7 Things Employers Want To Find Out During Job Interviews

The job interview is an essential part of the screening process for employers. It helps employers dig deep beyond the resume to find out about: 1) your experience and skills for the job, 2) whether you’re a good fit to its workplace culture, and 3) your career goals and outlook to determine how dedicated and loyal you’ll be to the job and continued employment with the company.

Asking questions is essential to helping employers make the right decision on which job applicant to select for the job. So, let’s break down some of the typical interview questions you may be asked and what employers are really trying to find out so that you can provide the best response.

1. “Talk about one of your greatest achievements at work.”

Employers are trying to see what you consider important on the job and your key skill set. The best response is an example that can directly relate back to the job you’re applying for.

2. “Talk about a time you faced a major challenge at work.”

Employers are trying to see how you face obstacles at work and your approach to dealing with them. Regardless of the challenge you present, the key is to demonstrate that you were able to overcome it and bring results of success.

3. “What’s your greatest weakness?”

Employers want to see how honest you are, and the way you answer can also shed light on if you’re able to overcome obstacles. Everyone has a weakness, so provide an honest answer but finish off your response with how you’ve worked to improve on it so it actually isn’t a weakness anymore.

4. “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”

Employers are trying to see your long-term goals, and how they may fit into their plans. Your response should inform the employer that you’re dedicated to the profession and you have a confident outlook to move up in your career with even more experience and skills to succeed on the job. Do not give an answer that indicates you may not stay with the company.

5. “Describe to me the type of work environment you desire.”

Employers want to ensure you can fit in culturally and they want to understand the type of worker-boss management relationship desired. Say the person supervising is a micromanager, but you are one who has self-drive and desire empowerment – in such a case, conflict is highly likely. Do your research ahead of time to understand the employer’s workplace culture so you respond accordingly, but it’s also important in helping decide whether you should even apply for a job because you want to work in an environment where you’ll be happy.

6. “Why do you want to work with us?”

Employers are trying to see if you’re a serious candidate for the job and if you have a true desire to work for the company and specific field you’re applying for. If you do your research beforehand, you will have an idea of things you can call out about the employer that impresses you. It’ll also inform the employer that you’re not just randomly applying to any job, but that you have a true desire to work for them.

7. “Why are you leaving your employer?”

Employers will ask this question to try to understand your long-term goals. It’s also to ensure that the reason you’re leaving is not one that may present itself again on the new job. If you were fired from your job, the employer wants to ensure the problem or concerns for being fired do not carry over to the new job. Focus on a response that speaks to your desire for more challenge and that will allow you to utilize your experience and skills – at the same time help you to continue to grow them.

When you understand what employers are really trying to seek out with the questions they ask, you can tailor your response so that you come off as the best candidate for the job.

Things Recruiters Want To See On Your LinkedIn Profile

The right recruiter can put you in front of dream job opportunities. This is especially the case for higher-level positions because there are employers who will not publicly publicize a job opening, but solely rely on recruiters to source the right talent.

The good recruiters are paid by employers (as much as 20-30% of the annual compensation for the position) to find the right people for the job, so when you work with one, understand that their loyalty is to the employer. They are not necessarily there to help you find a job unless you have what they need to fill the job opening. In order to spark interest in recruiters, you have to show you meet most – if not all – of the qualification requirements for the job. Here are six things they’re looking at on your LinkedIn profile:

Headline

Your Headline on LinkedIn is essentially the descriptive line that comes with your profile (before people click on it). By default, it will list your name and current job title. Recruiters depend on this piece of information to decide whether or not to look into your profile.

What you can do: Tell the recruiter what you have to offer in a few words. A job title is okay, but it has to inform the recruiter of the specific industry as well. For example, Account Manager doesn’t say a lot, but Healthcare PR Account Manager says a lot more.

Summary

Your LinkedIn Profile Summary is very much like the Profile Summary for your resume. It needs to succinctly inform the reader what you bring to the table.

What you can do: Include information on your specialty as well as your core skills and accomplishments. Applying keywords and phrases that are relevant to the job will also help increase the chance of your profile showing up in recruiter’s search results.

Experience & Skills

Recruiters want to know you can do the job and do it well. Detail what you’ve accomplished and how you’ve used skills to achieve success and results.

What you can do: Present measurable results. In some instances, results aren’t easily quantifiable so present qualified results. Recruiters are also doing searches based on skills, so you want to include key skills for the job in your profile and get them endorsed. 

Connections

Recruiters look at Connections for a combination of quality and relevance. Quantity is less of a factor (but you do want to have at least 50 quality contacts) because if you have 500+ connections, but 95% of the contacts aren’t related to the field or industry for the job, it doesn’t offer much value.

What you can do: Begin to engage in conversation with relevant contacts in the profession and industry by joining the same Groups and participating in discussions, commenting on their post or articles, seeking the help of Connections you both have in common to help with the introduction, and sending a direct connection invite offering reason to connect. 

