Black In Business

There are some highly talented and experienced people looking for jobs. Your resume represents you as a part of the job search process. We discussed the resume in my 3 previous posts. Let’s assume your resume has piqued interests in your candidacy for a position. Are you ready to present your self as the best choice for hire? Normally this is done in an interview.
People look for jobs for different reasons. Some are fresh out of college, some have been out of the market for various reasons, and some are dissatisfied with their current job status. What ever your reason for seeking a job is, you will need to be able and willing to articulate it in a positive confident manner. This is critical to comprehend. If you hate your boss, or were unfairly let go, dress it up. If you are angry about your current status, take the time to understand why and calm yourself prior to job hunting. Do not be bitter, don’t worry, be happy!
We mentioned an executive profile statement as an introduction to your resume. That profile describes you as a executive. The traits you use to describe your self should be pointed out during your interview. You can refer to positions and what your outcomes of accomplishment were. Now you can describe how you used the traits you referred to in your profile. Your accomplishments are proof of performance and if need be you should have documentation to back your story.
You need to understand what your goal for the interview is. In most cases it will be to receive the approval and backing of the person your are speaking with. You also want to know their goal. “Ms. Hiring manager, Thank you for having this interview with me today. I am very excited about this opportunity and wondering what your goals for todays are meeting?” The answer will be to access your fit for this position. “Ms Hiring manager, I know your time is valuable, and I want to be sure to address the right criteria to help with your assessment. What are the most important things about myself I can share that will with your decision making?” The answer could be your experience managing change, your track record of hitting profits, and the logic of the career decisions you have made.
“Ms. Hiring manager, if we are fortunate today and I am able to successfully show you examples of change management I led that provided record sustainable profits and additionally explained to logic of my decision making, would you support my candidacy?” You only ask this question one time because most managers will not commit but it will show you are confident.
Answer all questions with examples from your resume of accomplishments and preferably those that can be numerical. Do not speak poorly about your company or boss, be positive and be confident. It is important to dress well and you are better being over dressed rather than under dressed. I prefer a business suit and tie for men and like wise business wear for women. Even you are told the company is business casual, you are better with at least a sport coat and nice slacks, with a tie for men. It is the same for women; do not show up casual for a business interview.
Ask the interviewer for feed back, “Did I answer your question to your satisfaction?” As you are closing the interview, you need to have researched the company prior so you can ask about their strategy, competition and new products. The internet or an annual report will provide a lot of information.
Your last question provides you an opportunity to learn how the interview went. “What are the first projects you need me to take off your hands when I start? How about you, any interview tips for us, any stories from either side of the desk? Keep Hope Alive.