The Next Steps after Interview: Confessions of a Recruiting Director

After the interview is complete, you immediately reflect and debrief on your performance and the impression you made on the company. Often times, we begin to process some of the following:

• Did I answer the questions the right way?

• What questions did I fail to answer well?

• What did the company think of me?

• Will I get a call back from the company?

• Do I see myself at the company?

• What are the next steps?

• When do I follow up with the company?

From the book “Confessions of a Recruiting Director: The Insider’s Guide to Landing Your First Job,” Brad Karsh, the author, talks about the ins and outs of different topics regarding the job search process. Karsh presents sections on resumes to interviewing to networking in order to help individuals understand how companies think and how companies go about selected candidates. Furthermore, Karsh writes this text to provide useful insight and advice to individuals in preparing for the job search. Here is his advise:

When you conclude your interview process, it is perfectly normal to unwind and evaluate your interview, but do not lose sight of your goal and stay engaged with the job search process. Remember the job search process is a marathon, so remain focused and on your path. At the conclusion of your interview, you begin to process does the company want me and can I see myself at this company? We will unpack a few items and provide some tips on what to do after the interview.

Handling a No Response

There will be times when you have completed the job interview and nothing happens. This is not your fault and not common practice. Some companies have several reasons why they have dropped the ball and have not followed up with you or other candidates. Dealing with a no response from a company, you can find yourself getting down on yourself and questioning are you good enough moving forward. In this phase, the company can be at fault by not having the funding for the position anymore, selecting an internal candidate for the role, organizational change, or a failed job search for that particular position. When you have not received a response from the company, you can follow up with the employer contacts to update you on the position. Also, ask yourself do you really want to be a part of this company and is it worth the pursuit? You can only do so much to impress the company and there is responsibility on the company to close the loop as well.

The Follow Up

After the interview, you are processing what do to next and do what you can control. As a promising candidate, you would like to show the company you are engaged and interested in the position. There a couple ways of contacting the company to provide updates on the search and position by utilizing phone and email. You definitely want to have an action plan after you interview with company. I recommend do the following next steps:

1. Within 24 hours or two to three days after your interview, you should send Thank You notes or email to the individuals that interacted with you on your interview. This is a simple yet effective way of showing the employer that you are interested in the company and the position. 
2. After you send your Thank You notes, I suggest contacting the Human Resources representative or the Hiring Committee chair via phone or email to inquire about updates on the position and timeline for this particular position. Keep in mind, you need to prepare with appropriate questions and thank the company representative for taking the time to speak with you.
3. During this process, you want to be considerate of the company’s time and be patience but assertive when contacting the company to provide you updates on filling the position. As a promising candidate, you want to be professional and remember you are not the only one applying for the vacant position.
4. Remember how to manage a No Response from a Company. You may have to consider moving on with your job search.

The Offer

In that moment you receive the job offer from company, you are excited about the opportunity and the job search is complete. This may be your Pursuit of Happyness moment.

Processing an Offer: 

When getting the initial offer, you definitely want the documentation via email or actual letter. It is great to have a verbal offer, but you definitely want the offer in writing, so you can formally accept or decline the offer after looking at the specifics of the position

Offer Letter: 

The offer letter will be straightforward and you want to take the time to review the document, which will include the position, title, start date, and salary. You want make sure you make a copy of the letter whether you accept or decline the position for your records. In receiving the offer letter, you want to follow up with the company and mention that you received the offer letter, you are grateful for the company extending the job offer to you, ask any specifics about the position and/or offer letter, and finally that you want some time before you make a decision.

Evaluate The Offer & Negotiating Process: 

In reviewing other potential offers and the current offer, you want to make sure you understand the specifics of the position, look into the benefits beyond the salary, and make sure you have everything order before you make your decision about the offer. Ask the potential employer for the company’s benefits package. I suggest writing down what you like about the position and answer what will make you happy working at this company. When considering to negotiate, you want to make sure you have everything in order have done research pertaining to the job offer. You get one chance to negotiate and understand you want to keep your image and reputation intact in the process.

After you make your decision, remember to be professional and keep all lines of communication open on your end. The worse part of the interview process in the waiting periods, so be sure you stay focus on your goal and make sure you do everything on your part that you can actually control in the job process. It is fine to be assertive during the interview and job search process, but understand the company is conducting a thorough process as well. 

