Resources

Author: Julia Penny

Telephone job interviews are becoming more and more popular. Organizations are receiving increasing numbers of job applications for each opening and the phone interview provides a cost-effective and time-efficient means of initially screening out unsuitable applicants. Using phone interviews allows employers to be selective about the candidates they invite for a face to face interview. Use these important tips to get the most out of the phone interview.

Be prepared

Unlike a planned face to face interview telephone job interviews can come at any time. Sometimes you will get a call to schedule the interview but often they call hoping to interview you straight away. Prepare an interview portfolio that you keep with you. It should include details of the job opening, a copy of your resume, background research information, some key words you have prepared for answering likely phone interview questions and a list of good questions to ask the interviewer.

Practice your phone skills

If you don’t feel confident about how you come across over the phone you can practice answering questions with a friend over the phone. Ask for honest feedback and work on any areas for improvement. Or you can record yourself and listen to how you sound. Check your voice pattern, the level of enthusiasm in your voice, the clarity and pace of your speech. It is common to talk too quickly during the phone interview. Take a conscious pause before you answer the question and between sentences.

Pay close attention to the interviewers verbal message

You have no non-verbal cues from the interviewer to help you to understand how you are coming across. Instead you need to pay close attention to their voice pattern and tone. Listen very carefully and maintain a high level of concentration throughout the call. If you sense that the interviewer’s attention is wandering bring them back with a well-timed question.

Make sure the place you take the call is free from any distractions. Preferably sit at a table where you can lay out your portfolio documents and take notes. A relaxed but upright posture helps you to breathe properly and improves voice clarity.

Monitor your rate of talking

Speak slowly and clearly. Avoid interrupting the interviewer and make sure they have finished their question by waiting a few seconds before you answer. Give yourself time to organize your thoughts before answering. You can rephrase or repeat the question to give yourself time to think about your answer. People fail in telephone job interviews because they tend to dominate the conversation and speak too fast. Don’t feel you have to fill the silences. Breaks in conversation happen and are usually because the interviewer is making notes are referring to you resume. Allow time for this.

Close the call

Ask the interviewer if there is any other information they require. Restate your interest in the position and find out what happens next. Get the correct name and title of the interviewer for your thank you note. Follow up with a thank you within 24 hours of the phone interview.

The goal of the phone interview is to get the face to face interview. Be well prepared for the call and stand out from the competition.

The Telephone Interview Guide includes common phone interview questions, phone interview tips and techniques and helps you to succeed in your phone interview.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/interviews-articles/win-in-telephone-job-interviews-823667.html

Author: Bob Stanley

Job interviewing is a critical part of an individual’s job search. This is the time to sell your skills and experiences. It is critically important to practice prior to your interviews. Job seekers only get one chance in an interview. A job hunting Best Practice is to practice interviewing with a friend or career coach. This will help you prepare properly and get you focused on winning the interview for that perfect job.

1. Research the company before the interview.

You should be familiar with the company you are applying to. Review company profile, annual reports, mission, vision, and other relevant information that the interviewer might ask.

2. Practice with some common questions and answers.

Prepare and rehearse responses to frequently asked questions during interviews. Practice in front a mirror or with an audience such as your friends, family members or ideally an expert. They can provide feedback of what to do and not to do during job interviews.

3.Respect the time of your interviewer.

Time is gold in every business or institution because everyone is busy with their respective duties. Arrive at least 15 minutes early. This way you will have time to relax and not look stressed before the interview as well as not waste the interviewer’s time.

4. Display confidence in your behavior and the way you communicate.

The interviewer can easily perceive if you are confident through your posture, dress, walk, energy, and eye contact. Greet the employer with a firm handshake. Let the interviewer start the dialogue and listen carefully. Always welcome questions with a smile. Before answering the question, think and develop answers in your head. Ask the interviewer to restate a question if you are confused. Most importantly, give honest and direct answers.

5. Demonstrate positive statements and attitude.

Smile, be polite, and try to relax during the interview. The attitudes that you express must express that you are willing to work. You must also exhibit willingness to expand your knowledge. You must remember that employers like to hear your plan for future development and commitment to learning.

6. If you have worked before, talk about what you have learned from it.

Review your previous work experiences. Be ready to support past career accomplishments with specific information targeted toward the company’s needs.

7. Encourage the interviewer to share about the company information.

Demonstrate your interest by encouraging the interviewer to share information about the company. This way the interviewer will appreciate your interest to the company and your willingness to be a part of their team.