Recommendations

Recommendations on LinkedIn are like doing a pre-check of your references. Recruiters want to see that you have other professionals in the field or industry vouching for your experiences, skills, and capabilities. The best recommendations to have are ones that come from your supervisor, clients, and senior colleagues.

What you can do: Depending on the type of relationship you have with your contact, ask if they wouldn’t mind writing a recommendation on your LinkedIn profile. You can assist in the matter by reminding them of an experience that can serve as a focal point for the recommendation. Also, when you write a nice recommendation for others, they will usually reciprocate in the act, or be willing to do it if asked.

Profile Picture

A profile picture with your LinkedIn account increases the chance it gets clicked. It informs others that your profile is likely complete.

What you can do: Include a profile picture that allows the recruiter to envision you in the position you’re applying for. For example, if you’re looking for a job at an investment firm, have a headshot with a suit on, not a jersey shirt.

Get your LinkedIn profile in tip-top shape with these tips if you want to hit job opportunities that only recruiters may have access to.

Networking Groups You Should Join

Everyone should know by now that networking is the best way to find a job. Where job boards have a 3-10% effectiveness rate, and probably less now that Applicant Tracking Systems (the soAftware that will rank your resume) are becoming prevalent, networking has a 30-60% effectiveness rate. Referred people are less risk and have a higher retention rate – that’s why companies offer referral bonuses to employees who recommend someone who has been hired.

AUnfortunately, people do not know how to network (one day I will probably write a short book on how to do it). Most people think that telling their friends and acquaintances that they are looking for a job, and arming them with your resume is the right thing to do. Wrong – when you do that, you just lost control of the process. So, if that was what you were planning to do, don’t.

One of the first things you should do (after you have a great resume and LinkedIn Profile) is to join networking groups where people like you help each other. There are literally dozens of networking groups to join and here is a list of some of them.

You can find more by just doing a Google search for the type you are seeking.

For example, search on accounting networking groups and see that the AICPA and IMA (Institute of Management Accountants) have local networking events. And yes, there are networking groups and associations for administrative professionals (AEAP – Association of Executive and Administrative Professionals and IAAP – International Association of Administrative Professionals).

You can see a full list of associations here.

1. Alumni Organizations

One of the first places you should go as Career Services probably has an email list you can join and some programs for alumni.

2. Your Local Chamber Of Commerce

They always have networking, often for small businesses to connect but also for job seekers.

3. LinkedIn

You can join up to 50 groups which are great for demonstrating your expertise and joining discussions. There are groups for your profession and networking groups for job seekers. A lot of the job-focused groups have companies showing their open jobs.

4. Meetup.com

Yes, they even have meetings for business networking.

5. ExecuNet

An executive level job board that provides networking opportunities.

6. NetShare

Another executive job board that formally promotes networking.

7. ChiefExecutiveNetwork.com

Paid site that offers networking by industry group.

8. Executive Networking Groups

Really great sites that have local chapters include:

• FENG – Financial Executives Networking Group
• MENG – Marketing Executives Networking Group
• TENG – Technology Executives Networking Group
• BENG – Business Executives Networking Group
• SENG – Senior Executive Networking Group

9. BNI International

Touted as the largest business networking organization in the world.

I think you get the idea. Search for networking groups within your profession and you are sure to make new connections and expand your reach.

Prove You’re The Perfect Person For The Job

Some employers are dead set on doing it their way, only hiring someone with X number of years of experience or they think they know exactly the type of person (and personality) they want to hire—and no manner of explaining is going to change their mind. These are the people you just have to let go. I’ve learned you can’t get all worked up over those who will never see it. It’s not worth stressing yourself out over someone who will just never “get it.”

However,  there are those who may not see the perfect fit that you are—but once they’re enlightened to it they very easily see that the positive outcomes outweigh the costs. Whatever those “costs” may be. Maybe it’s the degree you haven’t finished yet, those two years of experience that you haven’t obtained, or something else altogether…

How can you as a potential candidate for the job communicate the value, return on investment, and the many benefits they’ll receive upon choosing you? Here are a few suggestions I’ve discovered along the way that I hope will serve you well:

In The Interview:

Who can argue with experience? Share examples of how you’ve successfully tackled similar problems and situations in the past. Theory goes, if you’ve been successful with something once before, history will repeat itself. These examples will speak volumes because they’re not statements about how you might handle something; they’re statements about how you’ve already successfully overcome something.

On Your Resume:

Make sure that you use C.A.R. statements (challenge, action, results statements) that help to illustrate exactly the challenge you were up against, the action you took to address the challenge, and then the great results you achieved. S.A.R. is very similar; it’s situation, action, and results. Whichever you use, they’re great tools for communicating exactly what you’re capable of bringing to the table by demonstrating what you’ve accomplished in the past.

While Networking

Let your passion show and focus on expertise. Whether you’re networking in person or online, focus on your areas of expertise. Discuss what you’re passionate about. Your excitement and enthusiasm are contagious, and people catch on to that. Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and your own professional Web site or blog are great places to share your expertise with others.

