Not exactly.

If your job includes communicating with clients and closing deals, you’ll have to go through the job interview process over and over again. Luckily, you can translate the skills that got you in the door to help your sales shoot through the roof. (Click here to tweet this thought.) Here are a few interview situations and how you should handle them:

The interviewer asks about a particular skill, and you don’t have it

When an interviewer asks you about a skill you don’t have, you have three choices: you can misrepresent yourself and hope you don’t get caught, say you don’t have the skill and wish them luck on their candidate search, or you can emphasize a related skill you have while expressing your eagerness to learn and quick mastery of new material.

The first choice is not only pretty unethical, but also a great way to burn bridges within your industry. If the skill is important enough to be mentioned in the interview, it’s probably used frequently; you’re going to get nailed on it sooner or later.

Compare this with a prospect asking about a product you don’t have or a service you don’t provide. They need 24/7 communication, and you have a strict “no work on weekends” policy. You can say you’re always available, but if it’s important enough for them to ask in the interview, you can bet your phone will be ringing on a Saturday. Are you willing to answer it?

The second choice is more ethically balanced, but doesn’t do your business any favors. You came into the job interview for a reason and did your research. Unless there’s a huge miscommunication on the nature of the business, you should have something to offer.

Few business “soul mates” exist, so if you bow out the moment you think you can’t reach their ideal, you’re going to be turning away perfectly good business. Ask questions to probe deeper; they may be asking for a particular service or product, but what they really need is for you to fill a need. If you can discover what the client needs, you may be able to offer something of your own that would make you a perfect match.

The interviewer asks a straightforward question, and you need to set yourself apart from the competition

If an interviewer asks you a factual question, and you know the answer is on your resume or in your cover letter, it’s not because they’ve forgotten. They’re giving you an opportunity to tell them how that fact makes you the perfect candidate.

Interviewer: “It says here that you studied at Prestigious University.”

Wrong answer: “Yep.”

You just blew an opportunity to tell the interviewer how getting the Perfect Degree at Prestigious University and your school involvement makes you the best person for the job. On the other hand, the interviewer might bring up something on the resume because he or she is confused about it, and it may be broaching a delicate topic.

Interviewer: “I see a two year gap between your jobs at First Company and Second Company.”

Wrong response: “That’s correct. I did not work in 2010 and 2011.”

See the pattern? A prospect may ask about any number of things, and it’s your job to spin everything in a positive light.

Prospect: “It says on your site that you were named the Top Widget Seller of the Decade.”

Wrong response: “Yep.”

Right response: “It sure is! We competed against thirty-four other widget manufacturers and were rated in three different areas including customer service satisfaction. You mentioned earlier you had trouble with your last supplier and their bad attitude. I’m glad we can show you have a track record of happy customers.”

The interview is over, and you’re told you’ll hear from them within a week

Typical interview etiquette tells you to follow up to thank the person interviewing you immediately with a handwritten, mailed thank you card.

Why not transfer this practice over to meeting prospects? If you maximize every moment with potential clients, then you have – at minimum – learned about their company, made a networking contact and practiced your sales pitch. For that alone, they certainly deserve a thank you card.

Even if you don’t happen to match what they need for this job, you made a positive contact and put yourself in an excellent position to be contacted in the future.

Treat every discussion with a prospect with the same preparation and positive attitude you did during your interview for the position, and you’ll get that same fist-pump high-five feeling of being hired over and over again throughout your career!

Bret Bonnet is the CEO of Quality Logo Products, a promotional products distribution company that he helped to establish in 2003. His efforts earned him a spot on Counselor Magazine’s list of the top 30 entrepreneurs under 30 within the promotional products industry.

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The post 3 Tough Job Interview Situations and How to Handle Them appeared first on Brazen Life.

But fear rarely makes a strong impression. Instead of quaking and counting the seconds until your interview is over, take control of the process from the start by keeping these considerations in mind.

1. Grow up

Job interviews have a tendency to transport us back to childhood, a time when we strove to please our elders and stay out of trouble. But resist this tendency. You and your interviewer are two adults who’ve earned a place in the world and a seat at the table.

You’re going to have a simple conversation. You’re not here to be judged, scolded, punished, tested or cross examined. And if you’re treated this way, you don’t want that job.

2. Clarify, don’t guess

If you don’t understand your interviewer’s question, that’s his fault, not yours. Don’t fumble or mumble your way toward whatever you think he meant. Simply say, “I don’t understand the question. Can you rephrase?”

3. Honesty wins — always

If you have to choose between telling your story in your own words or telling your interviewer what you think she wants to hear, choose the first. At some point, you may be asked to describe your feelings, your plans or the lessons you learned from the past. Think about the question for a few seconds before you speak. Then speak from the heart.

4. You’re a specialist, not a jack-of-all trades

Young candidates often assume that the more they can do, the more they’ll impress their interviewers. They claim to be all-around superstars (hard workers, tech pros, brilliant writers, mathematicians and natural leaders) who turn everything they touch into gold.

Instead, focus on what you really do — the skills you have to offer that others don’t. Let the other things go.

5. You’re not a “social media expert” (unless you are)

You may have a Facebook account, and you may be a Millennial, but these alone don’t make you a social media expert or a social media marketing pro. These are real terms, and if you use them to describe yourself, you’ll need to back up that claim.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to do this. Especially if this isn’t a social media marketing job. Focus on your degree in chemistry, your background in art history or your child development experience, and don’t let your interviewer put you on the defensive because you haven’t updated your Twitter feed in a while.

6. Manage your appearance and non-verbal cues

Whatever you decide to wear to your interview, look clean, neat, pressed and sharp. Your clothes should look new, especially your shoes. Your posture should be confident and relaxed. Keep the conversation flowing in two directions. Judge as much as you’re judged, and ask some questions instead of answering each one and passively waiting for the next.

Jenny Treanor is a career advisor and job search expert who provides consultation for staffing firms, hiring managers and job seekers across every industry. Her blogs and articles appear regularly on LiveCareer, home of America’s #1 Resume Builder.

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Remember that when you’re invited to interview for a position, the hiring manager already feels you’re qualified for the position. But truly connecting with your interviewer can be tough, and conversations don’t always go as planned.

Here are a few signs the hiring manager may be losing interest in you — and how to turn the interview around:

1. They only ask questions from their prepared list

A hiring manager always prepares for an interview by developing a list of questions. They’ll usually begin to digress from their list by asking follow-up questions to your answers to build a clear picture of your potential for the job.

If they begin to lose interest, however, they may begin to “stick to the script” and run through their list of questions without asking for much elaboration.

How to turn it around: Change tactics — answer their questions, but also ask some of your own. Ensure the interview is a two-way conversation. (Click here to tweet this thought.) Engage the hiring manager. Lead the conversation in a direction that allows you to demonstrate your knowledge of the industry, company and your skills.

2. They become easily distracted

If your hiring manager becomes distracted during the interview, it’s a surefire sign they’re losing interest. Do they glance at their computer when new emails come in? Does the amount of eye contact they make with you dwindle? Perhaps you catch them glancing at the clock or other work on their desk. You need to bring the focus back to your conversation immediately.

How to turn it around: You should’ve researched the company and industry when preparing for this interview, and now’s the perfect time to leverage this information to sell yourself.

Comment on a piece of pertinent industry news and ask how it affects the company. Draw connections between market trends and how they might affect the company’s services or product line. These topics make an impact on the interviewer’s job, so it’s a good tactic to grab their attention.

3. They stop taking notes

When a hiring manager stops taking notes during an interview, this indicates your responses are leading them to believe you’re not the right candidate for the job. They’ll be recounting the details of the interview to company management, so detailed notes on their top candidates help them make a case for hiring you.

How to turn it around: When a hiring manager stops taking notes, don’t panic. Keep an eye on what interests them throughout the interview. What responses do they take notes on and when do they stop?

Highlight the skills and experience they find most intriguing, even if you feel those topics aren’t your strongest attributes. Guide the conversation back to those points and expand on them as much as you can without pushing it too far.

4. They don’t ask how you would use your experience for the benefit of their company

At the end of the day, a hiring manager’s job is to find potential employees who can make a contribution to the company. If they aren’t sure you’re the right person for the job, they may not initiate a conversation about your experience and skills in relation to the job.

How to turn it around: You should be proud of all your professional accomplishments, but emphasize the ones this company needs. Did the job description mention they need someone who can make killer presentations? Guide the conversation in that direction. Are they looking for someone with the ability to work well in groups? Give examples of how well you’ve done in the past.

Always bring the conversation back to how you can be an asset, as all companies are looking for someone who can provide them with solutions to their problems. If they don’t bring up your potential, you need to make it part of the conversation.

5. They don’t mention a second interview or future communication

The end of the interview is usually when the hiring manager will discuss the next steps in the interview process. This includes when you can expect to hear from them, whether there will be a second interview, and any further information they might need. If they don’t offer opportunities for further communication, it might be a sign they’re on the fence about you.

How to turn it around: Let the interviewer know how interested you are in the job and the company. Ask when you can expect to hear from them or inquire about the next steps. Be polite and confident in your inquiry and it’ll impress upon the hiring manager that you’re serious about the job.

Within 24 hours of the interview, you should also send a formal email to thank them for the opportunity to interview. Not only is it courteous, but it also keeps your conversation fresh in their minds.

Not every interview is a smooth conversation. If you find you aren’t connecting with your interviewer, it doesn’t mean you won’t get the job. It just means you may have to work a bit harder to impress them. Steer the conversation in a way that casts you in the best possible light.

What do you think? How do you try to turn tough interviews into outstanding job opportunities?

Robyn Melhuish is the Communications Manager at MedReps.com, a job board that gives members access to the most sought-after medical sales jobs and pharmaceutical sales jobs on the Web. Connect with Robyn and MedReps.com on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

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1. Here’s what I’ve got.
2. Here’s what I will do for you.
3. Here’s what I want you to do next for me.

Yes, it sounds extremely simple, but there’s an art and a science to effectively offering your time for money and getting that job. So let’s discuss what each of these bullet points mean.

1. Here’s what I’ve got

You’ll notice this isn’t “Here’s what I know.” Your employer doesn’t care about what you know. In fact, what you know has little relevance to your employer.

It’s what you can do with what you know that really counts. (Click here to Tweet this thought.) Nothing else matters, but this is where the majority of people go wrong.

Just because you have specialized knowledge doesn’t mean you should be employed. You might think having a certain degree, qualifications or number of years of experience is sufficient enough to get you the job. Others believe the severity of their need will lead to someone taking pity on them and giving them a job.

This, again, is one main reason why many people have a hard time getting a job. In the midst of all these ideas about why they need a job, job seekers omit the specific reasons they’re valuable to prospective employers.

2. Here’s what I will do for you

This is the step where you demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position. You can do this in a variety of ways: during your meeting or phone conversation or in your well-crafted cover letter and resume.

Your attitude will come through in your interactions, so being positive is important. A negative attitude can be poisonous in this step.

If you’re not positive, why would an employer hire you? Maintain a positive attitude at all times, even if you’re fearful or nervous. Recruiters tend to avoid negative candidates who complain about the difficulties of the job market.

Keep in mind that many candidates have experienced the same hardships, but they bring positivity to their interviews. That positivity is not just contagious; it makes people want to work with you.

Save the pain and frustration of your job search for someone else. Don’t even bring it into the room. Of course, nervousness in an interview is natural. It’s OK to experience that as long as you have the right attitude.

And remember, the worst possible outcome is that you don’t get the job. Even if they don’t offer you a position, send the person who interviewed you a thank you note and wish them well. It will establish you as someone with impeccable manners and even confidence. You will put the idea in their mind that you’d be a good person to represent their company. The next time a job opens up, you’re more likely to be considered.