8. Bring extra Personal Data Sheet or Work Portfolio.

An attractive personal data sheet or work portfolio provides additional information that your prospective employer might want to hold on to for future references.

9. End the interview positively.

The end of the interview is the time to let the prospective employer know if you are interested in the job or not. A positive end to the interview is a way of ensuring your success. At this time restate your strengths and accomplishments that you have emphasized during the interview. Express also your appreciation for the interviewer’s time.

10. Review and evaluate your interview’s strengths and weaknesses following your interview.

Evaluating your strengths and weaknesses immediately after the job interview. If you don’t get the job consider asking the interviewer what you did well and in what areas you will need improvement.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/interviews-articles/best-job-interview-tips-how-to-quickly-get-a-job-801002.html

Author: Dewey Kearney

Whether you’re preparing for a job interview, writing that resume, preparing to give a speech before a crowd, or writing up a business presentation, it is critically important for you to make sure everything is correct. When it comes to your career, you can’t afford to make any mistakes.

Using improper English during a job interview, as well as on your job resume can cause you not to get the job. If you are giving a speech, using improper English will make your audience think you’re uneducated. If you submit a written proposal to your superiors, and it is written with improper English, it may very likely be rejected. As you can see, failure is not an option.

Here are some of the most common English mistakes that can destroy your chances of career advancement, or you chances of getting the job you want.

· The first of these mistakes is pronouncing words incorrectly. While this mistake may sound easy to avoid, it is one of the most common mistakes that people make. I had a friend that used the word obsese instead of obese. Was she a dummy? Certainly not - just not careful. To become a master at English, it is not enough for you to know a word, or understand its definition. You must also be able to say it correctly. When you fail to pronounce a word correctly, even if people think you’re somewhat intelligent for using the word in the right way, you will be criticized for not saying the word properly. One of the best ways to correct this issue is to break the word down into its syllables, and pronounce it accordingly. This is how we teach children to read and speak English. By breaking a word down we can sound each piece out until we know it well enough to say it correctly every time.

· The Use of Slang Terms

The second mistake you can make is using slang words. Those who use these words are often seen as being unintelligent or at least illiterate in the business sense. Unless you are speaking to an audience that doesn’t mind if you use slang, you will want to avoid using it at all costs. While slang may sound cool when you’re talking with your friends, you will not want to use slang words during a job interview, during a speech, and definitely not on your job resume. If you do, it is very likely that you just killed your chances of being successful. There is nothing wrong with simplicity. But being over-simple by trying use slang just makes you sound like you didn’t get a good education.

Many people try to sound sophisticated by speaking with complex sentences. This can be extremely risky. When you speak with complex sentences, you increase the chances of mixing up the words. With English, you can be simple, but sophisticated at the same time. People will be much more receptive to the things you have to say if you speak in every day language (just not slang). Unless you are highly skilled, avoid the use of complex sentences.

· A Failure to Speak or Write Carefully

This is a mistake that gets a lot of people in trouble. They speak without taking the time to think carefully about the words that come out of their mouth. Not only can this cause your audience to become confused, it may also cause them to become offended if you say the wrong things. We all have been guilty of this from time to time and it is something to carefully watch.

When I say speak or write carefully, I am talking about grammar as well as the impression you make on your listeners or readers. Unfortunately this is something that many of our schools don’t teach well. I have a very good friend, a college graduate from the University of California who writes terribly. Why? I am not sure, but I know that when she was doing business proposals she would always send them to my wife (an English major) to correct the grammar. Without the corrections our friend would have seemed illiterate, yet she isn’t. And she does not speak like she writes. Interesting isn’t it? She is brilliant but a poor speller.

Conclusion

These are the basic mistakes that people make when they speak or write. This is extremely important when you prepare your job resume. It can literally be the difference between getting the job you want or not.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/interviews-articles/english-mistakes-that-can-kill-your-chances-of-getting-a-job-777495.html

Author: Barbara Brown, PhD

Are you a manager who is looking for ways to jumpstart or advance your career? If so, in addition to working hard and achieving goals, you might want to find ways to subtlety (and not so subtlety) show that you understand the BIG PICTURE.

Why? Because the further you move up the corporate ladder, the more your responsibilities will cover a wide range of areas within your organization. So you want to demonstrate your understanding of how the achievement of goals impacts profits or customer service for your 10-person team as well as for your 100-person organization. HOW and WHEN do you do that? Consider these four instances:

During Planning Discussions With Superiors: Think about the instances when you have to meet with your immediate boss or other powerful people to discuss future goals, strategies, etc. In those situations, find a way to link what your team or unit is doing to some broader organizational objective. For example, if the discussion concerns profits, describe how an increase in revenues in your area of responsibility might positively impact other areas. You could make the same connection with customer service, quality, or productivity. The topics are limitless.

