Understand the Mind of the Interviewer

Understand the Mind of the InterviewerUnderstand the Mind of the InterviewerThe job interview process is really just a series of approvals and referrals.Ultimately you want a job, but broken down to its elements, what you really want is a series of approvals. The job interview process isnt about convincing someone to hire you - leid until the final stage, anyway - it is about convincing each individual along the process to approve you to advance to the next stage.And there are more people who can influence your ability to reach the next stage than you think.The Non-InterviewersThere are lots of people who can influence whether or not you will be hired. Every part you meet within a hiring organization, from the receptionist to the CEO, will reisepass judgment on you. Most of the time, the judgment will be, No opinion one way or the other. There will be other people, however, who very much will have an opinion about you. If theyre not actually interviewing you, you dont need their ap proval, but you dont want their disapproval.That means you really are on a job interview at all times. A misstep with a non-interviewer such as a receptionist can eliminate your from the process. An off-the-cuff comment can damage your credibility or reputation. Always be on your best behavior, and act professionally and honestly be classy and pleasant.The InterviewersInterviewers play one of two roles approval/disapproval or hiring/not hiring. Either the person you are talking to can approve or not approve you to meet with another person in the company, or the person can hire you or decide that you will not be hired.Keep in mind that either way, the interviewers reputation is riding on your behavior as a candidate or as a new employee. If you get to interview with another person, then that person is going to judge the first interviewer on how you behave during the interview. If you get hired for the job, then everyone involved with that role is going to judge the interviewer for ho w well he judges talent.Be RecommendableJust as it is important actually to be able to do the job for which you are being considered, it is important for you to be recommendable. The primary question running through the mind of the interviewer is, Will I look good if I recommend this person for another interview? Another version of that is, Will I look good if I hire this person for our organization?Your first job, the one that you have to do well in order to get the actual paying job, is to make sure each interviewer feels comfortable in recommending you for the next stage in the hiring process.A Checklist to Become More RecommendableWhat is the most important outcome that this interviewer wants as a result of this interview? Does he want to refer you for a second interview or hire you?What is this interviewers personality and decision-making style? (Is the person a quick decision maker, an emotional decision maker, a logical decision maker or a conscientious decision maker?) Under stand how to meet the needs of the different types of decision makers.What are this interviewers hot buttons that need to be avoided so that you are not taken off the list? (Be on the alert for clues during the interview.)What are the key aspects of this organization that you need to keep top of mind during this interview? (Be prepared. Every interview is its own entity. You cannot just give canned answers the same way for every company and for every interviewer.)One Customer at a TimeTreat each person you meet formally or informally as your customer. To get the job you want, which is one of the most important sales you will make, requires gaining approval from a series of people. The questions in the checklist above are very similar to the questions that every great salesperson answers. Securing a job is primarily based on your ability to sell who you are and what you have to offer.Seen as a sales process, you are not securing a job - that comes at the very end of the process when you show up the first day on the job. You are securing a sale, the sale of you. Make a series of successful closes, and ultimately you will end up in the job you want.

Why you should work on talking less instead of more

Why you should work on talking less instead of moreWhy you should work on talking less instead of moreUsing our voice is core to understanding our power. Its integral in anchoring where we deserve to be. It helps us advocate for our own needs and the needs of those we love. Using our voice, communicating our stories, sharing our experiences, is one of the great tools we have in propelling our ascent.However,the more you listen, the more potent your voice becomes.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreBut weve got to shut the hell up every once in a while. We have to stop being so concerned about proving what we know and what weve been through and why were right, and instead absorb. Instead, ask. Instead, look for whats not being said.When youre so busy talking, and making points, and showing your opinions, you miss so much of the picture. You miss whats in their eyes. You miss the chan ce to ask really powerful and pointed questions. You miss steering the ship with thoughtful inquiries. You can drive the direction of any meeting, of any conversation, of any connection, more with questions than with points.If you can shut up, youll get to breath.If you can shut up, youll get to listen.If you shut up, youll get to feel whats going on. Observe whats happening.If you shut up, youll feel your answers, the data, the knowing.Its hard to do all of these things when the broadcasting is endless.And as someone whos core qualities is that of a talker, I can tell you Im in progredienz with this lesson. I will be my whole life. But Ive found that facilitating other peoples stories, other peoples genius, other peoples thoughts it allows me to learn quicker. It allows me to steer. It allows me to connect. It allows me to help them find their own answers. It allows me to allow them to feel seen.The last is the most important to me, because isnt that what were all searching for? T o give someone the gift of feeling seen, youve got to learn to shut up first.This article originally appeared on Maxie McCoy.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

How to Differentiate Your Cover Letter from Your Resume

How to Differentiate Your Cover Letter from Your ResumeHow to Differentiate Your Cover Letter from Your ResumeYour resume and titelblatt letter are two of the most important tools in your job search. But how do you differentiate your cover letter from your resume? First, you have to understand the purpose of each document (they might not be what you think).Below are several tips on how to differentiate your cover letter from your resume.Your Cover Letter Is the Voice of Your ResumeAccording to Don Goodman, the only purpose of your cover letter is to get people interested in you enough to read your resume. With that said, you shouldnt reiterate everything you say in your resume in your cover letter. Otzu sichwise, youd only send your resumeThe goal of your cover letter is to piqueinterest. Its your first impression and opportunity to convey your passion for the industry, show them why you want the job, and explain why youre a good fit for the position- in your own words.Think of it as the voice of your resume. It explains what your resume cant. If you just shoved your resume in someones hands without any explanation of yourself, do you think theyll call you? Probably not. You need to talk with them a little bit, tell them what youre all about, and make them see that you have potential. This is essentially what your cover letter does.Your Resume Is the Interview FilterA common misconception is that your resume will get you a job. False The purpose of your resume is to get an interview based on how well you present your experience and skills.Generally speaking, if you dont have the appropriate skills, expertise, education, or background, then youre not getting an interview.Think of your resume as the interview filter. People dont have time to waste interviewing applicants who dont showcase the right skills from the get-go. Your resume is a way for them to filter candidates based on their credentials alone.In conclusion, the purpose of your cover letter is to get p eople to read your resume, and the purpose of your resume is to get an interview. Although they have different short-term goals, these documents work together to help you achieve your long-term goal getting a job.Readers, how do YOU differentiate your cover letter from your resume? Let us know in the comment section belowAriella Coombs is the managing editor ofCAREEREALISM. Shes a wicked career nerd and loves finding ways to make career more fun. Follow her on TwitterAriellaCoombs