Write about what you know, what interests you—and do it in a way that helps others who enjoy the same things or are in need of help. When talking with others in person, that contagious enthusiasm is much easier to pick up; others will easily see why it is that you love what you do, and they’ll see the value you offer as an expert in your field.

It’s important to be yourself, positioning yourself as an expert, and show that you’re passionate about what you do. Like I mentioned before, that excitement and enthusiasm you hold inside you for what you do will shine through—and others will catch on to it a lot quicker than you think.

Tips For Making The Best Impression In An Interview

An interview is not only meant to assess your skills, but also to assess your personality. Therefore, before you go for any job interview, it’s very advisable that you prepare adequately. Whether you are going to be considered for the job or not is determined by the kind of impression you create on the interviewers.

One thing which all successful individuals have is the ability to make a good impression: whether you are the Bob Finch of the oil industry or the Philip Green of retail, it’s essential that you have the skills to make yourself memorable. The following smart tips are meant to guide you on how to create a good and admirable impression in an interview:

1. DRESS DECENTLY

The type of dress or clothes you put on says so much about you. The first judgment that interviewers make is basically based on your dress code. Do not dress in casual or dirty clothes. Instead, look for official clothes and make sure that you are groomed properly. By doing this, you will definitely stun the interviewers and they will have to think so hard before saying no to you.

2. ARRIVE ON TIME

One of the most important factors to take into consideration whenever you are invited for an interview is time. It’s very advisable for you to arrive for the interview at least 20 minutes earlier before the scheduled time. This will give you enough time to organize and recollect yourself well. Being punctual for the interview will also show the interviewers how serious and reliable you are for the job.

3. BE CONFIDENT

Self-confidence is also one of the most determining factors in an interview. No one wants to recruit a timid or uncertain person for a serious job. During the interviewing process, just be yourself and provide relevant answers to the questions being asked. Maintain eye contact and stand straight while talking to your interviewers.

Whenever you are asked a question, give a correct answer. If you are not sure about it, be honest and say that you do not know instead of fumbling. However, you should be very careful not to be overconfident. Do not go inside with chewing gum in your mouth or with your hands inside your pockets.

4. ASK SMART QUESTIONS

In most cases, you can will given a chance to ask the interviewers a few questions at the end of the interview. Given a chance, ask intelligent and relevant questions that can show your deep interest in the company or organization. Some of the best questions that you can ask include the following:

• How does the organisation show that it values its workers or employees?
• What do you expect me to do in order to help your company achieve its goals?
• What are the challenges that I might face in the job if hired?

Be careful not to ask questions related to payments or benefits as this might show how greedy or money-hungry you are.

5. SHOW APPRECIATION

Before you leave after the interviewing process, do not forget to thank your interviewers. You can show courtesy by giving them a firm handshake and saying kind words such as “Thank you,” “I am much obliged,” or “I would be glad to hear from you again.”

First Impressions: You’ve Got 30 Seconds To Make The Right One

Psychology Today says we process small clues, everything from tone of voice to posture, and in a snap we form a larger picture in our minds. This means that hiring managers may draw conclusions, and finalize their opinions, in under a minute.

One study found that people shown 20 second video segments of job applicants formed similar opinions to hiring managers who were given 20 full minutes with the applicants. Now, that’s a snap decision.

Beyond The Boardroom

The importance of first impressions goes beyond your hiring manager. When you get the job, you’ll need to impress your co-workers, vendors, clients, and so on.

Honestly, it’s just as important in the non-work world. How long does it take you to make a yae or nay decision when you’re introduced to a potential date?

The bottom line is that you need to keep your first impression top of mind and walk into each situation prepared for your review.

The Eyes Have It

Good posture and strong eye contact are key physical attributes to think about. Dressing appropriately is always high on the list impression triggers. And good personal hygiene? We don’t need to mention that, right? Bed Head may be a great line of beauty products, but actual unwashed hair won’t cut it.

On the flip side of that, too much personal hygiene can be a bad thing. I once interviewed a job candidate whose perfume was so strong I had to keep leaving the room to get fresh air.

Relax

Take a deep breath. We’ve all seen people who come off as stiff or even arrogant in an attempt to make a good impression. Take a breath and try to relax. The more relaxed you are, the more naturally confident you’ll appear.

Be Attentive

Ask questions and listen to the answers. Making other people feel like the center of attention is a great way to become desirable yourself. People love to talk about themselves, help them out by asking questions and listening to them attentively.

Watch Your Language

We’re judged not only by what we say, but also by how we say it. In the business world our language is viewed as a sign of intelligence, education, and culture. This doesn’t mean that being overly formal or sounding like a walking dictionary is a good thing. It’s not. But neither is sounding like you didn’t finish elementary school.

Shake On It

You hear this all the time: you’ve got to have a good handshake. Yet people still struggle with this simple act. Get it right! All the good work you’ve done can be undone in an instant if you offer a limp, clammy, or fingers only handshake. Make your handshake firm and solid. Period.

There’s an old saying you only get one chance to make a first impression. Now we know that the one chance comes and goes in an instant.