During Progress Discussions With Superiors: There are times when you have to update senior managers on what you and your team are doing. Use these opportunities to showcase your knowledge about what is happening elsewhere in your organization. Make connections with other teams, divisions, and departments. For instance, you might show how what you are doing or what you have done will lead to the completion of an assignment somewhere else.

During Problem Solving Discussions With Superiors: Consider situations when the topic is problems rather than progress. These might involve people, processes, profits, or practices. Whatever the topic, use these encounters to demonstrate your knowledge about the synergistic impact—how failure in one area will impact another area. If the problem involves your team, explain how the resolution will affect other teams. If the problem involves another area within your organization, draw connections between improvements in that area and improvements in other areas.

During Non-Work Discussions With Superiors: Think about all the chance encounters you have with influential people. These might occur at the elevator, in the cafeteria, on the parking lot, or a charity event. Wherever the encounter, you probably start talking about the one thing you definitely have in common-WORK! So don’t just tell the other person what you do or respond to a question with a “yes” or “no” answer. Instead, pepper your remarks with comments about the strategic plan, the company vision, or the organization mission. And be sure to link what you do to outcomes in other areas within your organization.

Demonstrating Your BIG PICTURE Understanding Is Easy

The people in your organization who have power, influence, and authority can help you jumpstart or advance your career. And you are always talking to these people. So use such encounters to let them know how competent you are AND how much you know about your organization. The further you move up the ladder, the more you will need to understand the BIG PICTURE. To demonstrate that understanding, all you have to do is make a few small changes in what you say. So start today!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/career-management-articles/jumpstart-your-career-by-using-a-big-picture-approach-799411.html

Author: Julia Penny

Job interview follow up is a great opportunity to show your enthusiasm and suitability. Most candidates neglect to follow up on their job interviews. Set yourself apart from the competition by following these five easy steps to follow up professionally on your interview.

Immediately after the Job Interview

Get the correct details of the interviewer. You need their full title, full name and contact information. Either get a business card or ask the receptionist when you leave the interview. Failing this, phone Human Resources for this information. Make notes about the interview straight after you are finished. Focus on all the important details of the interview. Note any problem areas that you need to consider. You will use all this information when writing your thank you letter and when following up later with the company.

If you have gone to the interview through a recruiter you should call the recruiter immediately after the interview to give feedback. Find out what the next step is.

Send a Thank You Letter

The reality is that very few candidates bother to send an interview thank you letter. Set yourself apart by sending a professionally written thank you letter within 24 hours of the interview. Use the correct contact details and check the spelling of the interviewer’s name. Find out the best way to reach the recipient - email, by hand or by post.

If you had a panel interview write individual letters to each person who interviewed you, keeping the essentials the same but briefly personalizing each one.

Use good quality paper and envelopes. Use plain paper as colored stationary usually looks unprofessional. If you have letterhead stationary use it.

Contact your References

Let your references know that they will probably be contacted soon by the company. Provide them with details about the job and company so they have an opportunity to think about what they can tell the company to provide evidence of your suitability. Use your post interview notes to check if there are any areas you want to brief them on.

Make the follow up call

At the close of the job interview you probably found out what happens next in the interview process. If you know approximately the time frame for the hiring decision you will have a better idea of how soon to follow up. If they told you they expect to make the decision within the next week you will need to follow up more quickly, probably after a couple of days. If it is a longer time frame or they were not specific it is generally advisable to wait about a week before contacting them.
Whatever the time frame do not wait for the interviewer to contact you. You need to make contact to know what is happening and to keep yourself in contention for the job. Use this follow up call or email to thank them again for the opportunity to interview and to restate your enthusiasm for the job. Ask for more information on the status of the hiring decision.

Continue with your Job Search

Even if you are convinced this is the position for you it is never a good idea to rely on one opportunity, there are no guarantees that you will get the job. Exploring other job opportunities will help you when making the final decision about taking the job if you are offered it. You will be in a better position to evaluate the job offer in terms of the current job market.

You never know when a better job opportunity may come up if you carry on searching while waiting for the hiring decision! An alternative job prospect puts you in a position of strength when asking for interview feedback and when negotiating a job offer.

