Interview: The Kiss of Death x5

You’ve got a fool-proof resume chucked full of all the experience and education and you get the big call for an interview. Aside from arming yourself in a business suit and bearing a folder-full of references, is there anything you can do to better prepare yourself for a superior interview without knowing in advance what the questions will be? The answer might not be with the questions your interviewer asks, but perhaps with the questions you ask. Curious if even your most minor inquiries can sabotage your job interview? Oh they can—read on.

Number one kiss of death: When will I get a raise? No matter how much you want to know the answer, don’t inquire about a raise until at least your second interview, and even then, you must take a tactful approach concerning the subject. In this economy, many people have been downsized or laid off and are taking jobs below their typical pay. For this reason, you’ll probably find it necessary to factor in the raises before you can make the best decision about accepting a job. Try this instead: Does the company perform annual or semi-annual reviews for feedback and salary review?”

Number two kiss of death: Exactly what do you do at this company? It’s your responsibility to know this information and if you don’t prior to applying, Google the heck out of the company name, type of company, product or services is designs, provides, performs, whatever—do it yourself. If you don’t, there’s a long line of folks who will. Try this instead: Uh, nothing—just don’t ask dumb questions...

Number three kiss of death: Will you do a background check or drug test? Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy…and yet employers keep telling us they’re hearing these questions regularly during interview sessions. Way to red-flat the interviewer that undertaking such checks or test might be a problem for you. As best as I can figure, this question emerges from nervous conversation…? Please tell me that’s the case. Try this instead: Is there a facility you’d like me to submit to for a drug test? And/or: Can I provide you with any additional information to assist you in checking my background, references or credentials?

Number four kiss of death: Do you have smoke breaks? This tells a potential employer where your priorities lie and also indicates a lack of self control. Probably at some point the issue of smoking will come up in an advanced portion of a job interview, and hopefully not because you’ve entered an office reeking of the smell of your habit. But the subject may arise. Try this instead: I am a smoker. Are there any policies regarding tobacco use that I should be aware of at this facility?

Number five kiss of death: Is my depression medication covered under your insurance policy?—or any other type specific medication relating to mental health issues, no matter how common or mundane the issue is. Look—we know that at least half the nation is on one type of medication or other for such issues—but it’s certainly nobody’s business and is an issue to be taken up later on via an insurance provider hotline designated for such inquiries. There’s no shame in it, it’s just an inappropriate question to ask your interviewer, and yet it makes the list of top twenty (roughly) questions asked at an interview. Only during an advanced interview session, you may try this: The insurance plan looks solid—is there a reasonable prescription plan that goes along with it?

Chances are good that the interviewer will ask you if you have any questions for him or her regarding the position or the company. It’s not mandatory that you have any for show if the interview has been a thorough one. But if you do, word wisely, be tactful, and know when to shut up, frankly. Now, go get ‘em, tiger.

Most Wanted!

Ever wish you could get inside the mind of your perspective employer and figure out exactly what he or she is looking for in a new hire? Beyond the skills necessary for the job you are applying for, there is a skill set that is most wanted by employers. Once you understand these wants, you revamp your resume and general outlook to make yourself a more viable employment candidate.

You’ve got to have analytical skills: Do you have the ability to analyze whatever situation is presented to you? Can you identify the issues and/or problems and then look for the most likely solutions?
How you list analytical skills on your resume: Demonstrate talent for identifying issues and streamlining multifaceted work processes. Good, huh?

You’ve got to have communication skills: Probably should have listed this one first, as communication is the key to all things problem-solving. Are you an effective listener? Do you remember and respond appropriately? The key to good communications, oddly, is good listening skills.
How to list communication skills on your resume: Able to listen and communicate effectively to facilitate problem solving in the workplace.

You’ve got to have mad computer skills: If you don’t know how to operate the standard computer programs, take a class or get a mentor. Better yet, have your middle-school kid teach you a thing or two about getting around the World Wide Web. You’ll need to know everything about Microsoft Office and anything that pertains to the position you’re applying for.
How to list communications skills on your resume: Computer and software proficiency in a wide variety of programs. Sounds better than mad computer skills, does it not?

You’ve got to have organization skills: If you know where you’re going to be from minute to minute, it’s easier to know what’s going on around you. It’s makes you a shoo-in for leadership positions.
How to list organization skills on your resume: Highly efficient organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects at the same time.

You’ve got to be aware of office political correctness: Be sensitive to others’ backgrounds, sex, preferences, etc. and handle any conversation regarding such with dignity and utmost kindness. Employ this in your everyday life as well.
How to list PC on your resume: You don’t—everyone who’s looking at your application assumes that anyone applying for a serious job brings these courtesies to the work table. So don’t blow it, okay?

You’ve got to be a team player: If you can’t be part of the team, it’s out of the question that any potential employer will ever see you as being a team leader. Besides, employers want folks who’ll fit in, work hard, and not try to step all over each other on a personal climb to the top.
How to list teamwork on your resume: Builds trusting relationships with colleagues and customers.

These are just a handful of the most wanted characteristics employers are seeking from job applicants. The goal is to enhance the company workforce by selecting an individual who is hard-working and earnest, smart, polite and a team player. By continually practicing these skills and knowing how to put them into written form, you can improve your chances of getting the job you most want!