The Auburn University Career Center is available to aid you in your job search and provide you with job search strategies. 

Written by 

Eric J. Hall

Career Counselor

Behavioral Interviewing Tips and Tricks

When you get the call or email to interview with a company/organization, you are excited and nervous at the same time about the opportunity. At this point, you have passed the eye test and the company is interested in you. The company reviewed and accepted your application packet, so you look good on paper and potentially meet the criteria for the position. Moving forward in the application process, the company reaches out to schedule an interview with you, a potential candidate, to learn more about who you are as an individual and a professional. 

According to the National Association of College and Employers (NACE), it is essential for college graduates to contain specific Career Readiness Competencies in order to be successful in a work environment. Recruiters and interviewers are looking for qualified candidates that embodies and harness the following attributes:

  

NACE Job Outlook 2017 | Attributes Employers Seek on a Candidate’s Resume

1.  Ability to work in a team 78.0%
2.  Problem-solving skills 77.3%
3. Communication skills (written) 75.0% 
4. Strong work ethic 72.0%
5. Communication skills (verbal) 70.5%
6. Leadership 68.9%
7. Initiative 65.9%
8. Analytical/quantitative skills 64.4%
9. Flexibility/adaptability 63.6%
10. Detail-oriented 62.1%
11. Interpersonal skills (relates well to others) 58.3%
12. Technical skills 56.8%
13. Computer skills 49.2%
14. Organizational ability 47.7%
15. Strategic planning skills 37.9%

Of course you can showcase your attributes via resume, but the interviewer are seeking to learn more about you in the actual interview. The interviewers give you the opportunity to shed light on the top attributes listed above utilizing questions on behavioral interviewing. Behavioral Interviewing is way you can highlight your present/past experiences and performances to focus on your abilities and your attributes. 

Listed below are examples of behavioral type questions:

1.  Talk about a time when you had to work closely with someone whose personality was very different from yours.
2. Give me an example of a time you faced a conflict while working on a team. How did you handle that?
3. Describe a time when you had to interact with a difficult client. What was the situation, and how did you handle it?
4. Tell me about a time you were under a lot of pressure. What was going on, and how did you get through it?
5. Tell me about a time you failed. How did you deal with this situation?
6. Tell me about a time you set a goal for yourself. How did you go about ensuring that you would meet your objective?
7. Give me an example of a time you managed numerous responsibilities. How did you handle that?
8. Describe a time when you saw some problem and took the initiative to correct it rather than waiting for someone else to do it.
9. Give me an example of a time when you were able to successfully persuade someone to see things your way at work.
10. Tell me about a time when you had to rely on written communication to get your ideas across to your team. 

There is a formula is answering these behavioral type questions. The STAR method is critical in answering these type of questions in an interview. It is not about answering the question with the right answer just the right way. 

As the interviewee, you should focus on answering the question using the STAR method, which stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. You want to set the stage with the Situation and the Task at hand (be direct and to the point when giving the background). 

Once you set the foundation, then you want to move along to the meat of the question and give the interviewer(s) what they want in answering the behavioral questions. The Action and Result is important when responding to behavioral questions. The interviewer wants to know beyond your resume and cover letter what kind of person and professional you are and will be for their organization. 

The interviewer wants to know you your course of Action and the Result of your Action. What was your experience after this particular situation? What did you take away from this situation? What did you learn about yourself in this situation? These are all items the interviewer wants to know in your approximate 2-minute response to a behavioral question. 

The STAR method is simple to remember but requires strong execution in delivering a sound response to a behavioral question. Remember to take the time you recall your experiences and find a way to streamline your story in your response to these behavioral type questions.

The Auburn University Career Center has resources to help with your interviewing skills and preparation. You can check out our website at www.auburn.edu/career/interviews  to utilize our services and resources to practice your interviewing, such as InterviewStream, The Job Search Guide, and scheduling a mock interview with a career counselor.

  

Written by Eric J. Hall

Career Counselor

Student Perspective: The Gallup Interview

Ali, a student assistant in the Career Center, recently participated in a Gallup interview as a part of her internship interview process. These tips can help you prepare for a similar type of interview situation.

