Interview Coaching

INTERVIEW COACHING : INTERVIEW COACHING WELCOME TO THE SESSION

About Shrikumar Menon… : About Shrikumar Menon… Corporate and Career Guidance Consultant Visiting Faculty to many prestigious educational Institutions in India, Dubai and Srilanka Author of the inspirational book “Live with Passion” and eBook “50 FAQ’s in Interviews” Internet Educator on Career and Interview coaching Over 10,000 students enrolled in my online/offline sessions all over India, Middle East and South East Asia in a span of 5 years.

Most candidates are not aware of how to approach the GAME called INTERVIEW : 3 Most candidates are not aware of how to approach the GAME called INTERVIEW

As a result, they often stumble into the biggest interviewing traps : 4 As a result, they often stumble into the biggest interviewing traps Background research Background research Background research Research & preparation Not having a strategy for different types of interviews Not knowing different kinds of decision makers and what they are looking for in the interview Not knowing the 3 interview stages Not having a profile of characteristics & preferences Not directly tying personal background to job requirements Not knowing how to answer common interview questions Not knowing how to handle liabilities or ‘lack-ofs’ Not paying enough attention to body language Not knowing what questions to ask employer Not scheduling properly Not asking important pre-interview questions Not asking for the next meeting, at the end of the interview Not following-up after the interview Handling logistics Managing the interview effectively

Each decision maker has a different agenda and you must prepare/behave accordingly : 5 Each decision maker has a different agenda and you must prepare/behave accordingly Looking for leadership qualities - decisiveness, passion, intensity, work ethic, integrity High level things, not too much of detail Senior executives Checking for competencies to do the day-to-day tasks well (technical, business and soft skills) More detailed Hiring managers Checking that you fit qualifications of the job Overall fit with team/culture and potential to grow with the company Human resources

Manage the interview in three stages for maximum success and impact : 6 Manage the interview in three stages for maximum success and impact Rapport building 1 Job fitting 2 Stating your interest 3 Take a few minutes in the beginning to build rapport Engage in general ‘chit-chat’ conversation to help develop some connection Non-official Do some preparation through internet research, to find common interests and other information Primary goal is to position yourself as most qualified candidate Show how well you fit the job requirements Connect the dots for the employer Make it a 2 way dialogue and take a proactive role in steering the interview Show some excitement and enthusiasm for the company and its: Culture Mission Values … Ask questions

Researching the industry and company is crucial to perform well at interviews : 7 Researching the industry and company is crucial to perform well at interviews Industries trends Key players Factors for success Company vision/mission Competitive position and strategy Culture Growth and profitability Key executives Recent news Industry Company

Once you know the job requirements you can show how well you meet those needs : 8 Once you know the job requirements you can show how well you meet those needs Job requirements/Ideal candidate Your skills, background X Y Z Outperform other candidates Extent to which you meet each requirement Project your characteristics (CAR exercise) that match the specific job requirements Show the interviewer how well you fit the requirements by highlighting all your relevant characteristics only Gives tremendous confidence that you will perform well and stay longer with the company

Slide 9 : 9 Background research Not having a strategy for different types of interviews Not knowing different kinds of decision makers and what they are looking for in the interview Not knowing the 3 interview stages Not having a profile of characteristics & preferences Not directly tying personal background to job requirements Not knowing how to answer common interview questions Not knowing how to handle liabilities or ‘lack-ofs’ Not paying enough attention to body language Not knowing what questions to ask employer Not scheduling properly Not asking important pre-interview questions Not asking for the next meeting, at the end of the interview Not following-up after the interview Handling logistics Managing the interview effectively

Do not speak too much and give long winded answers : 10 Do not speak too much and give long winded answers Studies have shown that, in general, people who get hired: Follow the 50-50 rule 50% of time speaking and 50% listening Answer each question in a timeframe lasting between 20 seconds and 2 minutes. No more

Tell me about yourself? : 11 Tell me about yourself? Use positioning/personal brand statement Objective of developing a brand/positioning statement is to leave a lasting impression with the employer Short story that is comprised of critical messages that positions you as unique and valuable to the employer Like a 1 minute personal commercial Clear and concise language to summarise 3 things Education and/or experience Key accomplishments and and/or assets Unique strengths/talents Needs to be scripted and rehearsed (but shouldn’t come across as rehearsed) During all contact (interview, resume, cover letter, etc.) reinforce the messages in your personal brand statement Only provide information that is relevant for the specific position What not to say “What would you like to know” Talking about where you were born/raised, how many children you have, any other personal/non-job related information