The successful candidate does not sit back once the interview is over. Proactive job interview follow up shows both your commitment and your professionalism to the company and helps to set you up for success.

For free sample interview thank you letters and emails.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/interviews-articles/job-interview-follow-up-five-simple-steps-to-success-758154.html

Author: Bob Stanley

Almost half of the jobseekers and employees are embarrassed to be the first to raise the pay issue even though in reality they are unhappy with the salary they are offered or salary they are currently receiving. But, negotiating your salary is not that difficult as long as you tackle it professionally. Nowadays, salary negotiation is generally discussed during job interviews.

Ideally, the first person to raise this sensitive issue is the employer (interviewer). Before laying your cards on the table of what you are willing to accept, ask the employer how much he/she is willing to offer. But, if that is not the case, do your homework. Ask around for the salary range of employees with the same position and industry you are applying to. You should be familiar with how much employees carrying out similar roles and responsibilities are being paid. The culture and attitude of different employers vary, but at least you have an idea of the prevailing market rates so in the end you will never feel like you are the injured party.

It is also essential to find out as much information as you can about the company’s financial situation and capabilities. Of course, if you are applying in major companies, you can demand or ask for a higher salary. But, if you are thinking of applying to positions in charitable institutions or small and medium enterprises, then your chances of getting a higher compensation is not that great.

If asked about how much you are currently earning, politely avoid answering the question. I always believed I was paid fairly and I was happy with my compensation, but at this point in my career I’m looking for new challenges. It is a good idea to be honest, but no need to limit yourself by telling the interviewee your existing one.

In many cases, if you will be asked what sort of salary you are looking for, you could tell your prospective employer that you need more detail of the role you are going to engage in the company. If pressed with time, it is fine to tell the interviewer that you need time to think about the ideal salary range, and then move the conversation along.

Most importantly, when you negotiate about the pay, negotiate for a win-win situation with your employer. A good negotiation is a discussion in which both parties understand and respect each other’s position and responsibilities. It ends when all parties feel that their concerns are heard and their needs have been addressed well.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/career-management-articles/negotiation-for-pay-effective-ways-to-negotiate-your-salary-801007.html

Author: Kurt DuNard

by Kurt DuNard The Exceptional Life Coach

Write this down:

The best candidate does not always get the job.

Let us say that again:

THE BEST CANDIDATE DOES NOT ALWAYS GET THE JOB!

Sometimes, the candidate with the best résumé gets the job. The fact is if two identical twins had equal job experience and equal abilities with all aspects of their career equal in every way, and one twin had a lame résumé and the other had a killer résumé, then it is almost certain that the one with the killer résumé would get the job. The résumé is simply an ad to get an interview or phone call from the hiring company. Without the interview, even the future world champion would not be invited to the Olympics. If they don’t read your résumé, then they don’t know you exist. Make them want to read your résumé.

Now, recognize the following:

Most résumés don’t get the attention they deserve. Most are never read and are deselected for trivial reasons.

Most companies are set up so the Human Resource (HR) department handles all the initial selection of candidates, sets up interviews, hires, and makes offers. So these are the people that initially look at your résumé. This is an awesome responsibility, because whom they hire frequently determines the success of the company—perhaps even more so than the CEO. In many cases, HR is under paid and overworked with many other responsibilities besides hiring. They can be responsible for employee reviews, benefits, policies/procedures, EEO reporting, and training among other things. When the HR department is responsible for hiring, many are asked to find engineers, sales people, executives, and support staff. Few have the expertise in all these areas but many feel they can look through résumés to pass the “good” ones on to the hiring managers. In most cases, they have to look through hundreds of résumés and because they are overworked and short of time, they are looking for reasons to deselect your résumé. Don’t let them find them.

Take note:

Write your résumé so that someone just out of college that works in HR and is not in your field can understand your résumé and think that it should be passed on to the hiring manager.

If you have sent your résumé to companies or job boards on the Internet and feel like it went into a black hole or was lost, then it is possible your résumé is not being read. It has been deselected. It is worth your time to make sure this does not happen. Make your résumé a killer résumé.

The following will go a long way toward creating your perfect killer résumé.

• Truth in Advertising –People can tell when you are exaggerating, overselling, or down right lying. Tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God. Proudly list your accomplishments without being a slick salesman. People want to hire people with integrity and ethics. They want an employee they can trust. Show them that you have both integrity and ethics with a truthful résumé.