A Gallup Interview is an interview to determine your strengths and personalities. This is designed so the company you are applying for knows your strengths and will determine if they match the strengths the company wants. Before the interview, I researched and asked my other peers who have had a Gallup Interview before. Each person I talked to said the same thing. They said you cannot prepare for this, you just have to be yourself because they will ask you the same questions three different ways and are wanting the same response. However, I did do some research on glassdoor.com and found some questions that they may potentially ask me. But the best advice was, to just be yourself. During the interview my interviewer was very animated and enthusiastic about the questions he was asking. He did ask the same questions three different ways on multiple occasions. The questions ranged from yes/no questions to short answers and during the yes/no questions he would then, most of the time, ask me to elaborate or give examples. When you are asked to elaborate or give examples this is the time to impress them because the interviewer does not have your resume in front of them and they do not have any prior information about yourself. This gives you the opportunity to sell yourself! The interview was also rapid questioning, so you need to be constantly on your toes and listening carefully. They also love when you are assertive, confident and answer with enthusiasm. Overall, I enjoyed the interview because it was different paced. Advice for future Gallup Interviewees: BE YOURSELF AND SELL YOURSELF!

Post by: Alexandra Britton

Employer Relations Student Assistant

How Not to Dine and Dash... Your Hopes and Dreams Upon the Rocks of Unemployment and Shame: An Interviewers Guide to the Meal Interview

Your interview has presently been ongoing since 8:00 AM that morning.  Volley after volley of questions have been hurled at you.  You have framed and re-framed in innumerable ways the value you would bring to the organization, deftly discussed your weakness without intentionally taking aim at your foot with a high caliber bullet, and gracefully recovered from that ever so awkward moment when your mind mercilessly emptied and left you unknowing your own name (much less where you see yourself five years from now).  Now as you sit listening to your potential supervisor extol to you in meticulous detail how they are a magnificent human being, your thoughts wander to the perceived oasis that is the lunch portion of your interview.  First, stop mentally wandering.  Second, you aren’t out of the woods yet.

As long as you are with an agent of the organization you are being interviewed.  Strolls through the hallway, small-talk during breaks during the day, and especially at the dining table you are being evaluated, critiqued, and cataloged.  Many an intrepid interviewer has met their demise at the hands of the formal place setting and a too casual response to questioning.  Before we tackle the questions let us first acclimate to our surroundings. 

1. Place your napkin in your lap while seated.
2. If you’re unsure which is your drink and bread plate make “b” with your left hand and “d” with your right.  B is for Bread, D is for drink.  Should your interviewer be so uncouth as to take either of yours, discreetly ask your server for a replacement, do not continue the vicious cycle of mannerlessness and steal one of your other dining companion’s items.
3. As a general rule one should work their way toward the plate with the various forks, spoons, and knives.  Forks on the left, knife on the right (should you be unrolling from a cloth napkin).  The sharp edge of the blade should always be facing your plate.
4. Do not concern yourself with the wine glasses.  You are on an interview, not an evening on the town.  Politely decline if encouraged to do so, your friends may love the intoxicated version of you, Ferguson from accounting likely will not.
5. Order something simple enough that you do not need the finely honed concentration and dexterity of a trained neurosurgeon so as to eat without spoiling your clothes.  Ultimately you are here to talk, not engorge yourself.

Knowing what to do mechanically at the table is only part of the puzzle, you must also have effective conversation.  The food portion of the interview is, thankfully, a more casual opportunity to discuss you.  In many respects it is flattering to be the center of attention, but when you remember that your words carry the weight of your future upon their syllables it is no longer quite as fun.  Often employers and potential colleagues are looking to see how you would fit into the already established office culture.  As clichéd as the advice may sound, it is important during this stage to be yourself.  Authenticity and earnestness are important character traits, and traits which individuals who conduct many interviews will have a talent in discerning in their potential employees.  You might say that’s all well and good, but what do I actually talk about?  If it would make your grandmother blush or be uncomfortable, it is probably not in good taste to discuss at the table.  Furthermore, allow your host to lead the discussion, and if you don’t know anything about the topic at hand, do not pretend that you do. 

Interviewing is rarely an activity that many of us look forward to, but it holds the opportunity to be an enjoyable experience.  If you’re concerned about your upcoming interview and want to speak more about it feel free to come to the Career Center, and if you’re especially concerned when the when the crab cracker or the honey dipper should be used we can help with that as well.  

