Get That Job! PDF - A Quick Guide to Winning Interviews

Overview of "Get That Job! The Quick & Complete Guide to a Winning Interview" Authored by Thea Kelley with a foreword by Orville Pierson, emphasizing the value of effective job interviewing. The book aims to prepare job seekers to successfully navigate the interview process an...

Overview of "Get That Job! The Quick & Complete Guide to a Winning Interview" Authored by Thea Kelley with a foreword by Orville Pierson, emphasizing the value of effective job interviewing. The book aims to prepare job seekers to successfully navigate the interview process and secure their desired positions. Key Sections of the Book Preparation: Focus on core messages and how to articulate unique selling points, known as REV Points (Relevant, Exceptional, Verifiable). Interview Questions: Strategies for answering a range of questions, including common and difficult ones, while also framing insightful questions for interviewers. Nonverbal Communication: Emphasizes body language, appearance, and other nonverbal cues that impact interview success. Expectations: Coverage of various interview types and clarification of myths regarding references. Post-Interview Strategies: Guides on effective interview closure, follow-ups, handling job offers, and transitioning to a new role. Importance of Authenticity and Strategy Successful interviewing blends authenticity with strategy, ensuring candidates are genuine while strategically highlighting their skills relevant to the employer's needs. Preparation is essential, aiding in overcoming common interview challenges, such as self- promotion and anxiety. Crafting a Strong Personal Narrative Essential to prepare compelling personal stories that showcase qualifications and experiences. Candidates should aim to focus their messaging to align with what employers value in applicants, emphasizing core competencies. REV Points Framework Relevant: Skills and experiences that match employer needs based on job postings. Exceptional: Qualifications or attributes that differentiate the candidate from peers. Verifiable: Evidence supporting claims, ensuring that attributes presented can be substantiated through examples or documentation. Addressing Common Interview Challenges Common issues include difficulty discussing oneself, anxiety during interviews, and managing negative aspects of work history. Strategies provided to enhance confidence, clarity, and conciseness in responses to interview questions. The Role of Continuous Improvement Candidates are encouraged to continually refine their interview techniques by practicing and getting feedback. Importance of ongoing preparation since interviews can arise unexpectedly from any submitted application or networking effort. Conclusion: Preparing for Success Emphasis on the necessity of starting interview preparation as soon as possible to enhance readiness and confidence for upcoming opportunities. The book's condensed nature makes it a valuable resource for efficient learning compared to traditional lengthy job search materials.### Interview Preparation and REV Points Identify and prioritize REV Points: Relevant, Exceptional, and Verifiable attributes that highlight unique skills. Prepare 3-5 key points for interviews; these should be memorable and impactful. REV Points should be tailored for each job application to emphasize the most relevant experiences and qualifications. Develop and memorize a concise list of REV Points for daily reference to enhance recall during interviews. Use the first and last portions of the interview to reinforce these points for better retention by interviewers. Storytelling in Interviews Storytelling enhances communication effectiveness by engaging multiple brain regions, leading to more memorable impressions. An impactful story includes the SOAR framework: Situation, Obstacles, Actions, Results. Stories should illustrate key accomplishments and demonstrate skills relevant to the job. Developing and Using Stories Create a "Stories List" to document potential stories by summarizing S-O-A-R components for quick reference. Each story should clearly demonstrate specific skills and strengths. Practice storytelling to ensure clarity, conciseness, and relevance during interviews. The Importance of Multiple Stories Aim for a repertoire of 20-30 stories to be prepared for various questions and situations during multiple interviews. Diversify stories across different skills and achievements to avoid repetition in interviews. Engaging the Interviewer  Anticipate interview questions and prepare relevant stories that align with the skills or experiences being queried. Use flashcards with common behavioral questions on one side and corresponding story titles on the other for practice. Elements of Effective Storytelling Focus on the context (Situation), key difficulties (Obstacles), decisive actions taken, and quantifiable results achieved. Emphasize the outcomes of actions to highlight the impact made in previous roles. Keep stories concise and practice telling them in varying lengths to suit different interview formats. Initial Interview Strategy View "Tell me about yourself" as an opportunity to set the tone for the interview; respond with a concise story that includes REV Points. Build confidence and motivation by preparing strategically for interviews through storytelling and thorough knowledge of your achievements. Final Thoughts Utilize stories as a multi-purpose tool in interviews; they can illustrate competence, problem- solving abilities, and teamwork skills. Continuous practice and refinement of your stories can greatly enhance your interview performance and overall job search success.