• Make Your Résumé Look Professional –Read a recent book on résumé formatting. The format is the look of your résumé and is the first thing that is noticed–even before your name or job title. Your résumé is like a pre-interview. The format is your résumé’s interview suit. It must look professional or the first impression could be that you’re not. The reason you want a recent book on formatting your résumé is that just like interview suits, fashions in résumé styles and formats change. You would not think of going to an interview in your suit from the 1980’s. Don’t do the equivalent with a résumé style from the 1980’s.

• Put all Your Contact Information at the top of your Résumé –Your e-mail is the most important, without it, it will be deselected. Next is phone number and then your home address.

• Write a Goal Paragraph at the Top of the Résumé –If you don’t know what kind of job you want and what kind of job you can do, then how can the HR person know? Without this statement, it is deselected. Create a short paragraph that enthusiastically states what kind of job and work you want to do.

• Only use a Chronological Résumé with all Years Accounted for –List most recent job first and all the rest in order. If you have chosen to do a functional résumé without dates, then expect to be deselected. Many hiring managers believe people are trying to hide something when they won’t show their history. Was the candidate in the penitentiary, asylum, or worse during those unaccounted years? If you are concerned about ageism and don’t want to tip your hand as having too much experience (as if you can have too much experience), then show the most recent ten years followed by a paragraph showing relevant experience before that period without dates. Degrees should not include dates either.

• Write up Your Job History –State name of company, dates employed, company location, description of the company’s services or products and size, and your job title and description of your responsibilities. Then MOST IMPORTANT

• Talk about Your Quantifiable Successes at Each Job –Quantifiable, means numbers and numbers get attention especially if they are at the end of sentences. Put those success statements with bullets after each job. Some examples:

• Increased sales by $5,000,000.
• Created new time saving procedure and saved company $12,000,000.
• Increased branch revenues by 18%

• Remember the Hiring Company Only Cares About What’s in it for Them –The way many companies feel about employees is that employees make them money, save them money, or parasitically lose them money. They only want to hire those that will make them money or save them money. They for sure don’t want to hire those that will cost or lose money. In fact, they want to fire those employees. Your job is to clearly show in your résumé that if you are hired you will either make them money or save them money. How have you done this for past employers? How can your quantifiable successes support this conclusion? Use the old salesman’s trick when you write down a feature about yourself. Ask yourself–so what is the benefit of this feature? The “so what?” should be that you are making more money or saving money for the company.

Whether you are looking now for a job or are completely satisfied with your current job, it is imperative that you have an up-to-date killer résumé. Your résumé is part of your family’s security system. Like savings in the bank, one does not want to be unprepared for a rainy day.

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Copyright © 2009 Kurt W. DuNard. Permission is granted to reprint if credit is given in the following way \”by Kurt W. DuNard The Exceptional Life Coach.\”

Kurt DuNard, The Exceptional Life Coach, is the author of EXCEPTIONAL LIFE: Living the Life You Were Meant to Live. High achievers seek him out to pinpoint their soul’s goals, increase abundance, and find more happiness and joy. If you think you would also like these things, then receive your FREE success tools from Kurt DuNard now at www.DuNard.com.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/resumes-articles/writing-a-killer-rsum-779645.html

Author: Damen Choy - the Career Expert

Despite all the advances in technology and communications these days, the traditional rules still hold when it comes to interview techniques that will get you hired. Whether you’re applying to a global corporation or a small company, the most important part of an interview is that you have a winning presentation. This is usually the key factor in determining whether you get the job.

Once you have created an effective resume and have sent your resume to prospective employers, the next step is to try and obtain an interview. This can be done by phone or in person. Chances are you will first meet an administrative assistant or receptionist. This person could be the key to your future in terms of helping you to get an interview or providing information about the company, so remember to be polite and friendly.

Once an interview is scheduled, your personal appearance and behavior are critical factors which could decide whether your job search is successful.

Here are 7 important steps to help you improve your interview techniques.

Interview Techniques #1 — Proper Preparation

To make sure you’re on time for the interview, find out ahead of time where the interview is and how to get there. Give yourself plenty of time to get dressed and get there on time. As a matter of courtesy, make sure your cell phone is turned off before the interview.

Plan to dress in a manner which is appropriate for the job. Your appearance will determine the first impression the interviewer has of you. Take care in your grooming before the interview, and be aware of your body language during the interview. Good posture will help to give an overall good impression.

Interview Techniques #2 — Do the Research

Use every possible resource to learn about a company before you interview there. You should be prepared to answer question about why you’re interested in the company or what you’ve heard about it. Make sure you know what the company does and if possible a little bit about its history. Be familiar with the company profile.