The Best of Business Etiquette

Business etiquette provides the framework for creating successful professional relationships. It is essential to make appropriate first impressions, and it all comes down to the way you present yourself. Specific manners and rules are to be followed both in the workplace and in social situations to not only present yourself as a working professional, but also to improve communication and establish respect with other professionals. Business etiquette include both verbal and nonverbal communication, ranging from how you introduce yourself to your body posture at a professional luncheon. Etiquette also benefits the workplace as professionals are learning to work together toward specific tasks and goals in a professional manner. It forms group cohesion so that a diverse set of individuals can successfully work together. So now you may be wondering, what does this business etiquette look like? Here are some tips to help you get started: 

1. Handshakes

A firm handshake is essential when being introduced to another professional. Always state your full name when introducing yourself. This gesture communicates politeness and approachability which can set the tone for professional relationships. Do not be afraid to smile! You want to come across as a professional, but it is important to be friendly as this will serve as the foundation for building future relationships. If you are seated when being introduced someone, stand to greet them with a firm handshake and a confident smile.

2. Be On Time

Whether you are attending a meeting or a social event, you want to communicate that you value other’s time, so make sure you are on time. You may consider arriving 5-15 minutes early to ensure you are not late. You can also offer to help set-up or gather any materials to make good impressions. Being on time shows that you are committed and dedicated to your job, and this is a subtle but sufficient way to achieve this.

3. Meal Manners

There are various “Do’s” and “Do Not’s” when it comes to etiquette during a meal. Throughout the course of the meal, take cues from your host. Do not start eating until they start eating, and make sure you focus on any questions the host may ask you and/or the conversation they are initiating. Place your napkin in your lap, and when you are finished eating, it is proper to place your utensils across your plate. Try and refrain from ordering any “messy” foods or foods that you eat with your hands. Also, do not order the most expensive thing on the menu as the host will most likely be treating you. Visit auburn.edu/career and access our virtual Job Search Guide for more tips!

4. Dress for Success

You want to make sure that your attire reflects a suitable level of professionalism. Appropriate attire can give a good first impression and show that you take your job seriously. If you are attending a work-related social event, do not be afraid to ask about the dress code. When in doubt, it is more appropriate to overdress than under-dress, as being under-dressed can communicate a lack of professionalism. Make sure your clothes are clean and pressed, without any wrinkles or stains. For more examples of professional attire, visit our Pinterest board (pinterest.com/aucareer) for the best looks!

5. Express Appreciation and Gratitude

After an interview or a work-related social event, thank you notes can go a long way. This is your time to let the interviewer or host that you value their time and you are thankful for the opportunity you had to meet with them. With an interview, mention that you look forward to hearing from them in the future to communicate your continued interest in their company. If you are not confident in your handwriting, go ahead and send them an email. If there were multiple interviewers or hosts, make sure to send separate emails to each individual.  

As these are just a few tips, make sure to go to auburn.edu/career for further information on business etiquette. Following the proper etiquette will help you become a successful professional in your future career. If you have any questions or would like to discuss anything regarding business etiquette, please feel free come in to our office during our walk-in hours or make an appointment to meet with a career counselor. We would be more than happy to help you learn about the best of business etiquette!

Post by: Kaela Jimenez

Career Center Graduate Assistant 

Five Tips for Acing the Interview

Research

You have to know more than just the basic mission statement and the masthead on the website. Find a way to connect to the places you apply to by reading about the group’s current endeavors, the job description you applied for, and any initiatives they have information about on their site or in the news. If something really makes an impression on you, mention this as you reveal your motivation to seek the position.

Also, use declarative and assertive language when answering questions about how your experiences fit the role such as, “As a member of your team, I will bring the kind of organizational qualities you say you are looking for with this role. I am a self-starter evidenced by all the times I have taken the lead role in projects and work as you read on my resume. Additionally, I know I can learn a great deal from my more experienced colleagues at this company and I look forward to that challenge.”

