The MicroTrain Blog

Don’t Kill the Interview

by Kassandra McGhee on February 8th, 2011

Interviews can be tricky and you’d be surprised what an interviewer might be thinking! 

They saw your resume, thought you were a good fit, and almost breathed a sigh of relief because maybe their search for the right candidate was finally over. Until…you said the wrong thing and perhaps just killed the interview!

Yes, there are definitely things you can say to either help or hurt yourself during a job interview.  Want to know what they are?

Lack of Insight

“Tell me about yourself.”  This is an almost inevitable job interview question, so be prepared! Review the job ad and pay close attention to the qualifications and requirements.  Make sure you tailor your responses to fit what they are looking for in the ideal candidate.  Be the answer and the solution to fix their problem!

Now That’s Enough

Knowing when to say when is important.  As impressive as your skills and qualifications are, make sure to keep your answers clear and concise.  Always give an example to explain your qualifications and experience, but remember that 30 – 45 second responses should be your goal. 

Asking The Wrong Question

What’s off limits? The perks: salary, benefits, vacation, etc.  Focus on what you can do for the company, knowing the company will provide compensation for your services.  Also, by doing your research prior to the interview, you will have information on the job’s salary range.  

Is That Your Final Answer?

Ask yourself is there any other information you should provide that identifies you as the best candidate for the position.  Ask the employer, “Is there any other information I can provide regarding my qualifications that can help you make a hiring decision?”  Be prepared to “close the deal” and sell them on why you are right person for the job!

You have the skills the employer is looking forward and your resume has successfully opened the door! Now the interview is your time to shine, close the deal and get that job! 

Looking for more interviewing tips?  Check out this week’s Hump Day Hunting Help Blog!

Hump Day Hunting Help: February 2, 2011

by Kassandra McGhee on February 3rd, 2011

Tip of the Week:  Do You Hear What I Hear?

“I have a problem!  And I need a solution, now!”  This is what any job opening at any company is saying.  But are you listening? Are you really hearing what the employer is looking for?  Can you confidently tell a hiring manager why you are the best candidate for the job?  Even if that initial interview just happens to be spur of the moment?

Well to get that ideal job, a solid elevator speech should be included in your interviewing tool kit!

  • Do you know your product?
  • Do you know your customers?
  • And just what will make them want to learn more?

Here are some articles that can help you build a job-winning “sales pitch!”

 

 

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I attended a resume writing seminar & conducted mock phone interviews with a Microtrain career counselor. These two activities gave me a leg up on distinguishing myself from all the other people looking for work. Since the career counselor's at Microtrain had a track record of getting people hired, their insight and positive past experiences helped me tremendously in getting hired with a Cisco Voice Systems Integrator in the Chicago area. I was hired as a Cisco Voice Tech Engineer with a starting salary of $65,000 / year with a Cisco voice systems reseller located in the Chicagoland area. Microtrain was very instramental in making this a reality. From expediting my WIA grant, to providing excellent hands-on training from knowledgable instructors I was able to achieve becoming certified with my CCNP. Microtrain's career services was the final catalyst in connecting me with this company by communicating with them on my behalf and with me in setting up the interview. One week later and I was hired. No joke. Thanks Microtrain!

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I was laid off for many months and not really getting many callbacks for my resume and no job offers. After I put the letters PMP on it, not only did I see an increase in quantity, but also quality of interviews. I had been spinning my wheels for 5 months, and after the PMP went on, I had 2 job offers in 6 weeks. It really was the "golden ticket"

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