A: Take care of the details and get them out of the way: Review the company's Web site. It's important to them, so it's important to you. Get directions to where you're going and the names and titles of the people with whom you're likely to interview. Make sure that what you wear is appropriate, clean and pressed.
Now you're ready to focus on what's really important: Matching the job to what you do best and what you want to do most, and matching the company's culture (how employees relate to one another, what they value and how they demonstrate their values) to the kind of environment and people that bring out the best in you.
With your foundation firmly in place, you're ready to practice responses to questions you're most likely to be asked: "Tell us about yourself"; "Why are you interested in working for us?"; "What do you bring to the table?"
Hone your responses into easily understood, authentic, natural- sounding capsules of information that clearly communicate how you can make the company money or save money for them. Do all that, dear reader, and you are more than prepared.
Q: What are examples of questions to ask before accepting the job?
A: Ask questions that clarify what the employer expects of you right now, in six months and a year from now. Ask how and by whom your performance will be measured. Ask who is your "go-to" person for training, coaching and feedback and who will give you the scoop early on about what you need to know about the company's culture, politics and ways of getting work done.
If you get vague or convoluted answers, ask more questions. If you're uncomfortable asking them now, it will only get tougher later, so ask away. If what you hear tells you this job is not a good fit for your skills, values or personality, take a pass and look for a better match.
Q: What are "stress interviews" and what's the best way to handle them?
A: Everyone experiences stress differently. Years ago, stress interviews were more commonplace than they are now. Applicants were asked to sit on chairs lower than the interviewer's or on deep couches that swallowed them, or to sit facing a blinding sun. Interviewers ignored applicants, were hostile to them or ridiculed them. You're not going to experience that now unless you're interviewing at a company where hostility and intimidation runs rampant, the employer knows it, and wants to know how you respond to it.
Today's stressors are more benign. They're apt to occur during telephone screening calls when you can't read the interviewer's body language, and during "team interviews" when you answer questions from a panel instead of the person sitting across from you.
The best way to prepare for either is to practice for both. When the time comes for telephone interviews, find a quiet, well-lit space, free of distraction and interruption where you can speak, listen and respond with undue stress or strain. Sit at an uncluttered table or desk with your paper, pen, rsum and a list of questions within easy reach. If the call catches you off-guard, as is often the case, ask to reschedule for a time that will work for you and the interviewer.
Panel interviews are more formal than you may be accustomed to and are paced to move quickly and efficiently. Respond accordingly. During introductions, quickly note each panelist's name and title. When responding to questions, be succinct, address the person asking the question, and include the other panelists as you complete your statement. Hold your questions until invited to ask them.
Joyce Richman is a career coach and author of "Roads, Routes & Ruts: A Guidebook for Career Success." You can reach her at 288- 1799 or JERichman@aol.com.
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