3. Here’s what I want you to do next for me

During your interview, make sure your interviewer knows you’re interested in the job. Ask questions about the position and ask about next steps.

Don’t ask about compensation and benefits. Instead, let the interviewer broach those topics. Interviewers will often ask applicants what compensation they’re seeking. This is an area where many job seekers make a crucial misstep.

When asked this question, a lot of interviewees will say they don’t know or cite a too-high or too-low figure based on guesswork. They erroneously believe that if they admit they’ll accept any type of offer, they’ll seem more appealing to the person with the hiring power.

Other people believe their hardship, mortgage or childcare responsibilities will earn the sympathy of prospective employers and lead to a job offer. But this desperation invariably has the opposite effect, especially if you’re willing to accept a very low salary. This red flag makes employers think you may be under-qualified.

Of course, the other pitfall job seekers step into is asking for too much money, which will make employers hire someone less expensive. Both extremes illustrate a lack of preparedness and a lack of awareness about the position. Research the industry standard for a realistic expectation of what the salary for this position should be.

In summary, employers are mostly interested in what you can do for them. They really don’t care about your background, except with respect to how you can use it for their benefit. They already have your resume and know enough about you to bring you in for an interview in the first place.

Employers are selfish. They’re looking out for their own interests. They don’t really care about you, your feelings or your current financial situation. All they care about is how you can help them achieve their objectives.

This information is not meant to be discouraging. In fact, it’s mentioned to simplify things and distill your interview performance into one clear message: what you can offer your new boss.

George Egbuonu (MBA) is the best-selling author of the book How To Get A Job In 30 Days Or Less. To attend a free webinar on How To Get A Job In 30 Days Or Less, visit: http://helpingfeet.com/webinar.

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Anxiety, apprehension and worry are all natural human responses to a stressful situation like an interview — these are indicators that you want to succeed. Yet that protection mechanism called fear kicks in to defend you against the pain of failure.

So what can you do to build up up your confidence against the fearful expectation of failure? One method is to create a powerful strategy that will persuade your interviewers that you’re the best — the one — for the role.

Treat your interview like a sales pitch

Since your interview is your chance to sell yourself and convince this person of all the good you can do for the company, think of this conversation as a sales pitch. And every sales pitch needs an elevator speech.

Before you walk in the door, you should be ready with a short, punchy sentence or two that not only wraps up your skills, qualities and talents, but also entices the interviewer to listen to more of what you have to say.

Interview yourself first

Ready to write that hard-hitting sentence or two that will create a great first impression with your prospective employer? Start by asking yourself a series of questions.

The answers will help you understand your own value and realize all that you could potentially achieve with this new opportunity. Ask yourself:

• What are you really good at in the context of the work you would be doing?
• In what aspects of this work do you excel?
• When are you at your best?
• What qualities do you have that will add real value to this company?
• Why would you be a great asset to them?
• What’s your greatest strength?

These types of questions dig deep into your psyche and help you develop the conviction that you’re the right person for the role. The answers will help you overcome some of the fears that cause pre-interview anxiety and nerves in the first place.

Psychologists say a certain degree of nerves are necessary for you to be on your game. They help you focus and concentrate. Those butterflies in your stomach just need to be coached to fly in formation. Manage your fear by answering the questions listed above, then get to work on folding the answers into your interview.

How to write a winning elevator speech

Once you’ve formulated your answers, you can put them into effective phrases that will make you stand out as a confident and effective candidate.

Take a good look at the job post. What exactly does this role require? Excellent organization skills? Mastery of C++? Great people skills?

Focus your elevator speech around these requirements. Imagine you’re being asked (as you very likely will be), “What would you bring to this role?”

A strong answer might sound something like:

I’m self-motivated, with energy and enthusiasm for great results. I love working with a team and achieving goals. Being professional, listening actively and being part of the solution are vital when I work in a team, and I believe this is a real strength of mine — the ability to get along with different personalities.

Let’s break down the different traits this personal statement covers:

• Self-motivated
• Dedicated
• Energetic
• Results-oriented
• Team player
• Professional
• Active listener
• Solution-driven
• Relationship-focused
• Approachable

What employer would reject a person with these attributes? These skills make you stand out, especially if you’re applying for a role that involves working with different teams or customers.

Your elevator pitch should cover the essential elements you know the employer wants. Speak about the future of the company and how you can help them get there. Help the interviewer see the bigger picture — with you in it.

With an effective elevator speech, they’ll see you as a valuable asset to bring to their department, team, customers and company. (Click here to Tweet this thought.)

To recap:

1. Revisit the questions above.
2. Answer them specifically in relation to the position.
3. Condense your answers into a phrase or two that will grab attention.
4. Ensure your elevator speech is relevant to the role.
5. Show your value without showing off.
6. Deliver your elevator speech genuinely and with passion — make it a no-brainer that you’re the best person for the role.

This process will help you build confidence to calm your nerves and lay the foundation for a positive and influential interview.

As a business improvement expert, Sean McPheat helps companies improve their sales, management and HR teams through consulting, coaching and training. Sean is the Managing Director of the MTD Training group. You can find more tips and advice on how to boost your business via Sean’s blog.

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You’ve got a big interview coming up. How do you prepare? If you’re a regular Brazen reader, you know the answer: research the company, polish answers to common questions and hone in on the ways your skills and experience will help you achieve results in that particular job.

But you can do all that and still flounder in the interview. Many candidates stumble at the first hurdle because it doesn’t seem like it requires a lot of effort to clear. What is it? The typical opener that invites you to tell the interviewer a little more about yourself.

This hardly seems like the toughest question you’re likely to encounter. You know your own biography, after all. But according to career coaches, this prompt is a common stumbling block for inexperienced candidates who go wrong by taking the question at face value.

Many candidates, unprepared for the question, skewer themselves by rambling, recapping their life story, delving into ancient work history or personal matters. — Nancy Fox, Fox Coaching Associates.

Fellow career coach Jane Cranston agrees:

The biggest mistake people being interviewed make is thinking the interviewer really wants to know about them as a person.

I was born in Tallahassee…

If your answer starts anything like that, you’re probably spoiling your chances of getting the job. No matter how natural it may seem, fight the impulse to start at the beginning and go in chronological order.

Instead, take the advice of Melanie Szlucha. Think of your response as a movie preview, she advises (click here to Tweet this thought):

The movie preview always relates to the movie you’re about to see. You never see a movie preview for an animated flick when you’re there to see a slasher movie. So the “tell me about yourself” answer needs to directly fit the concerns of your prospective employer.

It should also be as short and engaging as a great trailer.

If you’re looking for the exact words to accomplish this, Brazen has examples of pithy self-descriptions for interviews, and Lifehacker also has 20 ways to complete the sentence “I am someone who….”

The time travel approach

Short summations may work in some interviews, but what if you get the impression the person sitting across from you wants to go into more depth, or they push you to include biographical information or meaty details about your professional background?

Venture capitalist Brad Feld may have the solution for you. It’s one he developed over a long career of both interviewing others and telling his own story. His suggestion is to do the opposite of what comes naturally and go backwards in time:

I don’t care where you went to school (I never have). I don’t care what your first job was. I don’t care what happened 15 years ago. I care what you did yesterday, and last month, and last quarter, and last year. That’s probably as deep as I want to go in the first five minutes of our interview. I’m no longer interested in telling my own story. Each time I do it, I realize I am wasting another 15 minutes of my life.

Feld adds that hearing a chronological retelling of your story is not only boring for the listener, it’s also pointless for the speaker. Instead, he’s decided to take a new approach, one he also recommends for job interviews:

By starting with the now, and not worrying about going backward, I can get to the meat of whatever I’m communicating, or want to communicate. I’ll more quickly engage whomever I’m talking to — making the conversation immediately active instead of passive. When I need to reach into the past for a story to support an example, I will. I’ve decided that going forward, I’m telling my history in reverse chronological order whenever asked.

Do you have a set answer for the “So tell me a little about yourself” interview question?

Jessica Stillman is a freelance writer based in London. She writes a daily column for Inc.com, contributes regularly to Forbes and Women 2.0 and has blogged for CBS MoneyWatch and GigaOM, among others.

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So, yes, you should be nervous. But now you’ve got to get smart about how to prepare for interviews and have a strategy for getting through the unexpected. (Click here to Tweet this idea.)

Study up and try to expect the unexpected

My new book, The Essential Job Interview Handbook, starts with these preparation tips:

• Research the organization or company carefully and go beyond what you find on their website.
• Create a chart or map where you list the job requirements on one side, and put key words to remind yourself of how you match them on the other side.
• Add your list of questions for the interviewer at the bottom of your map. You never want to miss an opportunity to ask questions; it’s a key tactic to prove you’re interested in a company. (And bring this map with you to the interview — it’s fine to have a “cheat sheet.”)

So, that’s good, but you’re still a wreck. You’re afraid your nerves will undermine your chances of getting the job. What can you do to make sure you don’t bomb the interview?

Focus on being your real self

Try to think of your nervousness as energy. Learn how to use it up or burn through it so it won’t hurt you. Get off to a strong start by dressing appropriately. Make sure your grooming is perfect, and greet the interviewer with a smile and a firm handshake.

Sit on the front two-thirds of your chair with good posture: shoulders back, your hands on the desk or table in front of you (if there is one) or resting on your thighs. Put energy into your voice; this will make you interesting to listen to since you won’t be mumbling. Good volume and inflection will make your ideas come alive.

Lastly, learn how to gesture to emphasize key points. Let’s say you helped with a large project as an intern; show “large” by moving your hands away from each other. If you reduced expenses, lower your hands. We do this naturally, but under the intense pressure of an interview, we tend to forget.

These tips will help you show the interviewer who you are. Be yourself — your best self — and if that’s not who they want, that’s OK. None of us is right for every job.

If you’re a go-getter, let them see that. If you’re quiet, make sure you share how you’ve been effective — quiet people are often excellent listeners. If you’re good at motivating others, show them through your facial expressions, voice and gestures just how you do that.

Interviewing is the gateway to getting a job. Learn how to do it well so they can see who you are and why you’d be a great addition to their team.

Jean Baur is the author of The Essential Job Interview Handbook.

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But a hiring manager holds a lot more besides an offer of employment. It’s all a matter of knowing what to ask and where to look.

Here are a few ways to get the absolute most you can out of a job interview:

1. Bring out your inner private eye

The first trick comes before you even reach out to a company. Keep your ear to the ground. Yes, of course you should do the cursory research for that awesome startup gig. But this is about taking what you normally do just a step further.

Don’t just glaze over the company’s website or press releases. Google the bigwigs by name. See where they’ve been and what they’ve written or created, if applicable. Read the local news where the company is based. You may find out about their expansion way before those job postings go up—and then, you’ll be first in line.

Also, this gives you an idea of the job landscape in the surrounding area. Imagine Company A is looking for a product designer. If they’re in a market epicenter, chances are higher that Companies B and C have product design needs as well.

2. Search for job postings before they even exist

When hunting for jobs, candidates usually look for openings on career pages and open positions on job boards. But instead of searching for titles and positions that companies already have, search for what they don’t have. Try to fill in the gaps.

Maybe an organization is starting a new mobile campaign or is putting together a nonprofit project for the next year. (Now you see why the first step was important!) Even if they haven’t posted open positions yet, you know exactly what they’ll need: community managers, developers, event coordinators and more.

3. Find out what’s in it for you

So you’ve snagged an interview, and your prospects look good. Great! You already know to dress professionally, arrive on time, check your breath and be prepared for those sticky questions about your weaknesses. You’ve got this. You know you should ask questions, but what questions? And when?

Aim for interview questions about the company culture, but focus more on the educational side than the dress code. Ask what kinds of internal training and enrichment programs they provide.

