The Art of Interviewing to Land Your Perfect Job

Posted by Sean Harry

“If ignorant both of your enemy and yourself, you are certain to be in peril.”   Sun-Tsu, The Art of War

24 centuries ago Sun-tzu taught his generals that winning involves two things: knowledge of one’s self and knowledge of one’s opponent.  This advice is still true today — especially for job seekers going on an interview. (I know the interviewer is not your “opponent” per se, but you must admit that sometimes it feels that way!) Understanding who you are interviewing with and what their objectives are for a particular interview will give you a leg up on your real competition . . . other candidates for the job.

In today’s post I outline the 5 basic types of job interviews in which you, as a job seeker, will participate. It’s important to know what your interviewer (i.e. your “opponent”) wants to get out of the interview, so you can move on to the next step where the position and salary are finally negotiated.

1) Phone Screening

  • Formal interview to see if you match “the description”
  • Often by phone
  • Usually conducted by internal recruiters or HR

What is the purpose from the standpoint of THIS interviewer?

  • screen OUT candidates
  • narrow a long list
  • send a few ‘qualified’ candidates on to hiring manager

2) Recruiter

  • External (usually)
  • Experienced at screening candidates
  • Makes quick judgments
  • Likes a concise, clear resume that fits exactly
  • May be rather direct, even abrupt (“jilted lover”)
  • Knows their client’s culture

What is the purpose from the standpoint of THIS interviewer?

  • Gets paid for the right match — wants to avoid a mismatch.
  • Send the right candidates forward (look good!)

3) Hiring Manager

  • Wants to know if you can solve problems and get the job done
  • Sometimes has to sell you (and the position) to Sr. Management
  • Concerned about fit with the team
  • May rely on input from others

What is the purpose from the standpoint of THIS interviewer?

  • Doing the right thing
  • Not looking bad to their superiors

4) Peers/Team Members/Direct Reports

  • See how your skills compare with others in the group
  • Ascertain competencies
  • Make recommendations to decision-maker
  • May see candidate as a competitive threat

What is the purpose from the standpoint of THIS interviewer?

  • “Will you fit-in here?”

5) Senior Executives/President/Founder

  • Conceptual thinkers – sees the big picture
  • “Don’t waste my time!”
  • Concerned how you will fit into the culture
  • May want you to be a change agent (“Danger, Will Robinson…”
  • May want to brag (tell how he or she built the business)

What is the purpose from the standpoint of THIS interviewer?

  • Has a problem and wants to know if YOU can solve it.

Knowing who you are interviewing and understanding THEIR needs is critical to taking the next step in the interview process. There is a lot more information on interviewing and negotiating in the Careers 2.0 membership site.  Sign up now for free access.  Good luck and happy hunting.

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Category : Career Advice / Job Interviews / Interviewing / Job Search Tips

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