Practice Selling Product YOU

Aside from knowing your stuff on the company and the job, you have to know how to sell YOU to an employer. If you get called in for an interview, they already think you have the basics of what they are looking for. Now it is a matter of finding the right fit for the culture.  Because this can vary greatly even between companies in the same industry, you will need to select the three or four or five skills you have at this point which you can demonstrate for your interviewers. Remember, every answer you give should demonstrate your knowledge, ability to learn, correct mistakes, accept instruction, and how those experiences will make you a great whatever you are applying and interviewing for.

Shine Those Situations

Situation – Task – Action – Result. The STAR method of answering those “Tell me a time when you…” questions. Don’t fall into the trap of spending too much time on the Situation and Task. Give enough information so that the stage is set and anyone can follow you. Spend your answer describing in appropriate detail YOUR actions and the results of those actions. Don’t be afraid to take credit where it is due and don’t be afraid to say it didn’t work but you learned valuable lessons from the experience. Remember, if you go in to an interview wanting to highlight three to five (3-5) of your skills, think of two (2) or three (3) stories for each and frame them using the STAR method. You will have plenty to talk about for sure.

Ask Questions

Nothing says “unprepared” more than not having a list of questions to ask your interviewers.

Ask about details of the position. What you will do on a weekly basis. How many people will you work with on projects? What is your supervision structure?

Read something recent about the company in the news and bring it up during your questions. Even if it isn’t flattering, ask about it. Say a company has closed some plants. Let them know you read about it and inquire how those “right-sizing” changes will further the company’s immediate and further development. You will sound like someone who did your homework and asks intelligent questions.

Ask your interviewers about her/his background and why being a part of the organization is fulfilling. People love to talk about their jobs to those who show genuine interest. If you’ve learned how to talk to your professors outside of class, use the same techniques. They will work here too.

Practice, Use Your Resources

Whether you schedule time to do a mock interview with one our Career Counselors or you set some up for yourself using our InterviewStream software, practice is a key to success in interviews. Reviewing your practice interviews with someone objective – a Career Counselor, Advisor, Faculty Member - can give you valuable feedback and help you make positive changes as you progress through the interview process.

You can find more resources on the Career Center website: auburn.edu/career/interviews .

Post by: Jay Skipworth

Assistant Director of Employer Relations 

Auburn University Career Center

The Job Search is a Lot Like Dating...

I was talking with a friend the other day about her latest dating fiasco and it occurred to me that the dating world is remarkably like a job search. Now I certainly do not support too much crossover between the two, but the fundamentals are alarming similar.

Your dating profile and your LinkedIn profile need a lot of thought.

Faceless avatars are creepy

The picture you use will be analyzed by a recruiter or potential suitor so make it appropriate for the occasion and the audience. It is unlikely that you will use the same picture for your dating profile as you do for LinkedIn, but lighting, personality, clothing choices should all be considered when choosing. What does this picture say about me?

These profiles will also be looked at for completeness and to tell the viewer about you. Generic information or missing information does not bode well for you as a date or applicant, so be sure to fill out the profiles completely and with information that would catch the attention of your targeted audience.

Get out and meet people, both in-person and online

The number one way anyone finds a job or a date is by personal referrals. It is unlikely someone is going to track you down in your apartment to ask you out or hand you a job if you are not putting yourself out there. Having a strong network is key and leveraging your network online is a must. Simply leaving your profiles out there will do little for your search for a date or a job, you need to do some of the leg work and contact people with whom you might be interested in speaking. Being able to hold a conversation is an art that everyone needs to practice. 

Good first impression is a must.

When reaching out to a potential date or network contact, how you approach them will make or break you chances for a meeting. Opening with “I need a job” or “I need a date” will likely end with no response or a response I am not able to post in blog. For a job search, it is more appropriate to compliment the person’s career progression and ask for information and advice instead of a job. Everyone’s favorite topic is themselves, so let them talk.

When you do finally meet, be on time, dress appropriately, and be polite. This goes for dating, networking, or interviewing.

Showing interest works better than generics.

In a cover letter or initial conversation, everyone wants to feel wanted. For the job search, this means that the company to which you are applying should feel like you know about them and sought them out to apply. Do your research…you know they will be researching you.

You will be Googled.

Around 80% of employers report they are Googling potential hires. I would venture to say that number is even higher for those who are going on a date, especially if meeting online. What are they seeing about you? It is important to keep your online image clean, but even more important to be able to be found online. If you have not already done so, set a Google alert with your name so you are emailed every time you name is posted online. Also, create some professional profiles, like an ePortfolio or LinkedIn to ensure a professional image is projected.

