It isn’t enough just to go after getting an interview. If you want a job offer you have to prepare for and research each company you are offered an interview with. You have obviously done some work while having your resume developed or writing it yourself. The research and preparation is a great start for your interview but it won’t put you ahead of the masses. Below are 5 secrets you need to know if you want to really catch the decision maker’s attention at your next interview.

Know the company you intend to interview with – Take time to thoroughly learn about the company or companies you will be interviewing with. The research should include reading their company website, searching (Googling) the company on the internet, finding potential contacts from their company on LinkedIn, and reading what the media and their competition has to say as well. You will impress the interviewers if you are comfortable and confident talking with them about the company.

Know how you can help them – If you want to capture the attention of the interviewer, try finding out what the biggest problems the company or department are currently facing and find ways you can help.

Strategies to help the company may include a developing a business or project plan, locating contacts for needed resources or having the skills or experience needed to resolve a specific problem. Figure out your plan before the interview and then WoW them with your preparation. Even if they don’t use your plan, your determination and critical thinking is sure to impress them.

Know the culture of the company – While you are busy researching each company you are considering interviewing with, don’t forget to study their individual corporate culture. It is important, sometimes more than your related skill or experience, that you fit in with the culture, philosophy and values of the company. Your resume will let them know your skills, but the interview will secure your fit. Save you and the company time and resources by getting a feel for the company before you participate in an interview.

Know your answers to questions most likely asked – Make sure to spend time preparing for those typical and not so typical behavioral/situation questions that will be asked at the interview, because they will be asked. Keep the answers focused on the good of the company, tying your values in with theirs, while still being truthful.

It often helps to write out your answers on paper so you can be sure to include all the right information for each question. Then, practice saying your answers several times until they feel natural to say.

Know your resume! – Don’t forget to know your resume. Right now it sometimes takes a few months before you are offered an interview.  Most of the time the hiring manager will use your resume as an outline to follow for the interview. Whether you have written it yourself or had someone write it; reread your resume several times to refresh your memory. You do not want to be blind-sided by a quote from your resume that you don’t recall and can’t respond to. Know your resume!

Just as in any debate, meeting, presentation or interview, in order to be successful and sound polished you must prepare. The company you are interviewing with have spent a good deal of time identifying the skills, experience and type of person they want working with them. It is your responsibility to yourself and you next employer to do the same. The results will be a more effective and responsive interview and will help you stand out as one sharp candidate. So, give it a try, you’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain!

Wednesday’s Q&A

Question: Can a smile really land you a job?

Answer: A smile is so incredibly powerful. It is proven to release chemicals that relax, it takes fewer muscles to make then a frown, and it can make or break a meeting.

Smiles are written about, sung about, drawn, worn as bumper stickers and t-shirts and are used in many quotes from the famous and not so famous including Phyllis Diller who said, “The curve of a smile sets everything straight”. It affects your appearance too, as George Eliot reminded us, “Wear a smile and have friends; wear a scowl and have wrinkles”.  Do you want laugh lines or frown lines?

My favorite quote is from an unknown author, it states, “The shortest distance between two people is a smile”.

If you want to break the ice when meeting people for the first time during an interview remember to smile … often. This doesn’t mean laugh and giggle in a nervous annoyance. It means to look at those you are talking with and give a genuine smile.

When asking for help in your job search, inviting contacts for coffee or lunch to get reacquainted, meeting new contacts, networking, talking with recruiters, administrative or HR support or the hiring manager the first and most natural response should be a smile.

Smiles are a nonverbal communication shared throughout the world. Your smile is more than displaying teeth or curving lips, it is a physical change in your attitude and approachability. When a smile is received it also causes a biological response by mimicking a return smile, so if you want to make others feel comfortable S-M-I-L-E !

A genuine smile and approachable appearance will be remembered as much as your stories, experience and skills you share during an interview. Will a smile land you a job, maybe not on its’, but it can certainly be the thing that interviewers remember and may be a deciding factor at some point.

The little things really do make the biggest differences – It can’t hurt and it will actually make you feel better – try it today!

Tuesday’s Tips

Since I am working at the Womenforhire.com job fair in downtown Detroit most of today I thought it would be appropriate to share this with you. It is a information I have at my table when I work job fairs. When there I provide resume critiques, answers questions and just boost confidence for job seekers when I can. Most job seekers don’t enjoy looking for a new job and are not sure how to maneuver through the different networking opportunities such as a job fair. Hopefully these tips will help you succeed at the next career fair you attend.

Knowing which questions to ask will put you in front of the right decision makers and bring you more productive results. How you respond to questions and what you ask at a career fair, will give recruiters and hiring managers a great deal of information on your commitment to your job search, character and your potential as an employee.

Top 7 Keys for Preparation and Success at a Career Fair

1. Spend time thinking through and even writing out, answers to the questions below and other questions or information you want to convey – preparation is key!

2. If possible, find out which companies will be participating in the career fair and do some research ahead of time; it will help you identify the companies of interest to you and provide material to discuss during interviews at the fair.