### Interview Preparation Essentials The question "Tell me about yourself" often sets the tone for the interview, serving as a critical opportunity for a first impression. Candidates typically fear this vague question, as it can feel daunting to summarize one's career and qualifications effectively. Focus your response on REV Points, which should be Relevant, Exceptional, and Verifiable, highlighting why you should be hired. Crafting Your REV Intro Your answer should be a concise overview of what sets you apart, limited to 1-2 minutes. There are multiple variations of the introductory question, but the underlying inquiry remains: "Why should we hire you?" Identify and prepare 3 to 5 REV Points that encapsulate your key selling attributes. Structuring Your Answer Plan your response by starting with a brief career summary along with a strong REV Point. Use transitional phrases to link your REV Points smoothly. Include examples to demonstrate each claim, underscoring their verifiability. Adding Personal Insight Incorporate a personal touch to reveal your motivations or insights about your work philosophy. Avoid irrelevant personal details and steer clear of potential red flags, such as mentions of children during work discussions. Ending Your Introduction Conclude with an open-ended question to encourage dialogue and assess the interviewer's perspective. Consider addressing the employer’s specific needs with a question that reflects your expertise. Creating a Talking Points Outline Organize your response in a skimmable, outline format using bullets and symbols to facilitate memorization. Practice your REV Intro aloud while timing it to avoid exceeding the 1-2 minute window. Test your outline multiple times, making adjustments until you can deliver your answer naturally without reliance on notes. Practicing Effectively Prioritize quality over quantity by engaging in multiple short practice sessions rather than lengthy marathons. Reward yourself after practice sessions to maintain motivation. Utilize role-playing techniques and mock interviews to simulate the interview environment realistically. Communicating Authenticity and Strategy Balance authenticity with strategic intent in your answers, ensuring they align with the message you want to convey. Turn questions that seem negative into opportunities to showcase your self-awareness and determination to improve. Proactively create opportunities to introduce your key stories during the interview if relevant topics arise. Overview of "Get That Job! The Quick and Complete Guide to a Winning Job Interview" Authored by Thea Kelley, with a foreword by Orville Pierson, emphasizing the importance of effective job interview skills. Published by Plovercrest Press in 2017, ISBN: 978-0-9983808-0-3. Dedicated to helping job seekers secure their desired positions through preparation and authenticity. Structure of the Book  Section One: Preparing Your Core Messages Understand what makes you stand out with "REV Points" (Relevant, Exceptional, Verifiable). Learn to harness stories to convey messages. Prepare for the common interview question: "Tell me about yourself." Section Two: Answering and Asking Questions Master techniques for answering various interview questions effectively. Focus on concise communication and handling unexpected or quirky questions. Develop the skill of asking insightful questions to assess the opportunity and impress interviewers. Section Three: Nonverbal Communication Recognize the power of body language, attire, and other nonverbal cues. Discover techniques to manage anxiety and present yourself calmly. Utilize "interview extras" like portfolios effectively. Section Four: Types of Interviews Familiarize with twelve different interview styles and questions. Understand common misconceptions regarding references and their impact on hiring. Section Five: Ending and Follow-up Strategies Learn how to conclude interviews positively and conduct effective follow-ups to reinforce your candidacy. Prepare for offer discussions, negotiating salary, and managing career transitions. Key Concepts Importance of Authenticity and Strategy Effective interviewing balances being genuine with strategic messaging. Communicate strengths and relevance without coming across as rehearsed or insincere. Challenges Faced by Job Seekers Address common issues such as self-promotion discomfort, nervousness, and handling challenging questions. Strategies provided to alleviate obstacles and enhance interview performance. REV Points Definition: Key selling points that a candidate must emphasize during an interview. Relevant: Align qualifications with job requirements and employer pain points.  