During the past few months I have been asked the same question many times. “I have been to four straight interviews with no offers. I must be doing something wrong. What are employers looking for?”This is an article I wrote three years ago and I would like to share it with you again. You may be missing out on a golden opportunity to sell yourself. Here it is.
An employer only wants the answer to 3 questions in an interview. But funny enough, they don’t ask them outright. They disguise them with other questions. No more guessing, here are the three platinum questions.
1. Do you have the skills? You already know this. All questions must be answered with an example from your past. Past performance predicts future behavior. So when they ask: “What is your leadership style?” they are actually asking you: “Tell me about a time when you demonstrated leadership.” Even the weakest question must be answered with an example from your past where you demonstrated improvement.
2. Do you like the skills? It’s not enough to have the skills to do the job. Many people have the skills. The next step in your interview evolution is to tell the employer that you also enjoy or are passionate about the skill. When you enjoy the skill you are more likely to remain with the company and make a contribution. Have you been doing this?
3. Why do you love our company? Instead they ask: “What do you know about our company?” or “Why do you want to work for our company?” Remember: You are not hired by a company. You are hired by a person who is proud of their department and they want you to want them…genuinely.
Next step: Memorize this perfect answer: “I have these skills. I have used them in this setting. I love the work. I look forward to applying them at your firm because I admire your company.”
HOT TIP: Combine your business and personal personality. If you do this, they will feel more connected to you as a person and more likely to hire you.
Philippe Desrochers, aka Dr-Career, is the author of 99 Things You Wish You Knew Before….Landing Your Dream Job available on Amazon.com and 99-series.com.
drcareer
Posted on April 11, 2011
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