5 job interview tips you really need to know

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(MoneyWatch) COMMENTARY Is it me, or has the brutal job market turned interview advice into a competitive sport? Every question seems to get bloggers slamming into each other like 300-pound NFL linemen.

First there were accusations of age discrimination from older workers when, in reality, their kids have far higher rates of unemployment. Then there was the question of whether it's illegal or not to ask discriminatory questions in a job interview. Now there's the whole Facebook password controversy.

With all the over-the-top political correctness, everybody and the ACLU ready to sue employers for asking a simple question, and all the flat-out bad advice from people who have no idea what they're talking about, I've never been more thrilled to be out of the line of fire.

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Still, I feel the need to set the record straight on some of this crazy controversy, if only so 30-year-old kids don't have to sleep in their childhood beds with pop star posters hanging on the walls and their parents demanding they "turn it down."

I may not be an HR person or a Gen Y personal branding guru, but let's just say I know a little bit more than I'd like about employment law, interviewing and being interviewed. Here's some no-nonsense advice you can use.

Can employers ask for your Facebook password?

Yes, they can, and a congressional amendment to block the practice was shot down recently. That said, Facebook doesn't think companies should ask for your username and password, and I agree. It's creepy and I don't think you're going to find reputable companies like Microsoft (MSFT) or Apple (AAPL) doing it. Still, it's a free country. Interviewers can ask, but you don't have to give it to them. If it bugs you, politely decline and find a job elsewhere. Save your outrage for later that night and a beer. If you're desperate for a job, clean up your account and give it to them. It's your choice how to answer, just as it is their choice to ask.

What is and isn't discrimination?

Interviewers can ask just about any question they want, including your age, race and gender. It's dumb, but it is legal to ask. As Evil HR Lady Suzanne Lucas recently wrote, the interviewer can pretty much tell all that just by looking at you and your resume. And while it is illegal for them to use that information in making a hiring decision, it's very hard to prove that they've done so. For example, older workers are usually more expensive than their younger counterparts. Unfortunately, there's no law against basing a hiring decision on compensation.

Should you interview the interviewer?

A lot of people suggest you should prepare a boatload of questions to find out more about the company and the hiring manager so you know what you're getting yourself into. A question or two is great, but I think overdoing it is very risky, especially in this job market. You're single goal in the interview process is to get an offer. Once you get an offer, you can always follow up with more questions. Also, I don't care how good your questions are, you won't know what you're getting yourself into until you've been there a while. That's just the way it is, whether you're a worker or a CEO. Really.

What exactly do interviewers look for?

More than anything, they're looking for a fit, someone with the knowledge and experience to do the job and fit in with the company culture. The job specification will detail what they're looking for. If there's no spec or they won't give you one, then read up on the company and its business online.

Based on what you do know, think about a particular experience to show them you can successfully do what they need done. That's the main thing. Then just look and act the part and try to relax. Since you can't predict the future and you don't know what they're going to ask, just be as open and present as possible. Anything else will only detract from the main thing: you. So be you. That's who they're hiring, right?

Does personal branding help?

As I explained in 7 career advice myths, the short answer is no, personal branding does not help. Sure, you should look and behave professionally in person and online. Clean up your social media presence by keeping your public profile professional and your personal stuff password protected between family and friends, for example. The company is interviewing you to see if you can do the job and fit in. The best way to stand out is to show you can do that with minimal drama. 

For more on the subject, check out What hiring managers really look for.

[kenwolff63]

Steve,

There are actually two states that prohibit employers from asking for your facebook login/password. One I know for sure is Illinois and I believe the other one is Maryland.

[stobak2]

A proposed law passed the Illinois house but has not yet been voted on in the senate. I don't know the status of the proposed Maryland legislation. It's not a law yet in either state.

[SpeakEtc.]

Love to hear that this advice. I work with people on their interview skills and always share similar advice. I especially appreciate the above comment about how people are usually hired because the HR person "likes" them. My biggest challenge is getting my clients to learn how to focus on sharing themselves and what they can bring to the organization besides what's written on their resume.

[Dreadnut]

If you are applying with a small company and actually interviewing with the owner/operator then much of the advice about being interested in the firm, personal branding, proving your worth, etc. are valid. But if you're interviewing with a large company you're probably talking to a mid level manager who's goals in hiring are different; making themselves look good, finding someone not too smart, finding someone who will be their lunch buddy, someone who just takes orders without questions, etc.