Exceptional: Highlight standout qualities and unique skills that differentiate from competitors. Verifiable: Provide evidence and examples that substantiate claims about skills and accomplishments. Development Process Reflect on qualifications, experiences, and feedback from peers to identify potential REV Points. Narrow down options to the three to five most compelling and relevant points to present in interviews. Author's Perspective Orville Pierson endorses Kelley’s book for its comprehensive yet concise approach, contrasting it with fragmented online job-hunting resources. Highlights the book's balance of brevity and depth, making it suitable for job seekers looking for focused, practical advice. Practical Implementation Encourage immediate engagement with the book’s content to prepare for potential interviews, which may occur unexpectedly. Work through the structured sections to build a tailored approach for each unique interview scenario.### REV Agenda in Job Interviews Create a REV Agenda: communicate key messages during interviews to highlight your unique value. Memorize your REV Points and review them daily to reinforce your message. Tailor REV Points to specific jobs to focus on the most relevant skills and experiences. If selling points vary significantly from one interview to another, consider narrowing your job search focus. Utilizing REV Points Effectively Emphasize REV Points throughout the interview to establish a strong personal brand. Know your points by heart to seamlessly integrate them into your responses. Start and end the interview with your REV Points; they leave a lasting impression. Develop relatable stories reflecting your skills, which can enrich your resume and LinkedIn profile. Power of Storytelling Storytelling activates multiple brain regions, making you more memorable than mere facts. Well-constructed stories enhance communication by providing vivid examples of your abilities.  Formula for storytelling includes SOAR: Situation, Obstacles, Actions, Results. Developing Effective Stories Create a "Stories List" to organize and categorize personal anecdotes. For each story, outline the Title, Situation, Obstacles, Actions, and Results. Practice storytelling for clarity, brevity, and engagement during interviews. Components of a SOAR Story Situation: Briefly describe the context and background. Obstacles: Mention any challenges faced to illustrate problem-solving capabilities. Actions: Highlight your specific contributions and initiatives. Results: Quantify outcomes to demonstrate impact, such as percentage improvements or awards received. Preparing for Behavioral Questions Anticipate common behavioral interview questions and prepare corresponding stories. Create question-and-story flashcards to improve recall during interviews. Aim to have a diverse set of at least 20 stories covering various skills and experiences. Crafting Concise Stories Prepare for situations that require brief storytelling, such as summarizing key strengths. Practice delivering stories in less than one minute, ensuring clarity and focus. The Importance of the First Impression The question "Tell me about yourself" is crucial for making a strong first impression. Answer strategically to focus on REV Points, shaping the interviewer's perception favorably. Avoid overloading details; aim to highlight key points succinctly in your response.### REV Intro Overview A REV Intro is a concise, impactful overview, lasting one to two minutes, showcasing qualifications and unique attributes. Purpose: Answer "Why should we hire you?" and differentiate candidates. Crafting Your REV Intro Structure: Center on three to five REV Points, turning them into a "Tell me about yourself" response. Example REV Points: Consistent overachievement and awards. Ability to anticipate and navigate changes.  Quick learner delivering fast results. Example Introductions Denise Williams: Highlights achievement in transforming team morale and revenue; references awards and successful collaboration. Linda Smith: Showcases diverse HR expertise and strategic thinking; emphasizes team engagement and personal passion for alignment with company goals. Essentials of a Good Answer Focus on key REV Points with brief career summaries. Maintain humanity by providing insights into motivations and personality. Keep responses brief and conversational. Preparing Your REV Intro Create a "Talking Points Outline" instead of a scripted answer; allows for natural delivery. Include successful examples to substantiate claims, establishing credibility. Self-reveal with relevant, light personal insights avoiding "TMI" (Too Much Information). Effective Ending Techniques Conclude with an open-ended question to foster dialogue and gauge the interviewer’s