6. Interview By Lion

Or How to Interview Well Under Pressure

         

Step 1: Why We Have Job Interviews

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As the day of the interview approached, Arthur became increasingly tense and nervous. Merlin, however, only chuckled and explained that interviewing can actually be fun, believe it or not.

"And I will teach you how,” Merlin said confidently. "But the first thing to do is understand where the employer is coming from. So first I want you to pretend that you own a business, which is much different from running a tax-collecting kingdom. As you may have already guessed, private industry is based on profit. And a lot of money will be spent training and paying the employee for their work. You want to make sure you have the right person. So what do you look for?"

Probably 2 things:

1. Do I like the person? Does he or she seem like somebody I could see myself working with?
2. Does he or she have the skills I need to save money, make money, or improve customer service?

Therefore, your goal in the interview is (1) to get them to like you and (2) to sell your skills and knowledge. To accomplish that, you need to do two things:

1. Give a good smile...Gets them to like you...Employment
2. Prepare for a minimum of 2 – 3 hours...Helps you sell your relevant skills during the interview...Employment

However, smiling properly when nervous can be tricky, and will be discussed in the next section—step 2—as it is that important. The sections that follow—steps 3 to 11—will explain what exactly it means to prepare for 2 – 3 hours.

 

Step 2: How to Smile Properly Even When Nervous

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Merlin explained to Arthur that smiling is critical in a job interview. In fact, Merlin said it is probably one of the most important things to do right. Merlin said to, at a bare minimum.

• smile when you greet the interviewer
• smile when you say goodbye to the interviewer

Smiling throughout the interview is a plus, but the smile should not be held constantly, as then the smile will seem insincere. Also, Merlin explained that smiling when nervous could make the smile seem insincere, and that learning how to smile properly is critical. By following the parameters laid out by the Facial Action Coding System*,which was developed by psychologists, your smile will come across as sincere and not seem awkward. By using the following chart, we can convey authentic happiness even when nervous.

* Citation: P. Ekman and W. Friesen. Facial Action Coding System: A Technique for the Measurement of Facial Movement. Consulting Psychologists Press, Palo Alto, 1978.

Facial Action Coding System (FACS) Table

 

A true smile involves pulling the corner of the lips by contracting the zygomaticus major muscle and raising the cheeks by contracting the orbicularis oculi muscle. In plain English, this means lift the corners of your mouth and squint so your cheeks lift and the corners of your eyes crinkle. You will then convey authentic happiness.

Of course, a true smile is always best. But forcing a smile even when you are nervous actually tricks your biology into thinking you are happy. There is no better way to start feeling happy then by smiling. So smile and the nervousness will go away!

 

Step 3: Preparing Your Interview Binder, Or What to Bring to Your Next Interview

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After teaching Arthur how to smile properly, Merlin explained that Arthur needed to prepare his interview toolkit well in advance, which would make him come across as professional and organized during the job interview—and make him feel more confident as a result. Arthur followed Merlin’s advice and prepared his Interview Binder.

The Interview Binder

• 5 copies of your relevant resume on nice resume paper—bring 5 resumes instead of 1 in case there is an interviewing panel
• 3 letters of recommendation
• 1 reference sheet on resume paper
• A professional binder to organize your materials
• 1 notepad, which has written on it
  • Name of the person with whom you are interviewing
  • Your 30 Second Commercial bullet points
  • Situational story keywords
  • Company mission statement
  • Questions you will ask the interviewer
    • What would the typical day be like?
    • What do you enjoy about working for this company?
• A map of your route

 

Step 4: Researching a Company

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Before Arthur met with Lionheart the lion, he knew that he had to do his research. Research was not Arthur’s favorite. He had been a king, after all. But still, he knew it was important.

Arthur, turning on Merlin’s laptop reluctantly, began rereading the dragon slayer job posting carefully. He researched the company and browsed their website. Lionheart Dragon Slayers, Incorporated was a group of knights led by the legendary dragon slayer Lionheart. Arthur looked up the company’s mission statement, which was "to kill a few dragons, make a little money, have a little fun.” Arthur pondered how he might be able to contribute to the company’s mission statement.

Also, Arthur did his best to try and figure out why they might need someone with his particular skills in the first place. He wrote all of this down. Arthur realized that he had slain more dragons than many of Lionheart’s employees put together. Arthur realized that by slaying as many dragons as he could, he could make a lot of money for Lionheart. Arthur then began to prepare a 30 Second Commercial that he would rehearse and give to Lionheart.

