Black In Business

When in an interview for employment you often are asked to review your work history. You will be asked to explain why you left certain positions or companies. On the flip side you may be asked why you stayed so long. There may be a situation where your performance was below par and you are asked to explain why. The interviewer will have interest in your answer but your body language and composure offers just as much insight. If you are not comfortable it will show, if you are smooth as silk and confident in your answer, it will turn a potentiality bad situation into a neutral or positive one.
Prior to going on a interview, anticipate areas in your past that you could be challenged on.Develope a logical explanation that is fact based and with out anger and resist the temptation to bad mouth. For example, if your results show years of great numbers, but suddenly you have a bad year, you will have to explain. The numbers may have been poor due to something the company did and was beyond your control. Let’s say your company suffered a recall. Quickly explain the situation and the fact you anticipated customer resistance. Now talk about the tremendous effort you made to reach your goal and the things you tried different. The numbers are what they are but you can articulate a never say never attitude and tactical mind.
After the interview, review the salient points of discussion. You will want to send a follow up correspondence and remind the interviewer of your value, point by point. Some top interviewers provide a 90 day action plan. The action plan can be reviewed during the interview or sent attached to the thank you follow up letter.
Interviewing is a science and it is something you may not want to an expert at but need some knowledge of. I hope to hear from you guys about your best and worst interviews, either as the interviewer or the person being interviewed.