thoughts. Boldly pivot to employer’s challenges or needs, if appropriate. Steps to Create Your REV Intro Summarize career related to job description, adjusting number of years of experience as necessary. Transition smoothly between REV Points, using simple phrases like "also." Provide specific examples to substantiate key points; avoid proving every claim in detail. Use a neat, bulleted outline for clarity and memorability. Time your response; aim for one to two minutes, removing any unnecessary information. Tips for Practicing Your REV Intro Practice in short sessions with time limits, creating a fun environment. Focus on desired behaviors and visualizing success to enhance performance. Multiple brief sessions yield better results than single long practice marathons. Role-playing and mock interviews help develop authenticity and competence. Seek feedback from peers or professional coaches to refine delivery. Answering Interview Questions  Authenticity and strategy are essential for effective interviewing. Utilize answers as opportunities to showcase abilities, even for challenging questions (e.g., "What is your weakness?"). Be proactive in creating opportunities to share important information as needed. Authentic responses are more compelling than memorized "canned" answers. Always provide genuine, truthful answers to maintain reputation and trustworthiness. Illegal Interview Questions One in five employers may unknowingly ask illegal interview questions. It is unlawful to reject candidates based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, or marital status. Examples of illegal questions include inquiries about age, marital status, sexual orientation, children, citizenship, religion, disabilities, physical appearance, and arrest history. Handling Illegal Questions Refusing to answer can signal disengagement; consider stating the question is inappropriate. Drawing out the underlying concern can help redirect the conversation and address the interviewer’s needs without revealing personal information. Providing information strategically can foster rapport while addressing concerns relevant to the job. Importance of Questions in Interviews Asking insightful questions demonstrates interest and preparation, enhancing the likelihood of receiving a job offer. Good questions promote a conversational tone and reveal the candidate's communication skills and enthusiasm for the job. Characteristics of Effective Questions Open-ended queries encourage dialogue rather than yes/no answers. Questions should reflect industry standards and situational awareness. They should not feel scripted, indicating that the candidate has researched the company. Researching the Company Knowledge of company history, structure, values, products, market position, and recent changes is vital before interviews. Information can be gathered from the company website, news articles, social media, and industry directories. Timing and Quantity of Questions Candidates should prepare multiple questions for various parts of the interview, aiming for at least ten.  Avoid asking about salary or benefits until after a job offer is made. Questions to Avoid Focus on job-related inquiries rather than personal topics. Avoid easily answerable questions based on simple research. Be cautious with personal inquiries about the interviewer’s life. Engaging with Interview Responses Prepare to discuss why certain questions are asked, maintaining a conversational flow. Use active listening to relate the interviewer’s insights back to personal experiences or skills. Sample Good Questions Exploring growth areas, company culture, and department priorities indicates genuine interest. Inquire about the manager’s style, team dynamics, and performance expectations to understand workplace culture and potential challenges. Communication Beyond Words Nonverbal cues, including body language and appearance, significantly influence the interview outcome. Eye contact is crucial; too little or too much can misrepresent sincerity. Maintain good posture, smile appropriately, and avoid distracting movements. Vocal Communication Vocal habits, such as uptalk and vocal fry, can detract from a candidate's confidence. Aim for clear, moderate speech patterns with natural inflection to convey professionalism. Preparing for Nonverbal Communication Record mock interviews to assess and improve body language and vocal habits, ensuring a confident presence in real interviews.### Vocal Fillers Vocal fillers like “uh,” “you know,” and “like” signal pauses while thinking but can diminish credibility. Awareness is essential; one should record themselves or practice with feedback to recognize and reduce fillers. Replace fillers with silent pauses to allow space for thought; slow down the pace of speech. Maintaining eye contact or looking at notes minimizes the tendency to use fillers. Mirroring Body Language Mirroring body language fosters rapport and connection during conversations. Unconscious mimicry enhances feelings of understanding and connection between individuals.  