Webinar:Job Interview

Differentiation Strategies

Job InterviewDifferentiation Strategies

Better preparation before the interview Develop a point of view / personal brand Create a “springboard” for intelligent dialogue

Deeper engagement during the interview Speak less, say more Ask “wake up” questions Tell targeted stories

More relevant follow-up after the interview Reinforce your personal brand Create opportunities to continue the dialogue

Summary:

Dan RustFrontline Learningdanrust@frontlinelearning.com

Research Depth of research varies based upon:

Your current knowledge of the company, industry, etc. The relative potential value of the opportunity What other candidates would typically do (because

you have to go deeper than the typical candidate) Start with the easily available information

Websites, blogs, Wikipedia, online customer reviews Annual reports, press releases and articles

Find some information that is less accessible Read a book by the founder, or about the company Attend a conference (or even a webinar, etc.) Connect with current / former employees or vendors

Research Ask informed questions during the phone screen

“I read the company’s mission statement on your website and was interested to find out more about how that mission actually is reflected in the day-to-day work environment…”

Ask questions to help identify your “strike zone” “What was it about my resume that caught your attention?” “I’m sure you’re talking to a lot of very qualified people

about this opportunity - what skills or capabilities important for this position are you finding to be most difficult to find, in the candidates you’ve spoken to so far?”

Avoid questions that most other candidates might ask “What are the benefits?” “When are you looking to hire?” “What are the key responsibilities of this role?”

Develop Your Personal Brand and “Unique Value Proposition”

Employer’s Needs

Your Qualifications

Other Candidates

How are you uniquely qualified for this position?

Develop Your Personal Brand and “Unique Value Proposition” Identify all of the assumed competencies and plan to spend very

little (or no) time focused on those… Acknowledge the assumed competencies Provide documentation if necessary

What truly makes you different/special/better for this particular position, with this particular company, and this particular interviewer? It doesn’t have to be a HUGE reason, just relevant and well

communicated Go into the interview with a theme based upon your unique value, and

maintain that theme throughout the interview Examples:

I’m a data analyst with exceptional people skills I have a proven track record of solving complex problems that have no obvious

solution I’m a leader who creates other leaders When everyone else has given up, I’m just getting started

Stories Develop three stories/anecdotes that highlight your unique

value Elements of a good story:

It is true It is brief It has an element of humor You are faced with a problem (bigger is better) You try a reasonable solution, but situation gets worse You try another reasonable solution, but situation gets REALLY

worse You try a third solution – and the issue gets resolved Along the way, the story reveals elements of your character, work

ethic, competency and commitment, all in a manner that is relevant to the job position.

If you are expecting specific tough questions, craft your answer as a story

Proof / Evidence Assemble a portfolio of evidence to support your unique

qualifications for the job Create a section for each key competency

Example: Team Leadership Technical Skills Problem Solving Strategic Planning

Portfolio evidence can include: Performance reviews Awards/Recognition/Letters of recommendation Work samples Certificates of completion/graduation Project summaries Photos / Audio / video files

Wake Up Questions “When you hire someone

for this position, a year from now, what would you hope they would have accomplished?”

“Have you ever made a bad hire? What did you learn from that experience?”

Take-a-Nap Questions “What are the benefits?” “What is it like to work here?” “How many other candidates

are you talking to?” “When will you be making a

decision?” “When should I expect to

hear back from you?”

During the Interview Ask questions that reflect the deep research you have

conducted Ask “wake up” questions, not take-a-nap questions

After the Interview Before you leave the interview, develop a reason

to follow-up (beyond just learning of their decision)

Examples Provide work samples Provide evidence regarding a specific project

Proactive referrals – you don’t have to wait for the job offer to provide references

Thank YouUpcoming Webcasts:

To register for free online courses:

• Job Search Strategies: Prospecting for the Best Opportunities• Writing a Resume that Gets Results• Handling the Initial Screening Call to Get the Interview• How to handle the Toughest Interview Questions• Keeping Motivated Throughout Your Job Search Process

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