This July, as we see the job market thinning once again it is probably a good idea to run through some basic weak-market interviewing tips. Gerri Willis, the personal finance Editor for the CNN Business News, recently shared her thoughts on the matter.
Tip #1—“It’s not about you”
Willis mentioned that companies in rough shape are looking for people who see the bigger picture and know that their own success will come with the rising success of the company as a whole. If you go into an interview thinking only about how the company will fit your needs, it will show through and turn off your interviewer.
Tip #2—“Practice, practice, practice”
Willis also discussed the need for interview preparation. She said that we should never go into an interview without thinking through the interview ahead of time. This is true in even the best of economic times, but an unprepared answer in a tight job market could make all the difference in being hired. Go through your resume and be prepared to answer any questions an employer may ask about it.
Tip #3—“Discuss money last”
Willis’ final tip was to put the discussion of money last in an interview. Of course your salary will be a major issue, but it is bad form to bring it up early in the interview. As mentioned in the first Tip, an employer is looking for team players that will work to increase the success of a company. Discussing salary too early tells an employer that your priorities are not in line with his.
