What does it take to get hired?

Are you looking for a job? One of the most common fears in job hunting seems to be the interview process. Interviewing is the act of weeding out the garden. But who should be doing the weeding? Believe it or not-you.

An employer is searching for the right person to fit into a specific place. Your job isn't to convince the employer that you will fit. Square pegs don't go in the round holes. You've been called in because your resume' says you already have the skills. Instead, find out if that employer fits you and if that position is a place you'd like to be. In other words, what are you looking for in an employer and how does that workplace fit your goals? This is a completely different mindset from "Just give me a chance, please."

One of my favorite tools for job hunting is the book, What Color is Your Parachute? This book is well worth the investment. I use it to help mentor others in getting not only a job, but the job they want. One of the concepts is to interview the interviewer. Do you know what this does for you? It immediately bestows a sense of balance to the discussion and puts you both in an equal adult role. Taking this tactic gives you a feeling of confidence and worth. You are not there to convince someone to hire you, but to determine if this is a place YOU want to work. Often, the tables turn and the interviewer sees you as someone deserving of respect. It makes you stand out among the other applicants.

What questions do you ask? It's very important to determine what the specific company does before you go to the interview. Take the time to research and be prepared. Ask around town, go to the library, talk to any employees you know that work there, go online, or check out the local chamber of commerce or Better Business Bureau. Now you can ask intelligent questions about the company in general. This shows a logical thought process. Additionally, You'll want to ask specific job duties. Why? Don't you want to know if you want to perform those duties or are capable on a day to day basis? Where will you work? Would a tour be appropriate? Who would be your direct supervisor? What is their style of supervision? (This is one of the most important questions to me. I want to know if I'd like working with certain personality traits.)

What would be important questions to you? Hint: It's not about the benefit package.

If you see yourself as the plant that will reseed itself in the garden of that employer's workplace, then you can look for ways that you will help that employer succeed. How can you be a benefit to the business? If you don't know several answers to this question, then you hamstring yourself.

What questions or thoughts would you like to see addressed for job hunting?

Angie