If the interviewer is at a loss (they don’t get this question very often, unfortunately), be helpful and give them examples such as software training or mentorship programs. This tells you what track the company is following. If they’re aggressive about in-house training, you know they take employee retention seriously.

If you think a skill set you want to acquire is in line with the company’s specific industry, be more concrete and tell them, “I want to learn __________ within five years.” (Yes, include a timeline.) In turn, express how you would be proactive within the office environment and share your talents with the team.

Besides the great impression this leaves with an employer, it puts you in a good position to make a personal connection with the interviewer. Y’know, just in case this particular opportunity doesn’t pan out.

4. Reach out and connect with someone

At the end of the interview, ask if it’s alright to connect with the interviewer on social media, as well as anyone else you may have spoken with during your time there. The idea behind this is to cement the employer’s image of you so you won’t blend into the pack of hundreds of other prospective hires.

Also, if you don’t get hired, don’t be sad; after the interview process has run its course, you can reach out to these people knowing they have a solid idea of what you’re looking for and can kindly direct you to another opportunity. Be careful not to bug them about their connections at other companies, and only approach them if you know you’re no longer being considered at their organization.

Remember, be tactful. And if they decline, don’t push the issue. The person on the other side of that table is not just an HR manager. They are also human. Treat them as such, and you’ll see results.

Well, now the interview is over. But instead of coming out on the other side simply sending thank you notes and waiting for the phone to ring, you have a better idea of the market than you did at the outset of your search. You have a more fleshed-out idea of what you want in an employer. And you have valuable connections that will follow you wherever your search takes you. Not bad for just one interview!

How else can job hunters make the interview process more rewarding?

Kim Gillus is a New York-based creative whose only true area of expertise is her rural Virginia hometown. She splits her time between social good PR projects and working on her first book. Find her at her tumblr and @kimgillus.

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Malcolm Gladwell coined the phrase “the stickiness factor” in his book The Tipping Point.  With these six tips, you can become sticky in the mind of the hiring manager:

1. Lay the groundwork

Most job seekers don’t realize the job search starts well before you find the perfect job posting.

There’s an elite group of job seekers—the high performers—who don’t have a problem finding a job. If they find themselves out of work, they’ll have multiple offers within the week.

What do they do differently?

High performers have a target group of companies they want to work for. They use networking to talk to those companies before a job is even posted. They position themselves as experts in their field. When an opportunity arises, employers search for them.

You can emulate a high performer by creating a list of five to 10 companies you’d love to work at and use your network to start talking to company insiders.

If you don’t have contacts at your target companies, search for contacts on LinkedIn or use simple email hacks to find people. Once you have your contacts, invite them to lunch or coffee.

2. Get a reference from a current employee

Companies are actively working to increase the percentage of hires from internal recommendations. An internal recommendation from a hardworking employee increases your chance of being hired tenfold.

There are two ways to go about this technique:

When you know someone at the company:

Take the connections you’ve made in the previous step, or use an already established connection, and ask for a recommendation when applying.

When you don’t know someone at the company:

If you haven’t met anyone before the interview, ask the hiring manager for a tour of the office to meet some of your future coworkers.

Having company insiders talking about you is a great way to make sure you’re in the hiring manager’s sights.

3. Do the work: solve a real problem

Stand out by solving a real problem the hiring manager is facing. Solving the problem gives the hiring manager a sense of your thought processes and demonstrates how you’ll tackle real problems.

You can ask the hiring manager to name a problem the new hire would be tasked to resolve. Then you can come up with a plan of attack to resolve the problem on the spot.

If you’ve already met with insiders, you can ask what types of problems they’re facing. This is the most powerful tip because you can bring a written plan of action that’ll surely impress the hiring manager!

4. Have an outside reference call the hiring manager

Internal references are great, but when you have a former manager calling on your behalf and raving about your work, the hiring manager will definitely take notice.

This technique works best when you’re close to your former manager and your departure was cordial, so it’s especially powerful for interns looking to get into the working force upon graduation.

Ask your reference if they could call your target company and sing your praises. If they’re a little unsure, you can give them this as an example:

“Hi, this is (Hiring Manager’s Name) from (Company). A former employee of mine, (Your Name), asked me to serve as a reference, and I thought I’d give you a call. He was an excellent employee, and I think he would be a great fit for your organization. I was sad to see him leave, but I know he was destined for bigger and better things. I just wanted to reach out before he’s scooped up by the competition!”

With a reference like this, how could the hiring manger forget your name?

5. Ask good questions

Asking the right questions can make or break the interview. Good questions show your knowledge of the industry, your competency level and your interest level.

This is not only the interviewer’s chance to get to know you—it’s your chance to get to know the company as well. By asking intelligent questions, you can get a glimpse of what it’ll be like working for the company, the challenges you’ll face and, most importantly, find any red flags.

One company I interviewed with was most impressed with the “great questions” I asked during the interview. Wondering what I asked?

The company was selling themselves pretty hard and talking up the impressive growth they’d had in the past two years. Having previous experience in a large manufacturing organization, I asked how they’d keep up with production given the current growth trajectory. It was a relatively simple question, but you could tell the hiring manager was caught off guard.

While questions about the company’s culture, top priorities or typical workweek are good, the best questions will arise from your conversation during the interview. Listen for opportunities during the interview. Write down your questions or ask on the spot.

Keep a couple backup questions in your notebook in case everything else has been answered earlier.

6. Give the hiring manager a “token”

The most common token is the thank you letter, but it’s become commonplace in today’s ultra-competitive job market. Go one step further.

A “token” is a symbol of appreciation. It’s not meant to be of monetary value. It’s meant to show character and to leave a lasting impression.

Let’s say you’re applying for a sales role, and in your interview, you discussed sales tactics. If you’re a big fan of Neil Rackham and his techniques, you could send the hiring manager a copy of his book Spin Selling.

The key is to truly listen in the interview and remember the points you talked about. Then find an article, a case study, a product or even an introduction to someone in your network that could help the hiring manager.

The token is a superb way for an employer to remember you after an interview.

Most candidates will never use these advanced tactics. Use them right, and your name will surely be tattooed to the hiring manager’s forehead.

Paul Chittenden is the co-founder of JobKaster, a location-based job search app. He is fanatic about personal development and dishes out career advice on the JobKaster Blog.

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So whether you receive an offer or not, treat every interview as a learning experience. Although they can be stressful, try to keep your eyes and ears open so you can build on your interviews to make each one better than the last.

In my quest to land a full-time job, I’ve learned the following nine dos and don’ts that could be helpful for your job search:

1. Don’t get bogged down by qualifications

“Qualifications” are sometimes impractical. For example, “10+ years of proven success using social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to promote business” is ridiculous. Facebook first debuted (for college kids only, may I add) in 2005. The rest came along well after that, and it’s only 2013. You do the math.

2. Don’t accept timelines as fact

The hiring process is rarely fast. Interviewers and recruiters may give you an estimate of when you’ll hear back, but be patient. One week might turn into three weeks. Three weeks may turn into six weeks. And “end of the month” means you probably didn’t get it.

3. Don’t brush aside an internship

An internship can turn into a full-time job, especially if you make yourself irreplaceable. If you’re a bad intern, they’ll probably still recommend you to a different organization (unless you really stink). A lot of entry-level positions ask for at least one year of experience.

4. Still be nice to your parents

Without a job, moving out of their house is difficult. Pretend to like watching NCIS and teach them about “the Twitter,” and they probably won’t kick you out anytime soon.

5. Name drop (but don’t expect it to land you the job)

Name dropping is fabulous and should be done as often as possible. If you can say, “I heard about this position from my friend John Smith, VP of Marketing” in your cover letter, you’ll be a step ahead of the applicant who applied through the company’s online system.

It may help you land an interview, but once you’re in the door, it’s up to you to sell yourself for the position.

6. Realize that interviewers are nervous, too

I’ve met stutterers, fidgeters and even one guy who broke out in hives (which made me more nervous). These situations can be challenging, but your chances of getting the job drop drastically if you’re obvious about it.

7. Bring deodorant

Interviews make people nervous. Nervous people sweat. Sweaty people smell. Smelly people don’t get a lot of job offers.

Arrive a few minutes early, find the restroom and apply a fresh coat of deodorant for your big interview.

8. Don’t spring for just “any job”

Just because you get the offer doesn’t mean you should take the job. Everyone’s situation is different, but if you can hold off on accepting a job outside of your field of study, you should. It’s harder than you think to move from retail to writing or IT to marketing.

9. Include your salary expectations if you’re asked

Not doing so will only backfire. What if you spend hours preparing, drive two hours for the interview and complete a project just to wow your interviewers, only to find out the pay is $10,000 less than your current position? If the salary is a deal breaker, then find out how much the position pays early in the process.

Alyson Komyanek earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Public Relations from Kutztown University and currently works as a freelance writer in the Philadelphia region. She’s interested in landing full-time employment, so connect with her on LinkedIn or Twitter at @alyalyson25.

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It’s no secret; not everyone interviews the same way. At times, you will encounter the social interviewer, and you will have to bring the conversation back to work-related topics because it’s easy for them to stray off the path and get into a conversation that borders on the inappropriate. Other times, you might interview with the intimidator, who will throw you for a loop. In this podcast, we’ll prep you on how to approach all types of interviewers and succeed no matter who is sitting across the table from you.

This week, we discuss the most common interviewing personalities and how to speak the language they will not only understand, but will really latch on to. Avoid the stress, skip the frustration and listen in—you’ll be sure to walk in, stand out and be remembered!

Highlights in this episode:

• Full description of different interviewer personalities
• Interviewer tactics to win each type over
• How to talk THEIR language while staying true to who you are

Enjoy the podcast, and for more info on us, check out our website, Interviewing U, and listen to Internet radio with nandoism on Blog Talk Radio.

**This podcast has been produced in conjunction with Brazen Careerist.

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Follow these five easy steps, inspired by the new book The Work/Life Balance: Resetting Your Goals, to get you started:

1. Write down your story, and write down their story

Before you interview—and, for that matter, before you construct your resume—write your own professional biography. Analyze your career history. How did you get where you are? What skills did you pick up on the way?

Note turning points and goals you have achieved. Think about where you want to go. Do you see any patterns? Do you like solving problems, working on a team, teaching others or analyzing risks?

In addition to preparing your biography before an interview, research each company or organization for which you schedule an interview. Learn about the company’s history, the corporate culture, the principal managers and their products or services. You want to show that you’re knowledgeable and interested.

2. Think of yourself as the solution to the company’s problem

Apply what you’ve learned from writing down your professional biography and the company’s history to the job you’re interviewing for. Envision the interview as an opportunity for you to showcase your ability to solve the interviewer’s problem—that is, finding the best person for the job. This is important because, just as with your resume, you want to relate how your attributes fit the job you want and align with the company’s mission.

3. Prepare for the questions you know they’ll ask

Many experts believe that what employers want to know can be summed up by three questions: Can you do the job? How will you fit in with the company culture? Will you be motivated to do a good job?

Although many interviewers will ask you those three questions, many others will derive the information from your answers to other interview questions. That’s why you need to be prepared to answer the most commonly asked interview questions. Here they are—give them some good thought before an interview:

• Why should we hire you?
• What can you do for us that other candidates can’t?
• Why do you want to work here?
• Can you describe what our company does?
• What are your strengths?
• What are your weaknesses?
• Why did you leave your last job? (Or: Why do you want to leave your current job?)
• Can you tell me about a problem you encountered at work and how you solved it?
• What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken in your job?
• Can you describe a time your coworkers or team did not agree with your decision and how you did or did not reach consensus?
• What salary are you looking for?

Think ahead, too, about possible offbeat questions they might ask: If you were a tree or an animal, what would you be? A small sapling or a towering oak with deep roots? A docile sheep or an aggressive tiger?

