How did your interviews go this year?

Let’s say your interview review points out consistencies in your interview performances.  You can take action now – and take advantage of those opportunities for improvement (but it’s best not to do it alone). 

Here are a few typical opportunities your interview review might reveal and what you can do about them:

No rapport. Sometimes there’s a disconnect between the interviewer and the interviewee; they’re not on the same wavelength.  To combat no rapport, you need to know rapport. This post offers pretty good advice on how to build rapport.  Reading this post and this one may help in your next interview, too. Practicing your rapport building during informational and mock interviews (see #7 of the Top 10 New Year's Resolutions for Job Seekers post) is a good way to perfect your technique.

Stumble over words.  In your interview review, did you notice any mumbling or stuttering?  Any points when you were at a loss of words?  You may want to look into attending a Dale Carnegie workshop for a quick fix.  Many have found the continuous reinforcement of Toastmasters to be more beneficial.  Which one should you opt for?  Carnegie courses are a finite length; Toastmasters is an ongoing process.  Carnegie can give you a quick fix; Toastmasters provides continuous training.  In the end, it may come down to how much time you want to dedicate to improving your speaking – and interviewing – skills.

Closing the deal.  It’s a good idea for everybody to have a sales job at some point in their career.  If you’re not a salesperson and can’t afford a detour into the sales realm, then picking a salesperson’s brain would be a good idea. Interview three salespeople: one who sells cars, one in advertising and one in medical supplies.  Ask them how they close sales.  Ask them about negotiating.  Why?  Successful salespeople can teach you how to successfully ask for a job and close the deal.  They’re also great resources for advice on negotiation. 

IN THE CARAVAN: Review your interview performances over the past year, then make use of online and offline resources to help you take advantage of your areas of improvement.

NEXT THURSDAY: Continuously Conducting Informational Interviews

Looking for more Interviewing advice?  Check out these posts and The Lion’s Pride!

Check out last Thursday’s post.