The 10 Biggest Minutes of Your Interview

This is a really interesting article I discovered in TheLadders.com. It analyzes some of the hidden meanings behind questions you may be asked during an interview.
Good Luck!
MVP


The 10 Biggest Minutes of Your Interview
Joe Turner 11/10/08 - TheLadders.com


You've heard it said before: First impressions are the most important.

When it comes to the job interview, here's recent proof that proves this point:
A new survey suggests hiring managers often know whether they might hire someone soon after the opening handshake and small talk. Executives were asked, "How long does it typically take you to form either a positive or negative opinion of a job candidate during an initial interview?" The mean response was 10 minutes. Those polled said it takes them just 10 minutes to form an opinion of job seekers, despite meeting with staff-level applicants for 55 minutes and management-level candidates for 86 minutes on average.

This came from a survey developed by Robert Half Finance & Accounting, the largest specialized financial recruitment service, and published April 12, 2007. It included responses from 150 senior executives with Fortune 1,000 companies.

So what does this mean for you as you approach your future job interviews?
Max Messmer, chairman and CEO of Robert Half International, sums it up when he says, “The interview begins the moment job seekers arrive, so applicants need to project enthusiasm and confidence from the start. The opening minutes of the conversation often set the tone for the rest of the discussion, making it wise to prepare especially well for the first few interview questions."

Here's how to make the first 10 minutes of your interview work in your favor:

Know the Four Most Important Questions Pay close attention to the four most important questions employers want answers to when they’re interviewing you:

“Why are you here?”
(Also phrased as “What do you know about us?” or “Why are you here today?”)

“What can you do for us?”
(Also phrased as “Tell me a little about yourself,” “Why are you looking to change jobs?” or "What's your most important accomplishment to date?”)

“Will you fit in?”
(Also phrased as “Will you get along with our values and culture?”)

“What makes you different from everyone else that we may have talked with?”
(Also phrased as, “Will you go that extra mile?” or “Why should we hire you?”)

Rehearse your answers with your own "personal stories." These are short narratives describing specific times in your past when you overcame a crisis, led a team, met a deadline, or resurrected a failed project.

Know the Company Do your homework. Always research the company before you interview. Know who they are, what their major challenges are today and the current "buzz" about them.
Why? The first few minutes of the interview are the time to flatter them.

Remember the question, "Why are you here?" Show them that you've done your research and not only know something about their company, but also have several reasons for being enthusiastic about working for them. Let this enthusiasm carry over into your demeanor as you walk in the door. Know Your RoleFirst impressions count for a lot, especially in the job interview. You're on stage from the minute you enter the room. So play your role by first getting into character:

Remember: The character you play is that of a problem solver, not a job seeker.
As a problem solver, you know why you are here, you're excited about this company, and you know you can help them achieve their goals.

With this kind of ammunition, you can score direct hits on their opening questions and win big points for yourself by demonstrating you are both knowledgeable and excited about their opportunity.

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As a recruiter, Joe Turner has spent the past 15 years finding and placing top candidates in some of the best jobs of their careers. Author of “Job Search Secrets Unlocked,” Joe has interviewed on radio talk shows and offers free insider job search secrets at http://www.jobchangesecrets.com.