4. Prepare your own questions

You should also have questions for the interviewer; this demonstrates foresight on your part. Here are some questions to consider:

• What kind of skills and abilities do your successful employees have?
• What are the long-range goals for your division, your department and the job in question?
• Are there problems that management hopes to resolve in the next six months to a year?
• What is the internal hierarchy of the organization? Top-down or bottom-up management?
• What do you think are the long-term projections for the industry?
• What happened to the person who had this job previously?
• What are the possibilities for advancement?
• What do you like about working for this company?

5. Don’t forget to follow up

Your work is not over when the interview ends unless you are offered the job on the spot. Follow up promptly with a thank you note. Sending an old-fashioned thank you note on real paper after an interview is always a stand-out move simply because it is no longer commonly done. This is a good way to remind the recipient of your name and availability in case they are interviewing many candidates.

Ann Kepler is the author of The Work/Life Balance Planner: Resetting Your Goals (Huron Street Press; February 2013). She lives in Chicago.

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This means you won’t have the opportunity to arrive early, demonstrate your keen fashion sense and come prepared with multiple copies of your resume on fancy paper. All you have to do to sell yourself is answer a few questions. That’s all there is to it, right? Wrong!

I can’t tell you how many phone interviews I’ve conducted where the person was saying all the right things, but the distractions on their end were enough to drive me bonkers. I’ve often found myself wondering, “What’s wrong with this person? Why do they think this is okay?”

Below are some of the crazy experiences I’ve had with inconsiderate phone interviewees:

• Me: “Is now still a good time to talk?” Candidate: “Absolutely, I’m just on my treadmill.” WHAT?!?! In between the heavy breathing, this candidate was saying all the right things, but I couldn’t get past her panting in my ear. I’m really glad she told me what she was doing before my imagination ran away with me.

• Candidate: “I hope you don’t mind that I eat my lunch while we talk.” True story. A candidate actually explained to me that she just had to eat lunch while we were talking. To make matters worse, I think she was eating chips, because all I heard while we were talking was “CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH.” I couldn’t hear anything she was saying, nor did I bother to take notes during that interview. I couldn’t concentrate, and by the time we were done, all I knew was that I wanted some Munchos.

• Candidate: “Can I put you on hold for a minute? I’m at work and need to take this call.” Thanks for giving me a realistic performance preview. It’s nice to know that you’re really open about performing personal tasks while on the company dime. While we all take care of personal business while at work, you don’t need to advertise that to your recruiter.

• Me: “I’m sorry, your phone is breaking up.” Candidate: “Yeah, my calls always drop when I’m on this road.” So you know your calls always drop, yet you continued to drive down the road. Wait, why are you driving and not paying attention to me? Also, can you turn down your radio? I’m not really interested in hearing One Direction blaring in the background.

In all of these examples, the candidates looked ah-maz-ing on paper. I can’t begin to describe how disappointed I felt when it was clear I wasn’t their focus for the brief time our interview was scheduled.

Recruiters are busy, and I’m busy, but no matter what I have going on, I make it a point to make sure you are my main focus in the brief time we get to talk. If you can’t pull it together for a quick phone call with me, then I’m not going to waste my time or my hiring manager’s time to schedule an in-person interview with you.

I get it. Phone interviews are hard. It’s really difficult to establish a rapport and make the same connections with your recruiter as you would in person.

But take it from someone who’s done a lot of phone interviews, as both the candidate and the recruiter: phone interviews don’t have to be scary. Here are a few recommendations on how you can take control of your phone interview:

Pay attention to the information about the interview

Who will you be talking to? What is the position? What is the company? Take that information and run with it. Look me up on LinkedIn to possibly find someone I’m connected with who has the same job title you’re interviewing for.

Visit my company’s website and check out the job posting to refresh your memory on what you applied for. While you’re at our wonderful website, take a look around and do some research. Look for clues to the company’s culture, values and mission.

Don’t be afraid when I pause

I know you’d like to think you’re the only qualified candidate, but I do talk to a lot of people on an ongoing basis, and I need to take notes to remember all of the interesting things that you say. Pauses on my end are usually for me to catch up on what you said. Don’t feel the need to bust out a strange story to entertain me while I type.

Use a landline

Okay, I know I’m showing my age, but if possible, use a landline when we talk. Nothing is more frustrating than having a good interview only to have the call dropped. If don’t have access to a landline, make sure you’re someplace where you have excellent service.

Dress for success

Yes, I know it’s only a phone interview. But trust me, you’ll feel more confident if you’re dressed professionally versus wearing your PJs and Sponge Bob Square Pants slippers. Also, make sure you smile during our conversation. Your smile will project in your speech and you will sound confident when we talk. I like confidence.

Location, location, location

It’s important that you are someplace where neither of us will be distracted. Find someplace where you can sit with your notes that will allow you to give 100 percent of your attention to the interview. Also, please don’t eat or chew gum during our discussion. No matter how quiet you think you’re chewing, I can hear you.

Ask thoughtful questions

Prepare to ask questions that are relevant to our conversation, my organization and what I like about my job. I need to hear that you are engaged and interested in learning more about the wonderful opportunities we have in store for you!

Jennifer Mack, SPHR is the HR Manager McKinley, Inc., President of the EMU MSHROD Alumni Chapter and has over 10 years’ experience in recruitment, development and employee relations. Connect with her on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Brazen Life is a careers blog for young professionals. Be Brazen!

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Not sure what video interviews entail? We’re talking about:

Recorded interviews

For example, let’s say you’ve got your shortlist of candidates you want to screen more intimately. You invite them to your video interviewing platform, they log into the system when it’s convenient for them, follow the instructions on setting up their profile, prepare themselves for the recorded interview process and even do some test recordings to make sure they’re comfortable with all the hip gadgetry and functionality.

You might even require the candidates to answer not only a series of questions via recorded video clips, but also other text-based questions, assessments and other screening devices baked into the process.

Live virtual interviews

Yes, some smaller companies use free services like FaceTime, Skype and Google+ Hangouts. But many larger enterprises use secure virtual platforms built just to conduct interviews one-on-one and in groups.

With live virtual interview platforms, the candidates again log into the system, follow the instructions on setting up their profile, prep themselves for the interview and do tech tests. If you’ve done it, you know it’s the next best thing to being there.

And it’s certainly the next best thing to using the phone. Who calls anymore, anyway?

Why bother with video interviews?

Here’s the short answer: because of the time and cost savings for both recruiters and employers. You’ll also see a more natural side to each candidate because video interviewing reduces the number of lies they’ll have to tell at their current job to interview with you in person.

When you invite your candidates to a video interview, don’t just turn on the webcam and start babbling away about why they should want to work for your company. Instead, keep these tips in mind:

1. Have the right equipment—and know how to use it

Make sure you have what you need to participate in video interviews: an up-to-date computer, decent webcam, quality headset and solid broadband Internet connection. And it’s worth checking ahead of time to make sure your candidate does, too.

2. Practice using that equipment

This might sound obvious, but how many times have you tried to Skype with someone who doesn’t know how to turn their headset on?

Make sure you practice with your setup—and encourage your candidates to do the same. (Usually the vendors and/or you will give the candidates a “tech check.” See #6.)

3. Set up in an appropriate environment

Set up in a well-lit, quiet place where you won’t be interrupted (not a public place like a Starbucks or Denny’s). Make sure there’s either a blank wall behind you or something conservative and non-offensive.

4. Wear something nice

Default to an outfit between business casual and business formal (depending on your company culture). Even though you’re not in the same room as your candidate, they’ll still want to see that you dressed professionally.

5. Look at the camera

Try to make eye contact with the person you’re talking to as though you’re right there in the room with them. Try to avoid looking at yourself in that little screen in the corner, as appealing as that might be.

6. Use tech support if it’s offered

Even after you do some of the above, most video interviewing platform companies offer tech support services, usually 24/7. They’ll tell you what to wear, the best lighting to use and so on.

Most free services, however, do not offer any such support. So if you’re interviewing via Skype, keep that in mind and double-check that everything works fine before the scheduled time.

7. Know your candidates

Last, but certainly not least, become familiar with the candidates you’re interested in working with before the interview. Video interviewing is no less important than real face time with the candidates, so take the time to know how and why they might be the guy or gal for the job before you even ask them the first question.

Video interviewing is here to stay. If you and your candidates prepare properly, nailing the virtual interviews can get you the right hires. In some cases, the virtual interview could even be the final interview. (They hope—and sometimes, so do you.)

Kevin W. Grossman has been in the human resource and recruiting marketplace for over 13 years. His first career management book titled Tech Job Hunt Handbook is now available from Apress. You can reach him at kevin@reach-west.com or on Twitter @KevinWGrossman.

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Except that while salary ranges, benefits and schedule flexibility are important details you deserve answers to, hiring managers don’t appreciate questions like these until at least your second interview (or maybe even after they’ve made you an offer).

During your first interview, the “impress me dance” is still in full swing. When a potential employer asks if you have any questions, they don’t want inquiries about parking validation; they want to see if you’re prepared, educated and inquisitive.  

Here are six questions to ask at the end of your interview that will help you master the twisted tango of getting hired:

1. If I were to start tomorrow, what would be the top priority on my to-do list?

The answer to this question will give you more insight into the current state of the position, while the question shows that you’re invested and interested in learning how you can start things off with a bang. The added bonus lies in the Jedi mind trick: now you’ve already got your interviewer picturing you as the position holder.

2. What would you say are the top two personality traits someone needs to do this job well?

The answer to this will be very telling. “Creative” and “intuitive” can be translated to mean you will be on your own, while “patient” and “collaborative” could mean the opposite. Not only will this question allow you to feel out whether you’re going to be a good fit; it will also get your interviewer to look past the paper resume and see you as an individual.

3. What improvements or changes do you hope the new candidate will bring to this position?

This answer can shed light on what might have made the last person lose (or leave) the job, and it also tips you off on the path to success. Asking this shows an employer you are eager to be the best candidate to ever fill this position.

4. I know this company prides itself on X and Y, so what would you say is the most important aspect of your culture?

This type of question is sure to impress, as it shows that you’ve done your research on the company and gives you a chance to gain insight into what values are held to the highest ideal.

5. Do you like working here?

This question might take interviewers back a bit, but their answer will be telling. A good sign is a confident smile and an enthusiastic “yes” paired with an explanation as to why. If they shift in their seat, look away, cough and start with “Well…”, consider it a red flag.

Regardless of their answer, employers appreciate getting a chance to reflect on their own opinions, and this turns the interview process into more of a conversation.

6. Is there anything that stands out to you that makes you think I might not be the right fit for this job?

Yes, asking this question can be scary, but it can also be beneficial. Not only does it give you a chance to redeem any hesitations the employer might have about you; it also demonstrates that you can take constructive criticism and are eager to improve—valuable qualities in any candidate.

What other questions would you ask to wow an interviewer?

Kelly Gregorio writes about workplace trends and motivation while working at Advantage Capital Funds, a small business loan provider. You can read her daily blog at http://www.advantagecapitalfunds.com/blog.

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As imperative as a smooth interview is to getting the job, what you do before the interview—and perhaps especially what you do after—can be just as critical.

Here are six key tasks to keep in mind (three for pre-interview and three for post-interview):

Before the Interview

1. Get all your paperwork in order

You’ve probably already provided a resume, cover letter and a perhaps a business card. But bring along an extra copy of all these things just in case your interviewer asks for a spare (or has misplaced your originals).

Also bring a second form of ID in addition to your driver’s license, written references and any examples of work you’re especially proud of. Have this all together in a tidy folder and you’ll exude professionalism.

2. Practice your questions and answers

Be ready for these popular questions:

What did you learn in your last job?

What do you feel your strengths/weaknesses are and why?

How do you motivate yourself?

Interviewers also love scenario-based questions, asking how you’d react to stressful or ethical scenarios. Be ready with examples of how you successfully navigated something similar in the past.