Practice mirroring behaviors with friends to ensure it appears natural before using it in interviews. Active Listening Active listening is vital for positive communication; it helps in understanding the employer’s concerns. Show engagement by maintaining eye contact, nodding, and occasionally responding to indicate understanding. Overcome distractions by focusing entirely on the speaker instead of planning your response. Note-taking Strategies Asking to take notes shows organization; brief notation is preferred over continuous writing. Efficient note-taking encourages the retention of key information without appearing distracted. Manners in Interviews Arrive no more than 15 minutes early; use the additional time for relaxation or review. Wait for the interviewer’s cue before taking a seat; avoid placing personal items on the interview table. Ensure electronic devices are not visibly used for note-taking, as it can be seen as distracting. Appearance and First Impressions Grooming and attire communicate self-respect and understanding of the professional environment. Dress appropriately based on company culture; business casual or formal attire is typically expected. Avoid loud colors or distracting accessories to maintain professionalism throughout the interview process. Presenting Your Value Use portfolios or presentations as tools to illustrate and support skills, achievements, and qualifications. Ensure such materials are visually appealing and do not violate confidentiality agreements. Engage the interviewer by integrating extras naturally into the conversation when relevant. Managing Interview Anxiety Recognize anxiety as a natural response; various techniques can help cultivate calmness and confidence. Breathing exercises and visualization can be effective in reducing stress before and during interviews.  Practice techniques regularly for improved self-regulation and clearer thinking during high- pressure situations. Conclusion Success in interviews hinges not only on what is said but also on non-verbal cues, preparation, and a confident demeanor. Utilize every opportunity to showcase unique qualifications while maintaining respect for the interview structure and cues.### Growing Your Confidence Confidence levels fluctuate daily; they can be intentionally changed. Adopt confident body language and language. Use phrases like "I am confident" instead of "I think." Power poses, like the "Wonder Woman" stance, can enhance hormones related to confidence in just two minutes. Regular exercise improves energy, well-being, and body control, contributing to increased confidence. Challenge negative thoughts with more positive, realistic affirmations. Replace "I'm no good at interviewing" with "I'm improving my interview skills." Mental Strategies for Confidence Mental imagery helps performers visualize success and boosts confidence in real situations. Relax before visualizing successful interviews where feelings of confidence dominate. Maintain a 'kudos file' of received praise and compliments to revisit during low confidence moments. Interview Preparation Confidence builds from thorough preparation—practice learned skills and familiarize yourself with various interview formats. Different interview formats (phone, one-on-one, panel, group) each have unique challenges; anticipate and prepare for each. Types of Interviews Phone Screening: Be prepared for immediate questions and maintain a professional voicemail. Keep relevant documents on hand. One-on-One: Observe the workplace environment for cultural insights; maintain professionalism throughout. Panel Interview: Engage all interviewers equally, show empathy, and take note of attendees and their roles. Group Interview: Collaborate effectively while demonstrating personal skills without dominating the discussion.  Behavioral Interview: Prepare success stories from your past experiences as examples for specific questions. Sequential Interviews: Manage energy during all-day interviews; take notes to remember details for personalized follow-ups. Meal Interview: Prepare just like a standard interview; engage with casual conversation while maintaining professionalism. Video Interview: Ensure a strong physical presence through proper lighting and direct eye contact; rehearse technology in advance. Case Interview: Practice solving relevant problems by understanding the structure of the interview and thinking through scenarios methodically. Stress Interview: Remain calm despite pressure, treating it as a challenge; professionalism is key in such situations. Job Fair: Prepare for short interviews by being knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and professional. Dress appropriately and show genuine interest. Testing and Projects Be prepared for diverse testing in interviews, including skill assessments, written tests, and practical projects. Research potential tests or projects related to the job and practice them in advance. Stay cautious with take-home projects, as employers might misuse applicant ideas or work.