Making it to the end of the day

One of the questions I often ask is "tell me about the professional accomplishment of which you are most proud."

I like this question for a number of reasons. It's a chance to see how the candidate takes information they've already presented and perhaps add something new.

(This is usually one of the last questions.)

This particular candidate was interviewing for a high level position in the organization. The interview was going very well and she seemed to be connecting with everyone in the group.

Then the question: tell us about the professional accomplishment of which you are the most proud.

Her response: I've made it through it another day to 5 o'clock.

WHAT?
That's what you're hanging your hat on - you made it to the end of a work day?

We ended up hiring someone else.

Free Bagging

During a group interview, I asked the candidate to explain why she was no longer working at a store listed on her application.

She said she was fired for free bagging - that the store didn't approve of it.

The interview continued.

However, I wondered to myself - what in the world is free bagging?
So, I went back to the question. And, asked her to explain. 

Turns out free bagging is putting stuff in your friends' shopping bag they haven't purchased. They purchase 1 or 2 items, but end up taking home 3 or 4 or more items - without paying. In other words, stealing.

She seemed to have no shame about the practice.

I guess it's no surprise, we did not hire her.

You're Always On

Remember, when you interview for a job, you are "on" from the time you drive into the parking lot, enter the building and find the office.

Be yourself.

But, remember, you're being interviewed even if you aren't sitting at a table.

One thing I've done with potential hires - invite them to have lunch with the managers with whom they will be working. It's an opportunity for co-workers to evaluate the person and see them in a more relaxed situation.

So, the young man was going to lunch with 5 managers. As soon as they got in the van, he began lamenting his personal life. Apparently, he had a LOT of problems.

When they returned from lunch, they all concurred - don't hire. He's too needy. 

So, although his formal interview went quite well, he didn't get the job.

The Good and The Bad

There are a number of interview questions, which are considered standards. You should be prepared to answer them.

One question I always ask: Tell me your strengths and weaknesses.

First - be prepared. This should not be an unexpected question. Do your homework. Practice some answers.

Second - everyone has a weakness. So, please don't say, "I really can't think of a weakness." I would consider that a weakness. Plus you are not self-aware. Another weakness.

My all-time favorite answer to this question was a woman who said this:
My strength and my weakness are the same - I'm too smart. It's a strength because I'm smart. But, it's also my weakness because people are jealous.

My analysis - you are not that smart. This is a terrible answer. You're so smart, everyone is jealous of you? What?
I'm sure it's no surprise, she was not offered the position.

Rough times

I interviewed a candidate, asking this question: Review your previous jobs, highlighting main responsibilities in each.

She had listed a number of jobs on the resume. Unfortunately, she didn't really remember her own job history. (bad sign)

She started off describing her first job 20+ years ago, listing her duties. (okay, so far, so good)

But then, she started wandering around, trying to remember where she worked and when. She described no duties. I know when she got divorced - it was a rough year. And, she went on to describe a number of rough times. Lots of gossip, too.

I have no idea what she did through the course of her career. But, I know she went through some rough times.

Bottom line - know your own job history. 

You should be able to highlight a few key duties that showcase your abilities and make the interviewer think "I want to hire this person."

Better left unsaid

A friend shared this item from an application he reviewed:

Under the question - do you have any additional information to share?
Answer - I've been abducted by aliens.

Result - not hired.

Just saying....

A series of Don'ts

Writing a resume is like losing weight. The keys to losing weight are diet and exercise. There really aren't any shortcuts. You just have to do it.

There are many books and articles offering advice on resumes. Yet, when I review them, I am amazed at the types of mistakes commonly made...despite ALL the advice.

For example, SPELL CHECK. It's not an option. And, even with spell check, you really need to review the resume and cover letter (or have someone else do it) to check the spelling. 

Spelling errors = lack of attention to detail. This is a bad omen for a potential employer.

Another DON'T regards references.
If the posting asks for references, provide them. 
You need three (for some high end positions, more may be standard), but generally, three is fine. 

Here are some tips (all taken from real life examples I've seen):
1. First, check with your references to ensure they are able to provide you a positive reference. 
I always check references. And, I use a series of questions I've honed over the years. 
Once, when checking a reference, the response was:
She listed me as a reference? Really? I'm not sure why. I didn't even know she was looking for a job. RED FLAG

2. Do not list your girl friend's sister. 
Do not list your best friend.
One question I ask: How do you know the candidate?
Think about it. Do you want the reference to answer: He's dating my sister?
Not Good.

3. Do not provide 17 letters of recommendation, including one from your ex-wife. Yes, that's right. I received a resume with 17 letters. 17. Unbelievable. Plus, one of them included a glowing testimonial from the ex-wife. Trust me, it did not impress me to read what a wonderful husband and father you are.