'Winging it' won't cut it in today's job interview



If job hunters didn't realize that it is a very different labour market now than it was a year or two ago, they will quickly understand it when they sit down for their first interview, say recruiters.

"Candidates need to be aware the market has changed," says Sharlene Massie, chief executive of About Staffing in Calgary. "There are candidates who still feel there is no competition for jobs, so they can be picky, ask for the moon, say no to good offers, but they should be treating every opportunity as the golden one."

Don't go into an interview expecting a huge raise or even a big step forward because there's a larger selection of candidates now. Employers are no longer in a rush to woo job hunters.

When it comes to shining during a job interview, however, there are some critical things every job hunter needs to be aware of. Adapting to the current labour market is the first step to a successful interview.

"I think people on the job market today are more serious about it," says Debbie Wershler, vice-president of workforce management with Bowen Workforce Solutions in Calgary. "They used to be able to get away with cutting corners or winging it, ... but you have to be prepared now."

The basics count more than ever. Research the company well: Know who is who in the company, what the opportunity involves, why it is vacant and ask questions about what you don't know, advises Massie.

Courtesies count. Be on time, be dressed for the job, make eye contact, shake hands, take notes, say thank you and follow up.

While you shouldn't have really high expectations, you also should not aim too low. "You only have one shot at negotiation, so you've got to seize it at that point in time because you undersell yourself, then you live with it forever after," says Wershler. "I wouldn't say be overly modest. I'd say be realistic."

Try to avoid some of those salary discussions up front or leave it in the hiring manager's hands to tell you what they're willing to pay.

It's fairly easy to anticipate some of the obvious questions that relate to a specific position, so prepare answers ahead of time. Think of situations where you performed best and when you have demonstrated that, then have three to five stories ready to go that address different scenarios. "One story can tell me about decision-making, conflict resolution, teamwork -- it can tell me a whole bunch of things," says Wershler.

When it comes to a second interview, be aware that while you've made it through one round, the level of competition just increased.

According to Don Georgevich, a job interview strategy coach and author of The Complete Interview Answer Guide, a mock interview with a friend can help you improve your interview skills. Don't have them follow a script, but improvise to make you think on your feet.

"One of the most powerful interview techniques you can use is to let your interviewer know you are a team player, a teacher, a leader and back it up with examples from your past jobs," Georgevich says.

It's critical to remain focused on what you can do for them -- not what they can do for you.

Phone interviews can be tricky. It's like a blind meeting where neither side can take body language cues from each other, so speak clearly, concisely and focus on the information you want to convey.

Lastly, confidence counts. When you're passionate about a job, it generally comes through easily to the interviewer. In the current job market, it's all about differentiating yourself from the competition. "Now, when there's far more people interested in that job, you've got to make yourself stand out from that crowd," says Wershler.


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