A commitment is often being sought by one party.

Hiring a new person is a costly investment for a company. Just like dating, when a commitment is being sought, it is best to know as much as possible beforehand to make an informed decision. Whether you are looking for a long commitment or not, do not indicate to a company any plans that would take you away from your work in the near future to avoid thoughts of you leaving in less than a year.

Desperation ruins chances.

Whether you are on an interview or on a first date, it is never a good decision to tell the other person how many dates/interviews you have had recently or how badly you want a relationship/job. No one wants to be the last resort or end up with someone no one else wants. Confidence is key but avoid overconfidence if possible.

Personality plays a big part in attraction.

The vast majority of companies are very concerned with hiring someone who will fit into a company’s culture. Your personality plays a big role in showing how you would fit in a company or relationship, so it is essential you let that show through…to an extent at least. 

Remember, an interview is a lot like a first date, you are not going to share EVERYTHING about yourself, only the highlights that will keep the person interested.

Rules for following up.

I am sure there are a lot of rules out there about how long to wait before calling someone after meeting them. The same thing applies to the job search. You do not want to come off as desperate, but showing interest goes a long way. Follow up after meeting a contact within 1-2 weeks and if you have not heard back in the stated hiring time frame, follow up a few days later. There is a fine line between showing interest and being a pest…in dating and in the job search.

Rejection stinks, but is natural.

Whether you are dating or on a job search, not every person or every company is going to be Mr./Mrs. Right. It is perfectly natural and okay to be not receive a call back or be offered a job. "There are always more fish in the sea," as we are constantly reminded. How you handle the rejection will say a lot about who you are as a professional, so remember to be cordial and thank them for their time. If you are concerned that it was something you did wrong (in an interview, not on a date), you are welcome to meet with a Career Center staff member to discuss the event or practice your interview skills. 

I am sure there are even more similarities than I have expressed here; what have you noticed?

Ready for the Rise in Hiring

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) recently announced that results from the 2016 Job Outlook survey indicate a hiring increase for new college graduates of 11 percent over the class of 2015. With the market primed for job search success, college seniors can do three things before spring semester starts to prepare to take advantage of these upcoming opportunities.

1. Know your options

Begin researching potential employers and job titles ahead of time and learn about the company culture, required qualifications for the job, and if/when the employer will have representatives on campus for career fairs and interviews. Use Auburn’s job search database, Tiger Recruiting Link (TRL) at jobs.auburn.edu to find much of this information. You can also use the companies’ websites and glassdoor.com to do your research. Knowing what type of job you want and the companies for which you’d like to work will put you in the position to apply quickly when positions are posted.

2. Prep your resume

Having a resume that is tailored for each job description will help you stand out in a crowd of similarly qualified graduates, but you can prepare ahead of time by having your standard resume reviewed by a career center staff member or peer advisor. Use the resume resources on the Auburn Career Center website to view formatting options and gather ideas for how to highlight your skills and experiences. Cometo the Career Center during walk-in hours to have a peer advisor review your resume and offer suggestions for improvement. Also, reach out to faculty members and other advisors to gain additional feedback. When your ideal job is posted, you’ll be ready to tweak the standard resume to fit the individual specifications required by that employer.  

3. Practice your interview skills

The prospect of interviewing can send many job seekers into a state of panic. Work out the jitters and gain confidence in your ability to nail the interview by practicing typical questions before spring career fair and on-campus interview season kicks off. For those with little interview experience or who are feel their skills are rusty can use an online tool such as Interview Stream to prepare in the comfort of their own rooms. The Career Center also offers mock interviews when you are ready to practice in person.

Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security by an anticipated hiring increase for 2016. College graduates will still be competing for positions and employers aren’t lowering their standards. Adequate preparation requires early and on-going effort but definitely pays off when you start the career you’ve been working 4+ years for.  

3 Scary Interview Mistakes

Interviewing requires you to think quickly on your feet and sift through your background for the best examples that demonstrate your skills, abilities and experiences pertaining to the position. Often, the most anticipated interview questions give candidates the biggest grief and lead to responses that frighten employers. Don’t scare the employer away with these 3 interview mistakes.

