4 tips for acing your next job interview
(MoneyWatch) When it comes to job interviews, the rules of the game are changing. That's what Meghan Casserly of Forbes contends -- existing interview policies leave both job hunters and hiring managers dissatisfied. In 2013 and beyond, Casserly says, you'll see some changes in the way many companies conduct interviews and make hiring decisions. To that end, there are a few things you can do to prepare for your next interview.
Be ready for a challenge-based interview. Rather than simply speaking about your experiences and reiterating details from your resume, Casserly says that companies are increasingly starting to ask candidates to perform challenges that demonstrate their skills. You can't fake your way through a challenge. You need to be able to actually demonstrate your purported skills. If you're a programmer, come ready to code. If you're an editor, be able to edit -- on the spot.
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Be enthusiastic. Your attitude will set the tone for how interviewers respond to you. Don't act like you're bored or doing the company a favor to be there; show passion and energy in your demeanor. And trust me -- like a fresh coat of paint, enthusiasm can actually cover up a slew of blemishes.
Have a pitch. You're going to get an opportunity early in the interview to talk about yourself. It's something of a softball question, and many candidates squander the opportunity by talking about their background and personal life. Instead, be sure you have a two-minute elevator pitch prepared in which you talk about what makes you great for the role. In other words, be ready to sell yourself.
Know the company. Don't walk into an interview without doing your homework. Know the company and the industry in which it operates. Has it recently gone public? What are some of its recent accomplishments or challenges? Is the CEO notable, or has she tweeted something interesting lately? Know enough so you can ask smart questions and explain how your skills can be brought to bear.
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I've done 2 things, the first is asked the candidate to send in some sample code, which I'll bring up at the interview and ask them to explain it. Those who actually know what they are talking about can easily tell me what everything does often in great detail. Those who went to google and downloaded samples can't even bluff their way through.
Second I'll pose some hypothetical problems and ask what they would do so solve it. These are questions which stump even the best candidates, but there I am looking for reasoning ability. Why would they do something in a certain way.
It's so far worked very nicely at weeding out the fakers.