While it’s a good idea to prepare some answers to questions ahead of time, avoid memorizing your responses. You need to sound unscripted and as natural as possible. Rehearse an overview of what you want to say, but keep it spontaneous.

Interview Techniques #3 — Keep your Cool

When you meet the interviewer, remember to look him or her in the eye and be prepared to return a handshake if offered. A polite greeting and friendly smile are in order. Only take a seat after it’s offered. Thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you. Keep your demeanor and comments positive.

Interview Techniques #4 — Sell Yourself

As you’re being interviewed, answer all questions as honestly as possible. Honesty and sincerity are both important interview techniques. Make your answers concise and not unnecessarily wordy. Do your best to convey to the interviewer what type of employee you will be and what you will offer the company. When asked about previous employers, stay as positive as possible.

If this is your first job, don’t be intimidated by your lack of experience. Emphasize your skills and talents, and let the employer know that you are confident and eager to learn.

One of the most important interview techniques is to see through the eyes of the employer. If you were the one doing the hiring, what qualities would you look for? What benefit would the employer gain in hiring you?

Lastly, don’t be afraid to sell yourself, but at the same time avoid the appearance of over confidence. Project an air of confidence without sounding like a know-it-all.

Interview Techniques #5 — Ask the Right Questions

Show the interviewer that you know the right questions to ask. Express an interest in knowing exactly what your responsibilities will be. If you come across an interviewer who does all of the talking, don’t be intimidated. Politely try to ask questions which will give you the chance to discuss your qualifications for the job.

Interview Techniques #6 — The Wrap Up

As the interview comes to a close, make sure that you’ve covered all the important points. This is not the time to ask about salary and benefits. Save those questions for the job offer or follow up interview.

Summarize you strengths and skills and re-emphasize your positive traits. Find out what the next steps are in the interview and job decision process. Thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you and make sure to leave a final good impression.

Interview Techniques #7 — The Follow Up

After the interview, another of the important interview techniques is to follow up with a thank you note to each person who interviewed you. Thank him or her for their time and for giving you the opportunity to apply for a job.

For details on these and other winning techniques, refer to the Interview Techniques section of InstantCareerAdvice.com

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/interviews-articles/7-interview-techniques-that-will-get-you-hired-793223.html

Author: Damen Choy - the Career Expert

No matter how well you have prepared for your interview, chances are you would be confronted with questions you don’t know how to answer. In this case, don’t get nervous. You have to accept that you are not invincible. And sometimes it might just be a trick your interviewers use to test how you respond to difficult and tough questions on the spot. They want to observe your behaviour under embarrassing and difficult situations.

Use the Seek-And-Reply technique. It allows you to

• Understand more clearly the interviewers’ question.
• Gain rapport with your interviewers and engage them in your presentation
• Take control of your answer presentation to achieve your desired performance

How to use the Seek-And-Reply technique?

Whenever you encounter a question that you don’t know how to answer, follow the procedures:

Think of the best PRELIMINARY answer to the question.

Break down your PRELIMINARY answer into 2 to 3 points.

Begin your answer by using diplomatic language like a politician. For example, “I DO NOT HAVE THE COMPLETE PICTURE BUT I DO THINK…..”, “AS FAR AS I CAN FIGURE IT OUT”, “TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE”, “IF I DO NOT UNDERSTAND YOU FULLY, I HOPE I CAN ANSWER IT IN THIS WAY……”

Here is a demonstration:

I do not have the “COMPLETE PICTURE”, so “to the best of my UNDERSTANDING AND COMPREHENSION”, I would like to express my opinion herein as……………………………………

Then you can go on to explain the first point of your PRELIMINARY answer. Make a short pause after point one and ask the interviewers:

“CAN YOU FOLLOW WHAT I AM SAYING?”

“AM I IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION?”

“DO YOU HAVE ANY COMMENTS SO FAR?”

You are now passing the “turn” to the interviewers. They are “guided” by you to provide further information and the “answers” in their mind.

Your strategy is to dig out what is in their mind when they are asking the difficult question.

So give your fair “share” of the answer and ask them for their “share” as well.

Repeat the above procedures for point 2 and 3 of your preliminary answer.

Of course, you can quickly adapt your answers to the information they contribute under your guidance. Now you know how to answer difficult questions by using Seek-And-Reply technique.

Seek their minds before your Reply to their questions.

Use this technique to take control of a job interview.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/interviews-articles/how-to-answer-difficult-interview-questions-without-knowing-the-answers-795370.html