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The one thing to keep in mind during an interview...
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In addition to writing resumes, I also coach my clients on how to improve their interview skills. Let's face it; if John Q. Candidate can't sell himself in an interview, it won't really matter that he might have the best resume in the bunch.
During our coaching sessions, my client and I will go through a mock interview. As the 'interviewer', I ask some of the more traditional questions (strengths/weaknesses, tell me about yourself...). I ask these not because I think they are stellar interview questions, but because they are the type of questions that candidates face - so it pays to give stellar answers. I also ask behavioral-type questions (how would you handle...tell me a time when you...). I love these questions, and so should the candidate. Behavioral-type questions enable the candidate to show where they are most effective and productive in their work - and allow the candidate to discuss relevant accomplishments and results.
One of my favorite questions to ask is, "what is something about you that I wouldn't know from reading your resume?" I have heard a wide range of answers to this question...but rarely do I hear the 'right' answer. That's OK - our coaching session is the time to work out all these issues. Ideally, the right answer to this question is a results-oriented, career-related example of an accomplishment that isn't represented on your resume. This is not the time to talk about your spouse and children, or your love of Broadway musicals.
The one thing to keep in mind during an interview is that every interview question is another opportunity to sell YOU as the ideal candidate for the position. It sounds simple enough but when my clients think about what that actually means, it shifts (and strengthens) their presentations. During the first interview, employers want to find out how qualified you are to solve their problems. Let them get to know you on a professional level before a personal one.
I hope that this one little bit of advice helps you prepare for your upcoming interviews. I wish you the best success in your career advancement!
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