[DebF100]

I do wish your columnists would remember that people outside the USA may be reading these articles. What is true for the US is not necessarily true for the UK and other countries, and the law is quite different in this case. Or are you just trying to get rid of your overseas readers?

[stobak2]

I recognize that I've got a worldwide audience. And while I've done business in dozens of other nations so my advice and commentary is often country-agnostic, it's unavoidable that some posts will relate more to the U.S. and U.S.-based companies. And when it comes to legal matters, if I don't state otherwise, I'm referring to U.S., sometimes even California law. But that's just me. I know some of our bloggers are based in Europe, so it's sort of a mixed bag. One thing's for sure: we're definitely not trying to get rid of you.

ST

[[e-mail]]

Having been a recruiter for 20 years, my observations have been people are not hired for their knowledge or expertise, but on likeablility and 'fit' first. People hire in their own image. Period. I can't tell you the number of times the candidate was NOT qualified, yet was hired because they were like. Chemisty. Try to connect with the person interviewing you. Yes, have examples of accomplishments, but at the end of the day, people hire people they feel comfortable with, not the most qualified. Amazing, I know!

[stobak2]

That's not always the case, but is all-too-often true as we discussed in "What hiring managers really look for" -- I added a link to it at the end of the article.

Thanks,
ST

[A8LOOONG]

Great article. Great advice. It's difficult to participate in an interview without it becoming an interrigation. So often interviewers have seen so many potential hirees that they do it too.

[dstrandberg]

Re: Facebook login and/or friend requests. Interesting that Facebook issued a statement on this issue last week. Facebook Chief Privacy Officer Erin Egan said "We'll take action to protect the privacy and security of our users, whether by engaging policymakers or, where appropriate, by initiating legal action, including shutting down applications that abuse their privileges." Egan went on to say "...we look forward to engaging with policy makers and other stakeholders, to help better safeguard the privacy of our users."

Separately, Sen. Richard Blumenthal called Facebook login/friend requests "an unreasonable invasion of privacy" and will attempt to pass legislation preventing such requests.

If asked the question for access to your Facebook account you might respond by telling the interviewer:
"If I provide you with my login information I am violating the Terms and Conditions of Facebook. And when I opened my Facebook account I agreed to those conditions. If I get this position and someone outside the company wanted me to give them access to company information by providing them with my login information - would that be a violation of your company policy?"

The answer will probably catch the interviewer off guard. And he/she might agree with what you said. But, refusing to provide the information could cost you the position you're applying for.

Bottom line: It's a b.s. request. But one that'll be around for a while.

[marabsky]

Wow, its like a an interviewer asking for your personal email account password or online banking password! Once that private identity information is out there, who knows where the passwords/info could end up.

I can't understand how any company would expect that a personal would give them the tools for potential identity theft! Its bonkers.

[mbishop43]

I agree that you should NOT "prepare a BOATLOAD of questions"!!!

One of the BEST questions I have heard to ask early in the interview is: "I have read the job description and I am familiar with the responsibilities, however, what do you feel are the three most important to be successful in this position?". The question is concise and also provides you with a clue as to what the hiring manager is most interested in finding in the new hire. In addition,it addresses that you are interested in being successful in the position! Of course, be sure that you address EACH one of the responsibilities mentioned by the interviewer, during your interview!

At the conclusion of the interview, a question most often asked is: "Do you have any questions". Here again, you should be prepared with ONLY one or two. The MOST important question, if not already addressed,is: What is the next step(s).

[HugoBalta]

I want to expand on "interviewing the interviewer" -- absolutely, you don't want it to bee too long or make it feel as if it is an interrogation.
You need to be concise and precise...here are three that I think you should consider asking in a job interview:
http://thepicaflorpost.blogspot.com/2012/03/3-questions-to-ask-in-interview.html?spref=bl

[bizgal]

I think this is very good advice everyone needs if they really want a job. We all have to do what we have to do to get a job even if it is working in a fast food place. Read why most people will continue to be jobless http://ajobhuntersguidetosuccess.blogspot.com/2012/03/top-16-reasons-why-you-will-be-jobless.html