how many vacation days do I get again?”

8. Trying too hard. It’s tricky, but the real key is to just be yourself and don’t try too hard to be liked. You know people who try too hard – they laugh at all your jokes, even when they’re not jokes; they show fake enthusiasm and they overly agree with everything you say. Don’t be that person. Be you.

9. Not listening. Don’t let your mind wander in the interview, stay focused on what is being said. Don’t miss the current question by trying to anticipate the next one. And, don’t get carried away by your internal critic who’s critiquing everything you’re doing. If you make a mistake, don’t focus on the criticism in your head, but, rather, focus on what the interviewer is talking about.

10. Criticizing your former boss. Above all, don’t dish the dirt about your current or former employment. Be graceful about any disagreement you are having or have had with your former boss. If you start criticizing former employers, the interviewer might think you might do the same regarding your employment with them someday.

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Trying To Get A Job? Do Away With These Job Interview Booboos

December 13th, 2009

Whether you like it or not, you have to be careful of how you project yourself during those crucial job interviews. Irritating habits like twirling your mustache when you’re talking to friends should be dumped fast. Annoying habits distract tired interviewers and will cost job applicants their chances of being hired.

The Job Interview Booboos

During job interviews, job applicants commit deadly slip-ups. Some go to the job interview inappropriately garbed, chew gum to calm their nerves, and sometimes project that self-assurance verging on the brazen. Others are so petrified that they barely squeak out their replies and cannot make eye-contact.

Some interview snafus to avoid are not knowing the interviewer’s name, not knowing anything about the company, smoking, arriving late for the interview, answering the question before it is completed, sitting down before you are offered to take a seat, using too much hand gestures, bad mouthing previous employers – the list goes on and on.

The Job Interview

The interview is handled by the company’s Human Resource division. In small or medium-sized businesses, the business owner usually tackles the job. Whether you are applying for a job at McDonalds’ or at the neighborhood’s Mom ‘n Pop grocery, be prepared.

The job interview determines the applicant’s potential and ability to work well with a team, to cope under stress, and to understand written and oral instructions.

The interviewer has a set of questions, which are followed up with inquiries adapted to each interviewee’s unique circumstance. These may be innocuous, but these are actually probing queries designed to check out the applicants’ capabilities for the vacant slot in the company or establishment. Hence, you have to be ready for these questions, so do your homework before the big day.

Before the Interview

The first thing in your “to-do” list should be a review of your application letter and resume. For those in-between jobs and have worked for several companies, expect that the interviewer will ask why they have resigned from the other companies. New job entrants like you will be quizzed on their academic records and previous training for the post.

Whatever the questions, give honest answers. For each lie you give, you’ll be hard-put trying to remember the answers you gave and you’ll get caught in the web of your deceit. Job interviewers are masters at the game and know how to read your body language, so beware.

These are a few examples of questions that maybe asked from those in-between jobs:

* Why can’t you stay in a job for longer than two or three years?
* What makes you think the job is for you?
* What can you contribute if you are hired?
* How did you get along with your previous employers and co-workers?

For fresh college graduates or first time job seekers, these questions are likely to crop up:

* Why should we hire you?
* Why have you selected this company?

Another thing you should include in your to-do list is to know important facts about the company. Knowing some company processes and services, and even the name of the company’s proprietor, can give you a boost. Should the interviewer ask what you know about the company, you’re ready.

Choose a comfortable outfit and shoes. Don’t wear all your jewelry. Take a look at yourself in the mirror in your “professional outfit” and observe how you project yourself while walking, sitting down, and using your hand gestures. You can take along one of your leather business card cases in case the interviewer asks for your calling card. The best advice? Always build up your resume and match your answers with what you’ve stated on paper.

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