1. You are clueless about the company.

In many interview situations, the interviewer will ask you to share your knowledge of the company and the position. Typical questions may be phrased as “What do you know about our company?” or “Why are you interested in this position?” Applicants who struggle with their responses demonstrate to the employers a lack of adequate preparation or lack of enthusiasm for the job. Before attending the interview research the company to learn about their products, services, locations and main mission and think of a few aspects about the job description that appeal most to you. Bonus points: When describing your interest in the position, also highlight how your skills are suited for the job.

2.  You don’t share how you are improving upon your weaknesses.

Let’s face it. Talking about weaknesses and failures is the last thing any candidate wants to do when trying to convince an employer to hire them. Often they will quickly gloss over the topic with a quick response or use a cliché like, “I’m too much of a perfectionist.” The employer’s true motive for asking about weaknesses is to see that the candidate can identify problem areas and actively work to improve them or overcome them.  When discussing this topic in the interview, first make sure the weakness isn’t one that will impede your ability to perform the job and then wrap up your response by highlighting how you’ve improved upon that weakness.

3.You aren’t sure what makes you stand out from other candidates.

By the time a candidate reaches the interview phase of the hiring process, the employer has a pretty good inkling that they have the skills and abilities to perform the job. During the interview process, they are trying to find the candidate who will be the best fit for their position and the team. When asked to describe what makes them stand out from other applicants, many candidates freeze and struggle to highlight their top selling points. Prior to the interview take time to review the job description closely and note ways in which your background is uniquely suited for the position. Think about the products and people with whom you will be working and identify specifically how your skills and background tie into the company’s mission and culture.

I Pity the Fool...ish Mistakes that Cost You the Job

When faced with a large applicant pool, employers often search for any reason possible to eliminate candidates and narrow the group. Even extremely qualified candidates can be overlooked for committing seemingly small mistakes. The list of potential blunders is long but here are 3 easy ones to avoid in your own job search.

Basic Resume Errors

Technology can be both your friend and your enemy when searching for a job. Leverage this “frenemy” for good by making use of spell check before finalizing and sending in your resume. Remember that spell check will not catch all errors including homonyms (i.e. their, they’re and there) and spelling mistakes in ALL CAPS type (i.e. ACTIVITES). Also, when updating your previous job descriptions, read through each statement carefully to ensure that all verbs are changed to past tense (i.e. Communicated effectively with customers and provide efficient and friendly service). Ask career counselors, peer advisors, professors, friends and family to review your resume so that simple mistakes don’t slip through the cracks.

Applying for Anything and Everything

It may take many casts to catch a fish, but if you aren't throwing your net in the right spot you’ll be going home empty handed every time. When looking for a job, be strategic in identifying the positions that fit your skills, education and experience as well as the companies that offer the type of culture you desire. Read each job description carefully before applying and look for opportunities to highlight your best qualifications in your resume and cover letter. Meet with a peer advisor or career counselor make sure that your marketing materials are tailored to each position and to learn about methods for finding positions that fit your individual background and career goals.

A Flat Interview

By the time an employer invites you to interview for a position, they probably have a pretty good feeling that you have the skills, education and experience needed to perform the daily tasks required of the job. A big part of the interview process is showing the employer that you will fit with her company culture. Sadly, when many job seekers are thrust into the nerve wracking situation that is the interview, their typically engaging personality succumbs to jitters and an intense focus on both answering the questions well and appearing composed and professional. Though strong interview responses and professionalism should not be neglected in the interview setting, fight back the urge to let them overtake your enthusiasm and spirit. Infuse your professional and thorough responses with your personality and show the employer that you will fit in well with her team. Practice your interview skills using InterviewStream or sign up for a mock interview with a career counselor.

“A smart man makes a mistake, learns from it, and never makes that mistake again. But a wise man finds a smart man and learns from him how to avoid the mistake altogether.” – Roy H. Williams

Exterminating Bad Answers to the Interview Question: Tell Me About a Time When You Worked With A Difficult Person

As a graduate assistant at the career center, I’ve conducted many practice interview sessions. I’ve heard good, bad, and ugly answers to everything from “Tell me about yourself” to “What questions do you have for us?” Although students prepare for different positions and bring unique experience to their interview sessions, I’ve noticed patterns in responding. Some questions seem relatively stress-free for most students, and some particular questions seem to creep into otherwise confident answers, eating away at the foundation of a solid interview. One such question is the devious “Tell me about a time when you worked with a difficult person.” A tricky little bugger that requires organization, tact, honesty, and a dash of confidence, the perfect answer to this question is elusive. Rather than attempt to craft the best answer possible, the wise course of action may be to exterminate common negative responses. 