Finally, have two or three thoughtful questions about the company tucked away. Interviewers almost always ask “Now, what questions do you have for me?” and if you don’t have any, you’ll look unengaged.

3. Choose your attire

Dress a step above what you’d normally wear if you were hired, and make sure it’s clean, comfortable and conservative. It’s really that simple.

After the Interview

1. Follow up without annoying anyone

Ideally the company will let you know when you’ll hear back from them—and will actually keep their word and their deadline. But if that doesn’t happen, wait a full 24 hours after the time and date you were supposed to hear by and then give them a call. If no “you’ll hear from us by” date was given, then wait at least a week before calling.

However, if they specifically said not to call to follow up, believe them: don’t call.

2. Handle limbo with savvy

While it’s tempting to put all your eggs in one basket once you score an interview and it goes smoothly, while you’re waiting for the official word, keep applying to other jobs. Who knows? Maybe you’ll end up getting to choose from more than one company—or be able to use one offer against another as a salary negotiation tool.

If you accept one job while still waiting to hear back from another, be sure to send the company that’s still deciding an email letting them know you’ve taken yourself out of the running.

3. Send a hand-written thank you note

With ink and stamp and everything. Tell the interviewer you appreciated his or her time. It makes a classy impression and, in this era of texting, will make you stand out in a good way.

Tara Hornor writes for PrintPlace.com, an online printing company that prints booklets, business cards, flyers, posters, postcards, brochures and other marketing media. Connect with her on Twitter at @TaraHornor.

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The post 6 Key Interview Moves That Will Help You Land the Job appeared first on Brazen Life.

Here are a few red flags to look out for to make sure you’re not headed to an office with major issues:

1. Exaggeration

Liars sometimes try to cover up their deed with excessive adjective use. For example, you might ask an interviewer about the vacation policy. A truthful response might be, “Oh yes, we have a flexible vacation policy. You let us know what you need and the boss is most likely to approve it.” An exaggerated response might be, “Oh, our vacation policy is extremely flexible. You can practically take off as much time as you want.”

What to do if you suspect your interviewer of exaggeration? Keep asking specific questions so you’re not surprised by a policy down the line.

2. Common fibs

Be sure to check out this list of 9 Annoying Lies Job Interviewers Tell. Of course, the tricky part is that sometimes they’re telling the truth, but it’s not easy to tell the difference.

How to handle this? When these topics come up, be sure to pay extra attention and ask follow-up questions that dig deeper to make sure you’re getting all of the information.

3. Body language

A classic clue that’s someone’s lying is when they say something negative (like “no”) but nod their head up and down (a “yes” response). Keep an eye out for these physical inconsistencies.

For example, if you ask an interviewer if she likes working at the company, she might say, “Yes, I love it,” while unconsciously shaking her head side to side—a “no” response. If this happens, keep asking questions until you learn more.

Another potential liar’s move? Defensive body positions. For example, when talking about why someone left the position you’re now applying for, if the interviewer suddenly leans back in his chair and tightly crosses his arms across his chest, it probably means the person didn’t leave on the best of terms.

It will serve you well in interviews (and in life!) to do more listening than talking—and really listen. Excitement about a potential job can make you overlook details or only hear what you want to hear. Slowing down and paying attention to verbal and non-verbal clues is one way to make yourself smarter and savvier on the job hunt.

Vanessa Van Edwards is an author and a behavioral investigator for ScienceofPeople.org.

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Interviewing: It’s the make-it or break-it moment in your job hunt.

You know you don’t want to blow it. That’s why getting professional interview coaching is a great investment—if you can swing it.

If you can’t (and that’s a lot of us), here are eight free ways to look and feel like you’ve had professional prep:

1. Treat interviewing like any other new skill you’re learning

Don’t be hard on yourself. You’re not expected to be good at interviews right away. Practice and patience are the way to go.

2. Join a Meetup group that focuses on interview training or coaching

This is also a great way to meet other people who aren’t super-excited to interview. It often helps knowing you’re not the only person in that boat.

3. Invest a certain amount of time per week to memorizing key terms on your resume

Rehearse talking about those action words on your resume—like “achieved,” “accomplished,” “built,” “created,” “innovated.” Make a commitment to yourself to read your notes over and over again until you’re comfortable describing yourself in those terms.

4. Practice talking about your prior work (over and over)

Write about it. Sing about it. Do whatever works for you as a learning mechanism. Don’t quit until you’ve got the calm, authoritative demeanor of a seasoned evening newscaster.

5. Prepare for questions about your capabilities

Be ready with two examples of work you did in your old gig(s) that demonstrate the qualities or skills the interviewer’s company is looking for.

6. Let a friend interrogate you

Okay, not really. But if you’re friends with someone who does interviewing as part of their day job—like a journalist, HR employee or attorney—treat them to a coffee or lunch in exchange for a mock interview. Insist on honest and genuine feedback.

7. Make appointments to see as many recruiters as you possibly can

Practice makes perfect. Take the time to weigh recruiters’ reactions to you, and ask for constructive feedback.

8. If all else fails, at the beginning of your interview, tell the interviewer you’re a little nervous

They will understand; everyone gets nervous at interviews. And sometimes, when you’re honest and authentic about how you’re feeling, the nerves fall away and you perform much better.

Irene Kotov is the founder of Arielle Consulting, a business that helps people effectively manage their careers through online presence creation, resume writing services and interview coaching.

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So, what mind-numbing mistakes are costing you work? And, more importantly, how can you keep the conversation lively while also coming across as professional?

If you really want to bore your interviewer, go one (or more!) of these routes:

1. Offer a weak introduction

It’s true in dating, and it rings even more true when interviewing for a job: first impressions matter. And they’re made quickly.

Your interviewer might be smitten by your good manners and positive energy, or turned off by your listless handshake and quiet “hello.” Fair or not, you can win or lose the job within the first few minutes.

So introduce yourself with confidence, be personable and show sincere enthusiasm about working for the company. If you can make your mark quickly, it’ll set a good tone for the rest of the interview and you might make a lasting (positive) impression.

2. Fail to treat the interview like a conversation

Interviewers hate it when the discussion feels like a CIA interrogation. Similarly, their interest will fade fast if you simply rattle off answer after answer like a parrot with a cue card.

Get comfortable and engage your interviewer with some genuine conversation. Don’t pry into their personal life, but find a balance between how you’d speak to a friend and how you’d talk to a boss.

Of course, you’ll need to assess your interviewer. Is she the HR Manager or CEO? Is she chatty or straight-laced? Does she go to football games or opera houses? Adjust your conversation accordingly.

3. Speak without energy

“Uhhh…like…I guess my strength is…you know…my ability to…umm..” INDUCE A COMA WITH YOUR WORDS.

Your delivery, inflection and tone of voice should reflect your attitude about the job. This doesn’t mean you need to talk like a valley girl on Valium; just don’t speak in a monotone voice, use a bunch of fillers or sit in your chair like a statue.

Give careful responses, but also use your voice and body language to show that you’re excited about the job and a fun person to work with.

4. Give long-winded answers

You can’t disguise a bad answer by dressing it up with a bunch of irrelevant information. Talking too much is often a sign that you’re nervous or digging deep to find something—anything—to say. And while you’re shoveling words like dirt into your interviewer’s face, she probably mentally checked out minutes ago.

It’s okay to pause before you give an answer. But when you do open your mouth, make sure your response stays on point, relates to the job and highlights why you’re the ideal candidate.

5. Don’t relate your answers back to the job description

Sure, your greatest strength might be your lightning-fast reading skills, but that has nothing to do with the sales job you want. If your answers veer off track during the interview, you’ll lose the interviewer’s attention and, worse yet, the job.

So focus your responses on what the company needs. What is that, exactly? Just look at the job description, which should be your cheat sheet for all the necessary job duties, skills and qualifications. Once you look it over, jot down how your experience and skills match what the company’s looking for.

6. Don’t bother doing your research

When was the company founded? How many people work there? What’s their mission? What do they even do? If you can’t answer these questions beforehand, your interview is sure to be a borefest.

Explore the company’s website, read their “About” section and, if possible, check out the store in person beforehand. Scribble some notes, and bring your notepad to the interview.

With this research in hand, you’ll come across as professional and well-prepared. In addition, you’ll be more ready to ask questions of your own. All of this will lead to a more insightful, smooth and fun conversation.

7. Let yourself blend into the crowd

Maybe you run marathons. Perhaps you’re in a band. Maybe you raise blind miniature kittens. Whatever it is, there’s something that makes you unique. So if you have a chance to bring up your “something” in a natural way, go for it.

Being remembered as “the person who climbed Everest” will be a good conversation piece and make you stand out. Plus, it shows that you’re driven, goal-oriented and interesting. Just make sure you stick out for the right reasons; don’t expose yourself in an unflattering way.

Rocco Brown-Morris is the Content Team Manager for www.livecareer.com, America’s #1 Resume Builder. Check them out at www.facebook.com/livecareer or on Google+ for advice and tips on all things career- and resume-related.

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The first date with your interviewer

When it comes to a job search, most people are much clearer on what they’re moving away from than what they’re moving toward. When a firing, downsizing or bad work experience has prompted a search, that inevitably works its way into the interview. But talking about those negative experiences is no different than talking about an ex on a first date. Even if it’s just in your head, you’re moving toward self-sabotage by steering the conversation in that direction.

To avoid disaster, try focusing on what you have in common with the interviewer and establishing a reason for a second date. You wouldn’t rush to the altar after your first date, would you? You shouldn’t accept a job offer after the first interview, either. Instead, it’s all about getting to know one another. More importantly, you want to compel the interviewer to bring you back to learn more about you…not flag down the waiter for the check and sprint for the door.

Keep focused on your ability to solve key problems rather than emphasizing that you’re a job seeker. Looking for a job is your current career waypoint, not the value you bring as a new addition to a company. Moreover, it’s not why you’re going to get hired or a reason for this potential boss to max out the compensation scale in your favor. Being single isn’t the reason you get a second date, right?

Be engaged, be interested

Ever had dinner with someone who couldn’t stop talking about themselves?

It’s like old-school telemarketers, who were notorious for verbally vomiting on you the moment you answered your phone. They had a product to sell and a script to push through. It wasn’t a conversation. Honestly, it wasn’t really even a sales pitch. It was more like getting force-fed. Until, of course, you simply hung up on them…something you don’t want to have happen to you in the interview.

So don’t have a ready-made presentation of who you are and what you do. Ask a few questions so you can determine whether the company truly needs what you have to offer. This allows you to frame your side of the conversation around what’s going to be most important to the interviewer (rather than what’s most important to you). It also begins painting a picture of your value that translates into a stronger offer for you later.

Plus, it give you a chance to figure out if the position is a good fit for you both. Sometimes getting to “no” is more important than getting to “yes.”

“I won’t be ignored, Dan!”

Glenn Close makes it clear in Fatal Attraction with this single statement that she isn’t going away, and it isn’t going to be pretty. If you’ve seen the movie, this image and line are seared into your memory. Don’t let this be the lasting impression you leave people with when the job search process either doesn’t move as fast as you’d like or the company moves in another direction. When it comes to calling or emailing someone, there’s a fine line between pleasant persistence and outright stalking.

You can turn rejection into opportunity; your ability to navigate these situations well is what stands between you and success—or failure. Just like with dating, things often simply don’t work out. Maybe it’s your choice or maybe it’s theirs. In either case, how you handle things is key to your reputation management. If you need a clue on how you’re doing, ask yourself: how many times have former dates set you up with their friends?

Just as in dating, you’ve got to put yourself out there and spend a good amount of time and effort in building up a connection—possibly a relationship—with another person. Flushing all that hard work down the drain because you aren’t chosen for a job is simply a bad choice. Just like we rely on our friends’ suggestions and opinions when making decisions, the hiring process works similarly. And in this highly competitive market, having former interviewers out there spreading the good word about you is only going to make finding the right job that much easier.