3. It is a great idea to have business cards made with your name, contact information, and the position you are interested in along with several achievements, skills, education, or achievements that make you a great candidate. You can pass these out with your resume.

4. Arrive early, dress professionally and prepare to stay late. Make sure you bring plenty of resumes, mints, and a water bottle. Don’t forget to smile, be confident, shake hands, hold eye contact, and have fun!

5. Review the company list when you arrive and visit your targeted companies more than once to make sure you are remembered.

6. Visit with other candidates, it is a great way to get their feedback on companies, learn more about unfamiliar companies and share information, just one more vehicle to grow your network.

7. When talking with recruiters and hiring managers try and match their communication style to build a strong rapport, faster. This is a more informal type of interviewing so don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Top 7 Questions You Will Be Asked by Recruiters and Hiring Managers

1. Why Should I hire you instead of some other qualified candidate?
2. What are your short and long term goals?
3. Where do plan on being in your career in 5 years?
4. What are your 3 greatest strengths and 3 greatest weaknesses?
5. How do you work independently? In a team environment?
6. How do you handle conflict?
7. What is the biggest accomplishment you have achieved in the past 6 months?

Top 7 Questions for You to Ask Recruiters and Hiring Managers

1. Tell me more about the position I would be applying for?
2. What is the environment and culture of the department and company?
3. What is the management style of the manager I would report directly to?
4. What are the main problems or projects currently being addressed in the industry, company, and division I would be in?
5. What, if any, is the training and professional development received by new hires?
6. What is the hiring process used by your company?
7. When can I expect to hear from you?

Thursday’s Review 

I’m sure we can all agree that we need some encouragement and understanding of the opportunities that come with major changes in environments. So, in keeping with this thought I decided to investigate the top industries and positions that job seekers looking for change or just getting started can hopefully check out to see if one of these industries could be a viable career choice for you.

 New graduates out there, keep in mind the future is where you need to be looking, not the present. See what industries are hot and focus on starting your search in those areas.

According to an expert in the area of careers Marty Nemko, Contributing columnist for Kiplinger.com, in his March 2009 updated article, 13 Hot Jobs in Hard Times here is his list:

Accounting

Education

Entertainment Industry

Utilities

Repairers

Energy Industry

Health Care

Senior Services

Law Enforcement

The Clergy

Repossession, Foreclosure, and Debt collection Industries

Government Work

I also checked out the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) the government provides as part of its annual statistics. For the 2008-2009 year this is what they’ve come up with for the 30 Fastest Growing Occupations:

Network systems and data communications

Personal and home care aides

Home health aides

Computer software engineers,

Veterinary technologists and technicians

Personal financial advisors

Makeup artists, theatrical and performance

Medical assistants

Veterinarians

Substance abuse and behavioral disorder Counselors

Skin Care Specialists

Financial Analysts

Social and human service assistants

Gaming surveillance officers and gaming

Moderate-term on-the-Investigators

Physical Therapists Assistant

Pharmacy Technicians

Forensic Science Technicians

Dental Hygienists

Mental Health and substance abuse social workers

Mental Health Counselors

Marriage and Family Therapy

Dental Assistant

Computer systems analysts

Database Administrators

Computer software engineers, systems Software

Gaming and sports book writers and runners

Environmental science and protection technicians, including health

Manicurists and pedicurists

Physical therapists

Physicians Assistant

What this means to you as a job seeker is that if you are completely up in the air on what direction you want to look to find a new career, this is a good start. As I’ve discussed in other articles, doing what interests you and what you are good at also have to be deciding factors. However, if you’ve got experience, education, or a desire do what it takes to find a career that is sustainable I would look into these industries and jobs and see what areas are worth taking a closer look.

Opportunity seems to still be hiding for some but take a closer look and you’ll see it’s getting easier to find every day! Shine On Job Hunters!

Soon-to-be new graduates are once again revving up their job searches by now, either looking for internships or entry level jobs in the “real” world. It is hard for all job seekers right now but new graduates especially may find the process overwhelming. So, I’ve included a few great secrets that job seekers learn after several trips through the job search process from which new graduates could really benefit.

Secret #1 - Just like when trying to start up an exercise routine or any new skill – it takes time and accountability. Find someone also looking for work and help each other through the good, bad, and ugly that you’ll undoubtedly see during your search. Two job seekers equal, two sets of ears and eyes, and twice the amount of research, networking, contact development and basic ground covered.

Jobs won’t come looking for you – you need to be aggressive and motivated in your career search. Secret #2… jobs are found through contacts, not job boards. Network-Network-Network! Get involved in groups, social networks – live and via the internet, volunteer programs, and associations in your area and in your industry. Get the word out, make contacts and get in through the back door to avoid the gate keepers!

The final secret, Secret #3 revealed today is to be nice. It sounds simple but easily overlooked, especially by new graduates that are full of ideas of what they should act like – remember to be grateful. Make friends with the competition and try and help others. Aggressive is fine, but people will respond to the humble or grateful much quicker than to those that are pushy and rude.

Send thank you notes to those helping you, make a name for yourself as someone others would want to work with and for, and would want to refer to others. It will stay with you and help you throughout your entire career.

Shine On New Job Seekers!