What are your salary requirements? : 12 What are your salary requirements? Way to quickly eliminate candidates early on You have nothing to benefit by answering this question in initial selection stages Address it after you know more about the company/ position and have sold yourself to them You can then negotiate salary effectively Sample responses: “I’m interested in knowing more about the position and will then be able to make an estimate of the salary” “I’m interested in the position but don’t have enough details at this point to make an estimate of the salary. What range are you looking at? If they really press you for an answer. Give a broad range and mention that it is negotiable based on job requirement and total compensation package

What are you strengths? : 13 What are you strengths? Focus on concrete and tangible job skills which are needed to be successful in the role (e.g. increasing sales, managing turnaround or merger, written communications, software programming) Most people give generic and clichés as answers Good with people, focussed, hardworking You need to use new and powerful language instead Incorporate a short CAR story What not to say “I’m a really great person and team player and I’m sure I’ll fit right into your organisation” (The problem: too subjective and intangible)

What are you weaknesses? : 14 What are you weaknesses? You certainly don’t want to give a valid reason or shortcoming for not hiring you Site a trait that was challenge in the past but which you have learned to overcome. Always end on positive note You don’t want to use clichéd language either I’m a perfectionist, I try too hard, I’m think too much about the team Again use CAR stories if appropriate What not to say “I don’t really have any” “I know the job required computer skills and I really don’t have much experience with that (the problem: this is a shortcoming not a weakness)

What are your career goals? : 15 What are your career goals? “I want to use my skills in a challenging role and interesting role” “I also want to keep working in companies that match my personal characteristics and traits” Gives the message that you only target jobs for which you are a good fit Makes interviewer more comfortable

What did you like most/least about your last position? : 16 What did you like most/least about your last position? Tie your answers into what the needs of that job are Turn it around – “There was one thing that I would have liked more in that position” Example of good response “Though I liked most aspects of the job and company, the one limitation for the lack of customer interaction”

Why did you leave your last job? : 17 Why did you leave your last job? Keep it short and sweet Don’t be negative or complain about your previous employer/role If laid off, simply mention that the company was downsizing Clearly state that it was not for performance Similar response as question - What did you like least about your last position?

Why do you want to work here, or, Why should be hire you? : 18 Why do you want to work here, or, Why should be hire you? Again, reinforce key message in your brand/positioning statement Again, say how your skills and personality are a good fit for the company This will convince them that you will perform well and stay with them longer

Liabilities can be managed by using the ‘acknowledge and re-direct’ technique : 19 Liabilities can be managed by using the ‘acknowledge and re-direct’ technique Examples Response Acknowledge: “I appreciate and understand your raising that issue Redirect: I know xyz was one of the requirements for the job Question: If I can demonstrate that I have use such skills successfully and been exposed to them in my xyz experience, would that help relieve your concern?” Then follow with a story to illustrate Gaps in resume Not meeting skill requirements directly Not having right degree Not having worked in the industry yet

Body language is as important as the actual words you use : 20 Body language is as important as the actual words you use Examples of positive signals Making natural eye contact Warm open smile Relaxed movements/appearance Proper handshake Sitting up-straight (but relaxed) Leaning slightly forward and looking attentive Hands away from pockets and face Feet planted firmly on ground Examples of negative signals Closed folded arms Leaning away Being too stiff Too many hand gestures

The day and time of the interview CAN have an effect on how your interview goes : 21 The day and time of the interview CAN have an effect on how your interview goes Better on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Nothing too early or too late in the day. Between 10am and 3pm

Join my Wiziq Online Interview Coaching….! : Join my Wiziq Online Interview Coaching….! What do you get when you Join? 10 hours of Online Training on Interview and Life Coaching Example workbooks – both Empty & Completed ones 6 month Access to Online Classroom Free ebook

Thank you and I WILL SEE YOU AT THE TOP : Thank you and I WILL SEE YOU AT THE TOP You can contact me at: Email: shrikumar01@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/shrikumarmenon