Kevin Kermes is the Founder of Career Attraction, a reformed headhunter and the author of  “70+ Tips to Perfect the Interview.”

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The interview is fraught with stress; you have to be on your best behavior, you only have one chance to get it right and you know you’re putting yourself up to being judged by complete strangers.

But there’s one silver lining: most interviews, no matter where you are, follow a rough standard in terms of what’s asked and what’s expected from your answers. This means that you can use our study guide to prepare to answer these questions to the best of your ability—with less stress and more confidence. And hopefully you’ll land that job!

The Introduction

When you walk in, shake the hand of the person in charge of the fate of your employment. Then sit down and get ready for the first batch of questions. The introductory phase is broken down like so:

Tell me a little about yourself. Your chance to talk a little about your education, experience and what you enjoy doing that’s relevant to the job.

Why are you looking for a new job, and why did you leave your last job? Tell your interviewer why you’re looking for a new job—and keep it positive. Even if you were fired from your last job, put a positive spin on it.

What do you know about this company, and why do you want to work here? You’d better do your research on the company before you go for the interview! Make sure you can discuss highlights of the company, things you like about it and then tie it to why you want to work there. For example, if you work in medicine and the hospital has made great strides in improving technology and practices in your field, mention that and then tie it to how you want to be a part of those efforts.

What experience do you have? Talk about the relevant experience you’ve had in other jobs, volunteer work and life in general—and how it could help you in this job.

What would previous coworkers say about you? A trick question! Don’t fully disclose everything, but stay positive and cite carefully chosen examples of what others have said about you.

Have you done anything to increase your breadth of knowledge? Education, hobbies, sports…anything you do outside of work that in some way could be relevant to your being a good employee should be mentioned here.

Where else have you applied? Don’t go wild, but mention a few other places you have had interviews. The interviewer wants to know you are seriously looking for work and are keeping your options open.

About You

The next portion of the interview will get into the meat of you: how you would fit in, what kind of worker you are and why you are worth hiring. This part is important because it helps the interviewer understand why you’d be a good fit for the company—so do your best to put a positive spin on everything.

How do you work under pressure? You should always answer this in the positive. You can say you work well under pressure, you thrive under pressure, you LOVE it! Don’t say you fall apart, even if that’s the truth. Learn to love pressure, just in case.

What is your motivation to do a good job? No, it’s not money. You want recognition. You want to do better, you want to help others, you want to lead. (And you want money, but shhhh, don’t say that!)

What is your greatest strength? Again, be positive and talk about a strength that is work-related. Are you highly organized? Are you a hard driver? Do you inspire others?

What is your biggest weakness? A bit of a nasty trick question. You don’t want to be 100 percent honest here or you could kick your own butt to the curb, but if you try to say “nothing,” you look like an arrogant idiot. Give a small, work-related flaw that you’re trying to improve, such as learning to focus on the big picture or working to update your tech experience. In short, show a weakness, but also how you are compensating for it.

What kind of salary do you expect to make? Another nasty one! Make sure to do your research into what kind of money you should be making at a job like this with your experience. Go for that range or even pick a higher number and see what can be haggled out. It’s a delicate balance between what you want and what the employer is willing to pay. This is an art in itself, so make sure you’re prepared.

Can you work as part of a team? Yes, you can. You’ll learn to work in a team. Always say yes.

Tell me about a suggestion you have made that was implemented. This question is asked so the interviewer can see how you actually made a difference in your job. Discuss an example in which you actually made a difference in a previous job and how it improved the workplace.

Has anything ever irritated you about your coworkers? Sure, but you don’t talk about it. Say that you’ve always gotten along just fine in spite of differences.

Is there anyone you simply could not work with? No, you can work with anyone. Right?

Have you had any issues with previous bosses? No. You’ve never had any issues. EVER.

Do you prefer money or job satisfaction? This is a nasty question because we all need and like to have money, but your employer wants you to consider the job itself to be most important. Job satisfaction should win out here (and really, for many people, it does, because enjoying the job makes life a lot easier).

Would you rather be liked or feared? What a silly question! But it’ll come up in one form or another. The answer is “neither”; what you want is to be respected. Being respected means you motivate the team, you can hit deadlines and you get everyone working together. That’s what a company wants.

Would you put the interests of your company ahead of your own? Oh, so mean! You don’t want to say “yes” because it makes you look like a jerk, but the company won’t want you to say “no” because it means you might just ditch them. Answer in the affirmative, but make sure it’s clear that’s because you want to help the business along, not because you’re a doormat.

Conclusion

The last couple of questions will tie things off and bring the interview to an end. This is your chance to make a strong lasting impression.

Why should I hire you? It’s time to sum yourself up. Tell your interviewer the talents you have that match the job description and why you’ll be a good fit. Don’t talk about anyone else; just focus on yourself.

Do you have any questions to ask me? You probably should. Although you should have already done some research into the actual company, you may want to ask about things like benefits, how soon you would start, what you’ll be working on and how what you’ll do affects the company. Ask questions because a blank stare never works.

No matter where you interview, most interviewers will follow this format. So know the answers to these questions, and you’ll be well on your way to a new job!

Lena Paul is a medical school graduate who is an enthusiastic blogger and holds an editorial position at Prepgenie, a test prep provider that offers exam preparation courses for UKCAT, GAMSAT, PCAT, UMAT, LNAT and HPAT.

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The post Tough Questions You Should Be Prepared to Answer During a Job Interview appeared first on Brazen Life.

Football is a game of preparation, strategy and execution. You need to know your opponent, create an effective strategy and execute to beat them. There are so many different aspects of the game, and each one is important to be successful.

If you’re looking for a new job, you can learn a lot from the attitude of a winning football team. Because your job interview begins even before its scheduled time, requiring preparation and research.

Here are five football strategies you can use during the interview process:

1. Create a game plan

It’s important to know your opponent before you face them on the field. Create a detailed game plan for your interview. Researching the company, writing out questions to ask and learning more about your interviewer are some of the ways that you can create a comprehensive game plan.

Your game plan will help you in your interview for a number of reasons, the biggest being that it will reduce the chances of you being caught off-guard during the interview.  I like to research the interview process for the specific position and company, often finding some of the specific interview questions that will be asked. Overall, developing your game plan makes you well-prepared for anything the interview process may throw at you.

2. Establish a run game

Establishing the run sets the tone for the rest of the game, just like establishing yourself early sets the tone for the rest of the interview. It’s safe to say that every single interview I’ve ever had has began with some variation of “Tell me a little about yourself.” Perfect! You saw this coming because of the comprehensive game plan you created earlier in the week.

Use this question as an opportunity to set the tone for the rest of the interview. You can answer this the standard way, telling the interviewers about your background, where you went to school, what you studied, etc. However, this information is on your resume, and the employer has seen it already. Instead, consider telling them about who you are as a person, how your attitude and personality make you a well-qualified candidate for the position. Establishing the run game will open up options in the later parts of the game.

3. Play good defense

Playing good defense goes hand-in-hand with your game plan. Because you did your research, you’ll come across fewer surprises; this should help you avoid getting caught off-guard.

If you play good defense throughout the interview, you shouldn’t get stumped on any questions and can keep your offense on the field. Not being prepared for your interview and answering questions poorly or vaguely are signs of a bad defense and will hurt your interview overall.

Remember, no defense is perfect, so don’t get discouraged if you make a mistake.

4. Throw some creativity in the mix

Once you’ve established the run and are playing good defense, it doesn’t hurt to try a trick play. Get creative and make yourself stand out. If the opportunity presents itself, don’t be afraid to tell a funny anecdote or ambitious career goal.

But beware: trick plays can backfire, so if you’re going to get creative, make sure it’s the right call.

5. Air it out

Passing the football is just as important as the run and can lead to some good gains. If you think the interview is not going as well as you would’ve liked, this can also help you make up ground.

What exactly am I talking about? The opportunity to ask questions at the end of the interview. Have questions in mind to create a dialogue between you and the interviewer and show that you understand the business and are able to grow the business. Always end the interview by prompting the interviewer for how and when they will be in touch.

After you leave the interview, your job isn’t done. The post-game is still a very important part of the interview process. Don’t forget to send a quick thank-you to the interviewer, whether it be through an email or handwritten note.

Also, reflect on how the interview went and think of what you learned from it. Think of what went well and what didn’t and use that to prepare for your next interview. And remember: no football team is perfect, so you might fumble or throw an interception here and there.

But if you use these tips, you’ll have fewer turnovers. The more you practice and prepare, the more successful you’ll be on the interview gridiron.

Joe Hanson, the @TheJobChaser, is a blogging intern with SmartRecruiters, a social hiring platform.

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The post How Being Obsessed with Football Can Help You Ace Your Next Job Interview appeared first on Brazen Life.

And yes, I’m speaking from experience. I thought I was a sure thing for a position, but when it came time to interview, I bombed the most basic questions of all.

Here are my worst offenses. Learn from my mistakes and follow these tips so you’ll have a success story to tell.

Mistake No 1: I couldn’t describe myself

You’d think I’d know myself, since I am myself. Yet for some reason, when that question emerged in the interview, I froze and struggled to think of any identifying features that might set me apart.

Avoid this mistake by drafting an elevator pitch that sums up who you are as a professional and as a human being. Here are a few good examples to start with. Just add your own details and a life experience or two:

“For the past 15 years, I was a supervisor at ABC Manufacturing. You might wonder why I want to move into sales at this stage in my career, but much of my time has been spent negotiating with vendors and meeting with CEOs. Although the industries might be different, the skills are the same.”

“I just received my B.A. in marketing with a 3.9 GPA. My courses in account management give me a strong foundation to begin my career with XYZ company, and I’m excited to learn from the industry leaders here.” (Examples from CNN.)

Don’t talk about your current job or your husband (that was my mistake). Instead, tell a clear, compelling story that highlights significant experiences in your life that led you to the moment when you’re sitting in front of the interviewer answering this question. If you can creatively incorporate some personal history and humor, all the better.

Mistake No. 2: I did the hard prep, but not the easy prep

When I sat down to interview for this social media position at a large radio company, I had statistics, figures and ideas for growth for the social media of the company I was interviewing with—and I was excited to share my ideas. But during our small chit chat and socializing, it became clear that I hadn’t actually listened to the radio station.

When it comes to interview preparation, start small and build up. Play around on the company website. Test out their products (if applicable) and talk about the pros and cons of the company with a close friend. Prepare a small summary about what the company does and who their primary market is—and then get some experience with that primary market by role-playing as a customer.

Mistake No. 3: I wasn’t a smooth player

Hopefully you’ve gotten beyond feeling super-nervous midway through the interview. But even if you are comfortable, there’s still an ultimate interviewee level known as the “smooth player.”

No, this is not someone who brings baked goods to the interview. Smooth players are confident and put-together interview candidates who ask game-changing questions like, “If you were forced to say yes or no to hiring me right now, what would be your biggest hesitation in offering me this position?” and “Can you offer me a tour of the office?”

Smooth players do not awkwardly shake hands and thank the interviewer for their time.

When the end of the interview approaches, assess how you think you did. If you feel strongly that you’re still the prime candidate, ask any one of the following analytical questions (or more, if appropriate) to be seen as a slick character:

• “May I have a tour of the office?”
• “If you were forced to say yes or no to hiring me right now, what would be your biggest hesitation in offering me this position?”
• “May I ask why you are interested in me for this position?”
• “What are the most important characteristics you are looking for in the person you plan to hire for this position?”

And if you need more ideas about questions to ask, don’t forget the basics like “What would a typical work day look like for someone in this position?”

