A SOLID FOUNDATION FOR YOUR JOB INTERVIEW SKILLS

By now, every reader of the GROW INTO IT WITH DR. PAUL blog knows that one of the main concepts I use to help people succeed in adult life is transitions.  Arguably the very first transition that we would place in the adult range is finding one’s first job after graduating from high school or college.  For any graduate who was not fortunate enough to get some formal coaching in how to hit a home run in a job interview, I want to share a winning approach. 

It is as simple as 1-2-3.  Besides the obvious skills of showing up on time, dressing appropriately, and mastering the ritual of the businesslike handshake introduction (complete with a smile and some polite words of greeting), all you need to remember are the three A’s.  The three A’s refer to your past, your present, and your future. 

Regarding your past, you need to be ready to describe your Achievements, that is, your past jobs or other activities, and how you performed.  Regarding your present, you need to be ready to describe your Abilities, or the Assets you will bring to your new employer.  This is the time to name your skill sets, be they technical, interpersonal, physical, etc.  Regarding your future, you need to be ready to describe your Aspirations.  This would include both the challenges and opportunities of the job you are currently seeking, and your vision for your career path over the next two, five, even ten years.

Job seekers should make sure they have lots to say on all three of these topics, since this information really defines the applicant.  Further, the job seeker should make it his or her objective to convey to the interviewer at least the highlights of all three topics, whether or not the interviewer specifically asks for them!  That is, work this information into your answers, regardless of the questions asked!  Do not be passive.  Your three A’s are your powerful allies in your job search, so you must deploy them in every interview. 

Your three A's constitute a strong and stable three-legged foundation for the more advanced interview skills  that you will acquire through practice and further reading.  Let me know how this works for you.  Good luck!