Want That Job? Better Prepare Yourself
By Kevin Smith© Pasadena Star-News, November 13, 2005
You've pulled your resume together. Your cover letter's ready and your job references are lined up and waiting to be called.
But acing the interview is no easy feat.
In fact, nearly one-third (32%) of chief financial officers polled in a new survey by Robert Half Finance & Accounting say job applicants make more missteps at this stage of the hiring process than at any other.
Max Messmer, chairman of Robert Half Finance & Accounting and author of "Managing Your Career For Dummies," said preparation plays a big part in a successful face-to-face meeting with prospective employers.
"Not knowing enough about the company or position, displaying a bad attitude or inquiring about compensation prematurely can all leave a negative impression with hiring managers," Messmer said.
"For job seekers, the interview represents a time to shine. Thorough preparation - including researching the employer, rehearsing responses to common questions and understanding appropriate topics to discuss - is the key to avoiding potential pitfalls," he said.
Gary Kaplan, president of Pasadena-based Gary Kaplan & Associates, an executive search firm, agreed that preparation is crucial.
"You want to go into the interview prepared to win," he said. "In all cases, you want to be in a position to ultimately reject the opportunity - not to have the opportunity reject you."
Kaplan advises job hopefuls to dig in and do their homework.
In other words, you should find out what makes the company tick.
"You can get access to the company's annual reports and really know something about the position you're applying for," he said. "You should have questions prepared, but have them deal with meaningful issues. You don't want to (initially) ask about benefits or how much the job pays. If the company has had a downturn or an uptick in profitability you could ask intelligent questions related to that."
Kaplan offered a cautionary note, however.
"You don't want to go in there and project as if you know it all," he warned. "You don't want to overwhelm the interviewer with your knowledge of the company."
Another 21 percent of CFOs polled said job applicants make their biggest mistake on their resumes.
Nine percent said that applicants are most likely to mess up on their cover letter. Another 9 percent cited the reference checks, while 7 percent noted the interview follow-up call and 6 percent the screening call.
Another 2 percent noted other reasons while 14 percent offered no answer as to where the biggest foul-ups occur.
Messmer said a candidate's behavior during an interview is often viewed as a barometer of how they will perform if hired.
Kaplan views the interview process from both sides.
"If I were a job candidate, I'd hope for an interviewer who knows what he's doing," Kaplan said. "We call it the 80/20 rule. If you are an effective interviewer, you'll get the candidate to talk 80 percent of the time. You can learn a lot about someone that way. But many interviewers are uncomfortable about the process, and they spend a lot of the time talking."
Kaplan said an applicant's demeanor and dress are equally important.
"Unless you've been directed to come to an interview in casual attire, you should come in conservative business attire" he said.
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