Comments on: What Should I Be Thinking During a Job Interview?

By: Ronnie Ann

Ronnie Ann — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:12:08 +0000

Thanks Rick and Kate for adding so nicely to the conversation!

Totally understood of course, Rick. Thanks for clarifying.

And Kate…my brain and fingers get away from me all the time. May need some tie-down lessons! Appreciate the visit and comment.

~ Ronnie

By: Kate

Kate — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:13:33 +0000

This has always been my problem: my mind has a tendency to wonder. But that’s when I grab it, tame it, rein it in, and concentrate on listening.

I completely agree that prepping is necessary. Not just background research but practicing how you would answer generic questions that have a tendency to come up. Memorizing the phrasing, however, is a bad idea. Just knowing what story you would want to tell to display a quality is good enough. That way you don’t spend five minutes just staring at a wall trying to think one up on the spot. Memorized speeches is always bad, even when actually giving a speech. They sound stiff.

By: Rick

Rick — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:17:53 +0000

That’s why I need to edit myself better sometimes. You do indeed need to prepare for the interview by focusing on the company and job, and how your skills and background mesh with both. Have some talking points before you begin the interview, but don’t come off as wooden or as if you have rehearsed your answers beforehand. Be able to talk about things matter-of-factly. You’re having a conversation; you’re not spilling out your guts trying to hit any and every point you want to make. That’s what I meant by being focused and engaged – and NOT robotic.

Sorry for the lack of clarity in my original comment.

By: Ronnie Ann

Ronnie Ann — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 23:58:12 +0000

Thanks Rick and Dave!

Definitely agree preparation is key Dave – it’s what allows you to interview in the moment and find the “zone”…kind of like a great athlete. Also really like the hallway conversation idea. Exactly!

And I may be mistaken, but as a fan of Rick’s advice, I think he was saying what you said Dave. But I can see why at first or even second glance, the sentence might be read in another way. (I did it too.) Feel free to pipe up and correct me if I’m wrong, Rick!

~ Ronnie Ann

By: Dave Szymanski

Dave Szymanski — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:34:08 +0000

Yes, I agree as the interviewer needs to see you as ‘naturally’ as you would be on the job. However, I disagree with the comment about not to prepare for the interview. You need to prepare to understand if you really want to work at that company as well as let them know you are willing to work. Do not prepare with memorized speeches; your answers must flow as it would in a hallway conversation.

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Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:10:29 +0000

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By: Rick Saia, CPRW

Rick Saia, CPRW — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:54:55 +0000

Very true Ronnie! If there’s one situation in which you need to “live in the moment,” it’s the job interview. Don’t think ahead and prepare for the interview by focusing on the company, the job, and how your skills and background mesh with both. Every interviewee needs to be focus and engaged!