The Boss's Point of View

The interview:

I have done many interviews in my time as an employer for the last 20 years.

I am now employing more than 100 staff in various business. As a boss I would like to tell you what I look for during and interview and what I consider is a successful interview.

It starts from the first moment I lay eyes on you. The first 60 seconds. The first impression is already 90 percent of the interview done. The first eye contact accounts for already 50 percent. When our eyes meet I am already assessing how you hold yourself. Your gaze. Do you look at me confidently. Holding my gaze long enough and not turning away too soon.

Another big factor in the first few minutes is the way you dressed. Did you make an effort in dressing well for me? You should dress like you are going to see a bank manager for a loan. For women have a bit of make up, even just lipstick helps your overall appearance.

All this happens before you even uttered the first word. Once we start talking I would like you to understand one thing. I want you to boast to me all you have done in your past jobs. The key word here is boast, not just answer my question, not just start what you can do, boast what you have already done. How else can I feel your confidence, your enthusiasm? Most Interviewees make the mistake of being passive when they can take this chance to boast and convince me they are the one for the job. What have you got to lose? But if you don’t open your mouth you already lost.

Another mistake interviewees make is when I ask them what salary they are expecting they tell me. Here I would strongly advise you never to say what you want. The only correct answer is “My salary in my last work company is _______, however I am willing to consider any amount you have in mind as I really want this job and the chance to prove I can do it well.” A smart employer will already understand what you are expecting because you just mentioned what you got in the last job and if he likes you then he will have to offer you something similar otherwise it is not worth you while.

Also when I ask you if you have any questions please don’t ask me stupid questions like what are the working hours and will I get holidays (even though you are dying to know). Instead ask something like what do you think is the most difficult part of the job.

For me an interview is just the same as you meeting a new friend for the very first time. You judge on the first few minutes if you like the person you just met and will want to be friends with them. You do it every day in your life and I do it every time I interview you. It’s just human instinct.

You now know what a boss wants so no excuses not to get that job; all you have to do is boast and I mean it.

Good Luck from
Boos

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Source: G21 - The Generation of Choice, www.g21mag.com