What’s the worst thing you’ve done during an interview? Did it cost you the job?

Sarah Greesonbach is a Content Management Specialist with a lot on the back burner (if you count LOLcats and Words with Friends). She curates and writes the lifestyle and personal finance blog Life [Comma] Etc and is studying to be an Accredited Personal Financial Counselor.

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Yet job seekers need to remember you’re conducting an interview, too; you need to decide if this is the best place for you, the boss for you, the job for you.

So while you’re making your decision, watch out for these lies job interviewers like to tell:

1. “You’re in the lead for this position.”

Are you really? Have they already interviewed everyone? This might be the truth, or it might just be flattery to keep you hanging on.

Don’t take these words to mean too much. You may very well be in the lead, but you also may be the first candidate they’ve interviewed, and you never who will come through that door next.

2. “We think your outside life is just as important as your work life.”

This one may make you believe you’ll never be working late hours or weekends, but unfortunately, that’s rarely the case anymore. To really find out, dig a little deeper.

Can you work from home if you have a sick child? Do they have strict office hours, or can you be flexible? Will you travel? Answers to these questions will help you suss out a company’s priorities more than a blanket statement about work-life balance.

3. “We offer excellent benefits.”

The company might offer great benefits, but do a little investigating before you believe it. It’s a tough time out there for health care, after all. And if the employer offers a lot of vacation days, will you really be able to take them all? Sometimes it’s hard to take time off even if you have vacation days because of job demands, finances or company policies.

4. “We’re working on hiring someone who would help you.”

This might be a red flag that they know the position is overly demanding. Find out why. Will that new person be an assistant or hold a parallel position? What happens if they don’t hire someone; will you be responsible for more than you initially thought?

5. “Our company doesn’t have any drama or politics.”

Is that possible? Whether it’s office politics or office drama, it’s there. Maybe not quite as much as in an eighth-grade classroom, but life has drama and politics; there’s no hiding from it.

6. “We’re still not sure of the salary.”

Why not? What are they waiting for? The salary should already be in place if they’re ready to hire someone. There is usually room for negotiation, but the company probably has a base line to start with. Make sure you’re aware of the salary before you accept any position!

7. “We offer lots of help/training to get you started.”

What kind of help and training? Will you have to read a big fat manual in your off hours? Will you have a mentor for the first few weeks?

Some companies offer in-house training before you get started, while others only offer a couple of online tutorials. Find out so you know what you’re getting into.

8. “We’ll make a quick decision and move fast.”

Even in the most ideal situations, the time from interview to start date is usually a few weeks. Between protocol in human resources and all necessary sign-offs, “quick” is a relative term.

Stay positive, but know that things take time.

9. “If this doesn’t work, we’ll keep you in mind for other opportunities.”

The truth is, they probably won’t. Even if they do have something else for you, it may not be what you want.

So keep looking. If it happens to work out, that’s great, but don’t sit around waiting for another position to open up for you.

Job seekers often get a bad rap for embellishing resumes and past experience. But those little lies can come from the other side, too. Remember, job interviewers are trying to win you over. Keep an eye out for these fibs, so you really know what you’re getting into.

Heather Legg is a blogger who enjoys writing on career advice, healthy lifestyles and parenting.

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Tech jobs are there for the taking. About 85,000 of them on this continent, anyway, according to Dice.com. USA Today says the fastest-growing areas are jobs using iPhone-related skills, cloud computing, mobile applications and Android know-how.

But how do you land one of those jobs? You may in fact be the smartest guy or gal in the room, but that won’t mean much if you don’t dazzle in the interview—and we don’t just mean charming the pants off the interviewer. Even though tech jobs are plentiful, getting an offer can still require jumping through all manner of fire rings.

Here’s how to stand above your competition:

Pump up your resume

The boring way to write a resume? Tick off your education, jobs and programming languages in bullet points—bam, bam, bam!

The road less traveled: take that app you developed and explain how you can build one to help make the company you want to work for better. “We’re looking for people who can articulate their experience and communicate clearly what they bring to the party,” Cheri Ott, GM’s director of human resources for global information technology, wrote in a Dice.com post.

But before you even touch that resume, do a little research. (Okay, a lot of research.) Ott tells Susan Hall of Dice.com that candidates should start at the company’s website and use the job descriptions as a guide.

So what if you’ve got a ton of white space on that resume? Hall says companies like GM don’t consider lack of experience a deal-breaker. “Any school experience, internships, maybe you managed a project in a fraternity—all of that counts. GM wants people who have initiative, a strong work ethic, a desire to make a difference and want to learn,” Hall writes.

And if you describe yourself as creative, Hall notes, come to the interview ready to back that up—to show that creativity.

Get the cloud straight

As much as people toss around the term “cloud computing” these days, few people really know exactly what it is. This is one thing you want to have nailed down when you walk into an interview, writes David Linthicum.

In this post, he details three questions you’re likely to have thrown at you, and a little cheat sheet for answering them. “Hiring good people is a tough thing to do, especially when the technology is still emerging,” he says.

Code confidently

The thing about tech interviews is that they often come with a little practical exam: coding on the spot. “Not all companies let you do algorithms during the interview, but some, like Microsoft, often do,” says Isabel Schafer on BusinessInsider.com.

So give yourself at least 10 hours of coding practice before you walk into an interview. “Join a programming team, find coding questions online or in specialized books,” Schafer advises.

Shine with your soft skills

Just because you’re applying for a tech job doesn’t mean you need to take yourself too seriously. Show your passion for the work. Dominic Mazzoni, a software engineer at Google, told Brazen it doesn’t really matter why it lights your fire, so long as it does.

“Some people love programming because they like building tools that help others. Some love the challenge. Some love the creativity,” he says. “Some love optimization, some love writing beautiful code. Express your passion for some technical area and you’ll be someone I want to have on my team.”

Mastering the work like a drone? That’s no fun at all.

Gigi Douban is an independent journalist who writes often about business and tech.

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I wondered this while watching President Obama keep his eyes down for the entire 90 minutes of the first presidential debate.

Okay, to be fair, not all 90 minutes. At times he also looked at the moderator, Jim Lehrer. The problem is that neither the floor nor Jim Lehrer were challenging his leadership as President. That was the other guy, the one who smiled the entire time because he knew he was winning the debate in front of 50 million Americans.

If you watched it—and even if you didn’t—you know what Obama did wrong. He did not challenge Romney’s positions, did not look his opponent straight in the eyes, hesitated, did not reply concisely. In other words, a weak performance in terms of confidence and content.

Since Obama is generally regarded as having good communication skills, I wondered if poor preparation could have been the key factor that led to his failure. According to the Dailymail, Obama prepared for the debate with a three-day rehearsal. By contrast, Dailymail wrote, “Mr Romney has been preparing for the debates for months, spending hours at his Boston headquarters, his home in New Hampshire and on the campaign trail with Ohio senator Rob Portman, who has been playing the role of the President in mock debates.” In addition, Romney took part in 19 debates between June 2011 and February 2012, while Obama only delivered formal speeches that lacked the head-to-head element.

Here’s the message that Romney’s performance delivered: better preparation wins.

Taking a few cues from Romney

The purpose of doing a presidential debate is to convince people that you’re the best guy for the job and get their votes. Similarly, convincing people you’re the best for the job is also the purpose of a job interview. So, why not prepare for it like you would for a presidential debate? Why not prepare like Mitt Romney?

Here’s how to do it:

1. Rehearse—with someone competent

This is serious stuff. Romney rehearsed with Ohio Senator Rob Portman, not with his own wife. No laughs, no wasting time. Do not ask your boyfriend or girlfriend.

Get someone competent—someone who could even qualify for the job you’re aiming for—to grill you for hours. Have this person research the position well and possibly research the people who will interview you (on LinkedIn or Google). The more your partner is prepared, the better you will become.

And one thing: be open to feedback. If your partner says you’re not doing well, you’re probably not doing well.

2. Video-record yourself

This is advanced stuff. Romney smiled for the entire debate (it must have been painful!) and always looked straight at Obama when replying. Those cameras fixed on his face never caught a sign of weakness. His message was, “I’m going after you, Mr. President.”

In contrast, Obama rarely looked at Romney directly. During job interviews, people tend to do like Obama—looking everywhere but in the interviewer’s eyes. For whatever reason they do it—whether they’re thinking or are just nervous—it’s always a mistake.

You can’t convey confidence without looking the other person straight in the eyes. Use a camera when you rehearse. Get friends to watch the recording and give you feedback.

3. Challenge

This is called “growing balls.” When talking about taxes, President Obama said, “Senator Romney and I both believe taxes should be lower.” He was trying to find common ground.

Romney went the other way. He said, “Sure, I believe taxes should be lower, but in a totally different way from what you suggest, Mr. President.” Romney was not afraid to reduce the common ground and highlight differences instead. No tip-toeing, but rather smiling with confidence while exposing his ideas.

Why not do the same in an interview? Don’t be afraid to challenge your interviewer, show your expertise and back it up with data. Say things like, “With all due respect, I don’t agree with you. I could name at least 10 companies that became successful with my model, and here’s how I could apply it to your company…”

Getting the interviewer to think hard about what you say is the key to success, and it usually requires a bit of a challenging attitude. You want the interviewer to leave the room thinking, “What if he was right? What am I missing?”

Of course, this is serious interview preparation. It’s different than what the majority of people do, which is searching career websites for potential interview questions and the company’s “about” page. This is advanced (and ballsy). But hey, it’s how you succeed at important interviews. Or presidential debates.

Alex Dogliotti is the European Director of Learning and Development of ReachLocal, Inc. He blogs about being unique at work at Stuckaholic. Feel free to connect with him on Facebook or Twitter.

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Have you ever looked at your cluttered desk or closet and gotten the feeling that you have too much stuff? That all the possessions you own are actually starting to own you?

Be careful, because having too much stuff can become a habit that could harm your job search as well.

In 2008, I moved from Washington, D.C. to Chicago. I desperately wanted to use movers, but they were too expensive. At my roommate’s advice, I sold most of my stuff, packed what was left into my car, drove to Chicago and used the furniture proceeds (plus what I would have spent on movers) to buy new stuff.

Reducing my possessions to the bare essentials was powerfully liberating. It taught me the virtue of “less is more”—that, given the chance, we all keep too much stuff; but when forced, we can make drastic cuts in our lives. And stripping away the unnecessary doesn’t lead to any real downside. Actually, such cuts allow us to move more freely and even communicate more clearly.

The same mentality has implications for resumes, elevator pitches and interviews:

Your Resume

Parkinson’s law states that “work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.” I like to think of that when traveling. Bring a large suitcase, and I’ll probably fill it. Commit to a backpack, and I’ll bring only what’s needed and probably be fine. (Obviously this isn’t true in every instance.)

Same goes for your resume—commit to one page and stick to that. It will force you to keep your most relevant experience and ditch the fluff. Recruiters spend about six seconds looking at your resume, so even if you have tons of other info, it probably won’t even be noticed. If you’re worried about getting past resume robots, you can always include keywords from the job description to optimize the one page you have. But keeping everything to one page shows your best information in the most digestible way.

While the one-page-only advice isn’t applicable in every instance, unless you’re applying for a C-level role, stick to one page.

Your Elevator Pitch

As with your resume, if you try to cram everything into your elevator pitch, you’re doomed. Attention spans are short and getting shorter, so you need to distill what you offer, how you add value and why someone needs to hire you into a brief pitch. Conventional wisdom says your elevator pitch should be 30-60 seconds, but the shorter the better.

One can’t overstate how easily distracted or bored people get, so you need to make your point right away. Brevity is key!

Interviews

If you’ve ever caught yourself rambling through an answer at an interview, you can certainly appreciate the “less is more” virtue. An interview isn’t just about whether you give the right answers, it’s also about how you communicate the right answers.

