MEET THE SUIT CAMP INTERVIEW COACH

Recognized as “one of the top CEO coaches in the country” by Gotham Magazine (October 2007), the SYMS Suit Camp Interview Coach Trisha Scudder will be whipping our winners into tip-top interview shape. Trisha is the founder of Executive Coaching Group, Inc. based in New York City and Charlotte, and she’s coached over 200 CEOs, Presidents, EVPs, SVPs, Creative Directors and Directors of Marketing. With a background in organizational transformation and leadership, Trisha coaches her clients to take their careers—and their job searches—to the next level of effectiveness and success. Suit Camp is privileged to have such an esteemed professional committed to helping our 30 job hunters dominate their next interviews.

INTERVIEW BASICS

Finding work takes a lot of work. Here are the basics you need to know before going to your next interview.

Research the company. It’ll be difficult to convince someone you want a job if you don’t know anything about it. When you take the time to learn about the position and the organization, you’ll be able to ask more intelligent questions and better connect your qualifications to the ones they’re looking for.

Be on time. This interview is the only chance you’ll have to make a first impression, and you don’t want the hiring manager to think you’ll be late for work too. So, remember, it’s better to be an hour early than a minute late.

Wear a business suit. Even if the job for which you’re applying doesn’t require a suit, it’s best to come to the interview dressed to impress. Donning a suit demonstrates professionalism and signifies you respect the importance of the occasion.

Know the most common questions and rehearse your answers. There are some questions that every interviewer almost always asks. Don’t get caught stumbling over these basics. See our post on the ten most common questions. Figure out how to answer them and then practice, practice, practice.

Prepare for uncomfortable questions.  Everyone has questions they hope won’t be asked. For example, “Why did you leave your last job?” and “What were you paid there?” and “What is this two-year gap in your resume?” Stop hoping these topics won’t come up and start preparing. Make a list of at least 10 questions you dread being asked. Then create your answers and rehearse them with someone who will give you honest feedback.

Focus on your strengths. Even when you’re asked about your weaknesses (and you will be asked about your weaknesses) find a way to bring the conversation back around to one of your strengths. For example, “while I do have a tendency to feel overwhelmed at times, my strong organizational skills keep me on-track and ensure all my deadlines are met.”

Ask questions. This is your chance to show that you’ve done your homework and that you’re interested in the company and position you’re interviewing for.

Make eye contact. Eye contact communicates honesty and indicates that you’re actively listening and interested in what the interviewer has to say.

Be yourself. Remember that part of the interview process is determining whether you’ll fit in with the culture and staff. If you’re not yourself, it could be a disastrous hire not just for your boss, but also for you. You could find yourself working with people you don’t like at a job you’re not well suited for.

Clarify next steps. Don’t leave the interview without more information. Find out if there will be a second interview, and if so, how candidates will be notified. This will not only help you prepare for the next steps, but also convey a real interest in being hired for the position.

Follow up. Send a thank-you. It lets the interviewer know you appreciate the time they spent talking to you and, again, communicates an interest in being hired.

FIVE INTERVIEW KILLERS

Most interview advice focuses on what you should do, but here are a few tips on what not to do in order to avoid disaster.

Trash talking. It’s likely your current or previous place of employment will come up. Don’t trash the place. Employers will wonder if you’ll be saying the same things about their company if you get the job.

The smell of desperation. You might actually be desperate for this job, but don’t let that come across in your interview. If you’re calm and confident, you’ll make a much better impression.

Rambling. You don’t want to undersell yourself, but be aware of talking too much. Concentrate on delivering clear, concise answers that detail your strengths.

Just answers. You’re not there to answer questions. You’re there to have a conversation. Engage the interviewer and you’ll seem more personable, and a lot more like yourself.

Nonverbal language. Sometimes what you don’t say can say more about you. Make eye contact. Sit up straight. Just be sure your body language conveys as much confidence and interest in the job as your conversation does.

RESUME TIPS

You have a piece of paper and one shot at impressing an HR manager, so here’s a little advice to make sure you stand out from the crowd.

Have the basics. A basic run-down of the must-haves: your name, contact information, education, experience, honors and awards, and special skills

Action verbs. Use action verbs to describe your experience. It will paint a more vivid, and more impressive, picture of your past experience. Check out these great action verbs.

Keep it organized and easy-to-read. Make sure information is presented clearly and in a logical order. Don’t make people look too hard to find the information they want.

No funky fonts or graphics. Your resume is a presentation of your professional self, so keep it looking professional. Bizarre fonts and cutesy graphics are going to make you stand out in a bad way.

TOP 10 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Here’s a list of the top ten most common interview questions. Know them. Answer them. And practice answering them again and again.

1. Why do you want to work here?
2. What are your strengths?
3. What are your weaknesses?
4. Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
5. Why should we hire you?
6. Why did you leave your last job/want to leave your current job?
7. What salary would you like?
8. How would your current/former supervisor describe you?
9. How do you handle pressure and stress?
10. Describe your best professional accomplishment.

MASTERING THE HANDSHAKE

Your handshake says more about you than you may think. Follow these short tips to make sure yours is as strong and confident as you are.

1. Using your right hand, shake up and down 3-4 times firmly, but not too firmly.
2. Make eye contact while shaking and introducing yourself.
3. Don’t hold on too long. You should stop shaking just before introductions are finished.