Here are the garden-variety bad answers I work to exterminate on a daily basis, and some DIY pest control tips as you craft your own response.

Pest #1- The Rambler: This answer seems to go on and on without a particularly good stopping point, and ends off trailing into the distance…and leaving you in the dust. Your interviewer is familiar with The Rambler, and knows that this train to nowhere really means you have no idea what to say, maybe because you’re worried about becoming a Negative Nancy (see below), haven’t prepared ahead of time, or are just plain nervous.

To eliminate The Rambler, put that answer back on track! Use the STAR acronym to guide answers not only for the difficult person question, but also for any question that begins with “Tell me about a time when…”

• S & T: Situation/Task- Briefly describe the situation or the task at hand. You’re setting up the background of your story, and you want to do it quickly so your listener doesn’t lose focus and you have time to expand on the good stuff (action and result).

• A: Action- What did you specifically do in the situation to facilitate a positive outcome?
• R: Result- What happened as a result of your action? Remember, the interviewer is trying to figure out if you’ll be a good person to work with, and if you’ll be a positive contributor. They want to know what you’ve accomplished in the past, because, as many of us know, past behavior predicts future behavior.

Pest #2- The Negative Nancy: Sometimes, when a job candidate hears this question, her eyes are kindled with past flames of bitterness and a hopeful, vengeful smile comes to her lips. Finally! The moment when she is able to fully process the trauma of her last group project! When she can at last, with full permission, rip every shred of dignity from the name of her worst supervisor! But this type of catharsis is best saved for your mom or roommate. The interviewer will interpret your willingness to “bad-mouth” your co-worker as a sign that you, not your deserving co-worker, are unprofessional at best, and difficult to work with at worst. Because he has a healthy stack of resumes in the wings, the interviewer will likely not take the chance that you’ll be a problem child in his organization by hiring you.

Negative Nancy becomes Tactful Tina when answers are, first of all, centered on the positive actions and results that you implemented in the difficult situation. This means that any descriptors of the difficult person are mostly contained in the brief situation/task portion of the answer, cutting back on potential for negative talk. Additionally, try to discuss the situation as a misunderstanding, difference in communication or work styles, or conflicting interests. Showing you can “put yourself in another’s shoes” communicates both interpersonal sensitivity as well as strong critical thinking skills. Lastly, I recommend practicing your answer with another person to ensure you’re avoiding sounding condescending, rude, or just old mean.  

Pest #3- The Ghost: In this haunting answer, the job candidate does whatever he can to drift right through the heart of the question, stating “Well, I’ve never had to deal with a difficult person” or “I just leave the situation as soon as I can.” Maybe you’re hoping to convey that you’re such a lovely spirit that those around can’t help but surrender their difficult-ness, or that breezing charged situations is a positive characteristic, but you’re leaving the interviewer with

chills. These answers convey avoidance: not only of the challenge of fully answering the question, but also interpersonally. We’ve all had those roommates and co-workers who have ignored conflict, resulting in problems becoming even worse. The atmosphere becomes tense and uncomfortable, and guess what-- that person who avoided the difficult situation at all costs? They’re now the subject of the answer to other people’s difficult person interview questions. 

It’s time to send that avoidance back to the grave, folks. If you truly do not confront difficult individuals with honestly, respectfulness, and assertiveness, it’s time to try out that skill before you enter the workplace. Not only will such experiences give you material for this question, but you’ll be a better, more capable co-worker as a result.

As with many interview questions, the possibilities for answers to “tell me about a time when you worked with a difficult person” are endless and not every answer can be discussed here. For the best possible feedback, call or visit the Auburn University Career Center and schedule a practice interview with a career counselor, or drop by during walk-in hours to discuss brief questions. 

Written by Shari Black

Graduate Assistant in the Career Center

pursuing PhD in Counseling Psychology

Bachelor of Arts in Theater and English