Interview Advice
I continue to hunt in the meantime. The big problem I have is that no matter how much I "prepare" and "practice" I always seem to flub the interview. I don't tell a good story and I am not good at self promotion. I can't point out "accomplishments" because I see it as just doing my job. (I don't expect a parade because I did the work I was paid to do, so these things don't stand out in my mind.)
I just found out that a face-to-face will not be extended after a phone interview I recently had. (I knew I had blown it as soon as I hung up) -- I just want to skip over the "game" and the "corpratespeak" and talk interviewers as "people". -- Not using slang, or anything inappropriate, just as one human being to another and tell them that I may not do well at the interview game or corporatespeak, but I DO know my job and I do good work.
Is it ever acceptable to suggest dropping the "game" and explain to an interviewer that I am a dedicated, loyal employee who does a consistanly good, even better-than-good job. I've even considered suggesting that they contact my references. They do a better job of describing my work than I do.
Any ideas?
I recommend www.toastmasters.org. Sign up and attend. Not only are they great networking and very supportive, but they'll build your confidence and ultimately your ability to sell yourself.
Tess
I don't think suggesting that the interviewer "drop the game" is a good idea. It implies that the interviewer is actually playing a game.
I try to be down to earth when I interview but I need to ask the questions that you mention to determine what kind of person you are and the skills that you have.
The Toastmasters suggestion is a good one. Try to build some confidence and practice interviews and you will do better.
Not a good idea to tell them to drop the "game".
But from what you said above, you are good at selling yourself. Like you mentioned several things that describe what type of employeeyour are :
1) dedicated (are you saying your not a job hopper)
2) loyal (are you saying your ontime and little or no sick days)
3) do a consistantly good job - (give 120 % - you go the extra mile)
here are a few more :
4) Productive (be prepared to explain why)
5) Quality output (you have no errors)
6) Timely - ( always complete assigned tasks on time)
7) Always get good reviews
8) Always willing to put in OT if needed
9) Teamplayer
If this is true about you, then tell them what they want to hear whenthey ask you to describe your work habits, your strengths, etc.
Ask them questions like the following and maybe this will help youlearn what they are looking for and how to interview better.
1. Whyis the position available ?
2. Howlong has this position been open ?
3. Whatspecific qualifications and qualities are they looking for in a candidate ?
4. Whatis an ideal employee like ?
5. What’syour management style ?
6. Howdo you measure success on the job ?
7. Whencan I expect to hear back from you on your decision for the open position?
Also, be prepared for the behavioral type questions like:
1. Tell me about yourself ?
2. Why do you want to work here ?
3. Describe a bad situation and how you dealt withit ?
4. Why should we hire you?
5. What are your strengths ?
6. What are your weaknesses?
7. Where do you see yourself in several years?
Have a friend listen to your answers.