If you ramble and wander through a response, eventually coming to the correct answer, you’re dead in the water. If you can distill your answer down to the most essential elements—and communicate those elements clearly and succinctly—your chances skyrocket. You could even get the answer wrong, but if you deliver it in a clear, thoughtful and brief way, you’ve still got a shot. It’s all about the delivery.

Since my D.C./Chicago move, I’ve been constantly reminded of the power of brevity and eliminating the unnecessary. It’s almost like an immutable law of physics. Keep only what’s critical, strip away what’s not, and you’ll think, write and communicate more effectively.

Tim Murphy is a writer and the founder of ApplyMate, a free job application tracking tool. When he’s not writing about career issues and entrepreneurship, Tim is running, writing gear reviews and eating his way through Chicago.

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The post How to Prepare for (and Close) Your Next Interview appeared first on Brazen Life.

Headed to a job interview and worried about bombing?

First, remember that someone has always done worse.

Second, and by far more important, remember this: HR pros often ask questions knowing you might screw them up.

In fact, trying to make you screw up is the whole point: I’ll just throw this little hand grenade and see if she can defuse it before it explodes.

How to train for combat? Rather than preparing generic answers to the same old questions everyone can expect (“What are your weaknesses?” “Why did you leave your last position?”), the savvy interviewee—that’d be you!—should have both ears open for questions that are designed to throw them off their game.

Here are a few to watch for, and how to handle them shrewdly:

1. The most innocent-sounding doozy? “Tell me about yourself…”

As many as 80% of all interviews begin with this breezy landmine. It often leads to the most common interviewing faux pas: revealing too much.

So what’s universally accepted as too much?

Sometimes it’s a seemingly inconsequential bit of information that conflicts with your resume.

Or it’s a lack of preparedness.

Or a simple inability to express yourself clearly.

When the interviewer says “tell me about yourself,” what he or she is really doing is checking to see if you’re articulate and professional. The way you answer is as important as the things you say.

Tips:

• Keep your game face on; don’t get too personal.
• Give them the facts, not your life story.
• Do your homework, know what they are looking for and design your answer accordingly.
• Ask questions and generate conversation. It’s a two-way street.

2. “Tell me about an instance where you failed or did something you are ashamed of.”

Whatever you do, don’t get defensive. And avoid confessing something you regret—feeling ashamed is a shade different than talking about an error in a calm, unemotional way.

While it’s important you be prepared for this question, it’s equally important to appear perplexed by it. A touch of theater, perhaps—but true, unfortunately. You want to send the signal that thinking of a mistake requires a bit of rummaging through mental files otherwise stuffed with successes.

Start by touting your ability to work peacefully and effectively with coworkers or clients, then pause, have a think and tell the interviewer about your philosophy of dealing with regrettable situations in a timely manner so you don’t have to harp on them for years to come.

Tips:

• Keep your emotions firmly in hand.
• Resist clichéd or generalized answers such as “I’m a workaholic” or “I’m too hard on myself.”
• Be honest and address the interviewer as a colleague, not a therapist or buddy.

3. The last tricky question is a non-question. It sounds a lot like this: Silence. Cough. Ahem.

Maybe it’s the dreaded silent treatment, or maybe it’s just a deliberately awkward pause. Either way, that quiet lull in conversation has ruffled many feathers, and it’s designed to reveal how you react under stress.

Not all interviewers will play quiet to see if the applicant will launch into nervous, oversharing chatter—but that’s how most people respond.

Luckily, you know better than to ramble.  You’re cool and calm. You’re relaxed and relish the chance to catch your breath. Perhaps you even grab the opportunity to ask a question of your own.

Tips:

• Look the interviewer in the eye. Don’t fidget.
• Resist the urge to fill the space unless you have something important to say.
• Ask your own questions.
• Be cool as a cucumber. Because you are.

Tough questions are a great opportunity to flex your muscle and show the employer you’re resilient, solid and made to last. Be professional, be genuine and be ready.

Amy Knapp is a business blogger for InsideTrak. Educated in Law and the Fine Arts, her work champions the marriage of the creative and the corporate.

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Once a week, we see the same motley bunch of conservatives march across the stage and tell the nation why each is their party’s best option for 2012.

We could ignore the debates and wait for Jon Stewart to pluck out the most cringe-worthy moments. These live, made-for-TV events full of “gotcha” questions always recycle well as unintentional comedy.

But as thousands of us Occupy every park and public square, and the rest troll job sites for the next great gig, let’s use the GOP debates as a teaching tool to help win our own job interviews and get hired.

Lessons to apply in your next interview

Don’t fidget. Romney, Perry, Cain and the rest do a good job keeping their feet on the ground. They don’t sway, exhibit nervous movements or say “uh” and “um” between every phrase.

The GOP candidates don’t squirm under pressure, and that lets the audience focus on their answers, rather than their uncomfortable body language.

Be ready for anything. Practice out loud answers to questions you expect to hear from your next potential employer. Know your stuff backwards and forwards so even in a bind you will intuitively squeeze out an acceptable response.

Mitt Romney was ready for a tough question from fellow nominee Herman Cain at a recent event in New Hampshire.

Cain: “The 9-9-9 [economic] plan that I have proposed is simple, transparent, efficient, fair and neutral. The question is to Gov. Romney. Can you name all 59 points in your 160 page plan, and does it satisfy the criteria being simple, transparent, efficient, fair, and neutral?”

Romney (without a hitch): “Herman, I have had the experience in my life in taking on some tough problems,” Romney said. “I must admit that simple answers are always very helpful, but oftentimes inadequate.”

Romney didn’t know what Cain would ask, but he knew the perceived holes in his resume and had a quick answer when someone questioned his record. He anticipated that “gotcha” moment and came out on top.

Make eye contact. When answering questions, the GOP candidates do two things. First, they respond directly to the person who asked it. But they are also aware of the entire room. They scan the crowd while they talk and rarely stare at the floor.
In a job interview, eye contact shows poise. And by giving frequent glances to others at the table, it proves you know how to speak to a group and command attention.

Listen up. You will often see candidates jot down notes as the others speak. They heard an opinion or fact that sticks out and may want to bring it up later. That same technique works really well with an employer. Either remember key details of your conversation or write them down. Then, return to those points at the end of the interview and dazzle the boss with your perceptiveness.

Yes, on the surface, most GOP debates seem like nothing but hot air. But look more closely, and the most compelling and consistent debater usually becomes their party’s nominee for president.

Confidence kills. Voters know it, and bosses do too.

Want to see these interview skills in action?  Check out the next GOP debate on Nov. 9 at 8 p.m. EST on CNBC.

Danny Rubin is a national news consultant for media research firm Frank N Magid Associates. He is a former television news reporter, lives in Washington, D.C. and tweets as @dannyhrubin.

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Let’s get this out of the way early: I HATE the idea of commission-based jobs, specifically those where one’s livelihood is determined on personal sales.

In this situation, the employer takes full advantage of the employee, taking in no risk, financially or otherwise, to have them on board. In many cases, the new employee has to pay their own way for training and certifications. Hundreds of hours can be wasted without a penny earned, and benefits covering health, retirement, etc. are non-existent. It’s a cutthroat model that pits coworkers against each other, and often leads to no-win situations of price undercutting, shady tactics and outright libel and slander. And during this time, management sits back to relax and collect their commissions from people who did all the work for them.

So yeah, I’m not a fan.

That being said, commission-based jobs are an ever-increasing segment of the available job market. Hell, I’ve interviewed with several commission-structured companies. They’re the most cost-effective in a down economy, and with fewer and fewer options, more and more people will be gravitating towards them.

For as much talk about team-building and synergy and the company and the group from the higher-ups, the structure in these businesses is the exact opposite. Regardless of employee jurisdictions, industry separations or client longevity, competition is the name of the game.

Which leads me to the one question that you MUST ask even if, after all the reasons I’ve given you (which might still not balance with the reason to do it: MONEY!), you decide to go for the job:

With employees working individually to gain customers and sales, and given that they are working to generate personal commissions, how do you foster a team-based environment within the company?

Or words to that effect.

This question, in several forms, has stopped even the most grandiloquent manager in their tracks. I’ve received everything from filibusters on other topics to a halfhearted attempt at using buzzwords in the hopes of getting me so confused that I would forget what I asked. This is a key indicator that the job you’re about to get accepted for (because they never turn down free workers and more money coming in) is baloney.

But ah! What if you get the rare breed of interviewer who is able to cite employees having their own regions, particular customer types (legal, medical, etc.) or a strong stance against client sniping? Although you might get this response 0.0005% of the time, I’ve prepared a follow-up question for you. And because this falls under a rare exception to the first question, I don’t count it separately:

I’ve both read and heard of situations where competing employees will subvert these rules or, in some cases, the company will reduce industry pools/jurisdictions/client bases to compensate for new hires or to boost up other employees. What kind of guarantee can you give me that this won’t happen?

If you are not offered this guarantee (if any) in writing (which you won’t) and get a copy of it for yourself (which you can’t) and you still take the job, you’d better watch your back. And your front.

Because in the world of commission-based jobs, it’s everyone for themselves.

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by Sydney Owen

The coolest thing about being a candidate for a position that you’re relocating for (minus the thrill of a new city, new people, new life) has got to be a phone interview. I have recently gone through a total of six phone interviews for my newest position, and I’m here to tell you, it’s not scary. I used these tips to prepare, and now I have compiled a list of my own. (Thanks, Penelope, for getting me all squared away!)

1. Go somewhere quiet

2. Dress the part, if you want

3. Have water handy

4. Smile

5. Don’t be afraid to think about your answers

6. Ask questions

7. Follow up—Immediately

Do you have any other tips for phone interviews? What is your preferred method of interviewing—in person or on the phone? Do you rock interviews, or do they scare you?

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by Erik Folgate

A few weeks back, I was meeting in a meeting with a customer, and I found myself giving off bad body language. Granted, the atmosphere was casual. We were outside in his patio, sitting on patio furniture. But for some reason, I decided to slouch in my chair and rest my foot on the leg of the table. When I realized that I was giving off unprofessional body language, I slowly corrected myself, sat up straight and leaned forward. Slightly leaning forward in a conversation is a great way to show someone that you’re listening and interested in what they have to say.

It made me think about all of the other times that I am in a work setting and how my body language gives off the wrong signals and/or impression. Your first impression with a company is the interview. Your body language WILL speak louder than the garbage coming out of your mouth. A good interviewer or panel of interviewers will read into how you react to a question rather than what you actually say. So, based on my past failings and total stupidity of how to act in a professional manner, here are five body language signs to avoid giving off when you go out for an interview:

1. Slouching in your chair. It tells someone that you not interested in the conversation or even in being there.
2. Wringing your hands. I do this all the time. Imagine you have a car wash sponge in your hand and you’re wringing it out. If you do the same thing with your hands, it’s a tell-tale sign that you’re nervous.
3. Never making eye contact. You don’t want to stare at someone like you’re a psycho, but you also don’t want to stare at the ground the whole time. Appropriate eye contact shows confidence in what you are saying and who you are.
4. Crossing your arms. I always tells girls that if they want to attract men, they should stop crossing their arms! It’s a huge turn-off when a girl has her arms crossed the whole time. It makes people think you’re either not interested or you’re not comfortable being around them. If you can’t figure out what to do with your hands or arms in an interview, just fold your hands and put them in your lap.
5. Interrupting the interviewer. If you do this, you’ll come across as arrogant and over-confident.

These are only five signs to avoid, but there are many others. If you have one to add, please post in a comment below. It’s important to be aware of your body language in an interview, but you also don’t want to be TOO aware of it. Then, you’ll come across as not being yourself, and you won’t look natural. I know; it’s complicated. But in the end, taking a deep breath and being yourself is the best remedy for making an interview go well.

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