 

Step 5: The 30 Second Commercial

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Arthur next prepared his 30 Second Commercial, which is the same thing as the Career Summary in the resume. The 30 Second Commercial answers interviewing questions like "Tell me about yourself.” Or "What are you greatest strengths?" Or "Why should we hire you?” To prepare your 30 Second Commercial, write down the 3 things you are most proud of—and that are relevant to the position you are applying for, of course. Arthur, after having done his research on the company and carefully studying the job posting, wrote down his 30 Second Commercial just like this:

• 5+ years dragon slaying experience
• 52 dragons in 30 days; 500% above the industry standard
• Won 5 jousting tournaments, 3 sword dueling
• Independent and team player

Arthur wrote his ideas down as concepts rather than word-for-word, so his Second Commercial would not sound scripted. Then he rehearsed his 30 Second Commercial, making sure to elaborate on his key points. Although every delivery sounded a little bit different, it sounded something like this:

My name is Arthur, and I have over 5 years of dragon slaying experience and familiarity with green, purple, spotted, aqua, and black dragon slaying techniques. One accomplishment I am particularly proud of is that I slew 52 dragons in 30 days, which is 500% above the 10 per month industry average. Lastly, I want to mention I work well as a team, having led large groups on dragon hunting expeditions, and also work well independently and am self motivated.

 

Step 6: How Interviews Are Structured

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Merlin then explained on parchment what the overall structure of an interview would look like.

The Graph of Confidence

 

The Graph of Confidence is a visual way of mapping a job interview. By preparing in advance for the (1) and (3) points on the graph, you can leave a powerful first and last impression. Also, by starting off strong at point (1), you build powerful, positive momentum that helps you build confidence and perform better for the remainder of the interview.

1) The Beginning

Give your 30 Second Commercial—confidence should spike. Always give your 30 Second Commercial at the beginning of the interview. This will make you feel confident and set a strong tone for the rest of the interview. In 99% of the cases, the interview will begin with "Tell me about yourself.” This is your cue to give your 30 Second Commercial. If the interview starts with a question that would not allow you the opportunity to give your 30 Second Commercial, say this:

"I’d love to answer that question, but before I do, do you mind if I tell you a little bit about myself first?” The interviewer will say yes. Give your 30 Second Commercial. Then continue on and answer the original question.

2) The Middle

There will be random questions in between; that is, confidence will fluctuate. Some questions you will answer well, and some you might flub. It doesn’t matter. First impressions and last impressions count the most. Knowing this will give you confidence and you will interview better.

3) The End

Salary Requirements indicate the interview is coming to a close. Answer this question by citing salary research data, then emphasizing flexibility.

Very soon following the salary question, the employer will ask if you have any questions—i.e. Do you have any questions for me?” Say Yes!” Then ask, at a minimum, the following two questions.

1. What would the typical day on the job be like with your organization?
2. what do you enjoy most about working for this company?

Respond that you are very excited about the position and that this sounds like a great place to work. Then add this phrase, "And to just summarize everything we’ve talked about today...” Give your 30 Second Commercial to end the interview and ask for the job. When you end with your 30 Second Commercial, confidence should spike.

 

Step 7: Learn the SARS Method

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Arthur thought all of the information given so far had been great, but he still didn’t know how to answer specific questions. Finding Merlin working on taxes in his study, Arthur asked Merlin for help. Merlin scratched his beard thoughtfully.

"You know, Arthur, come to think of it, I did write a scroll on the subject of interview questions once. You might want to take a look at it.”

Arthur smiled excitedly. "I definitely will!” Thanking Merlin again, Arthur found the scroll in Merlin’s archives and began to read.

BEHOLD! THE SARS TECHNIQUE! By Merlin the wizard

• Situation
• Action
• Result
• Sell

Use these words wisely to answer situational and hypothetical questions. A situational question asks you to tell about a particular time something happened. A hypothetical question asks you to answer a "What if . . .” scenario.

Situational Question Examples

Tell me about a time you dealt with an angry customer.

Tell me about a time you took initiative at work.

Tell me about a time you were behind on a project and what did you do and what happened?

• Answer the question first by describing the SITUATION. What was the problem that had to be solved? What are the background details so everything makes sense?
• Describe what ACTION you took to solve the problem.
• Talk about what the RESULT was from your action. Choose something positive.
• Now SELL it. Relate everything back to why this story will make you a good worker for this position. Hypothetical Question Examples Suppose a customer demanded a full refund, even though that was against company policy. What would you do? What would you do if you fell behind on a project? What would you do if a customer started to become angry and agitated?

Hypothetical Question Examples

Suppose a customer demanded a full refund, even though that was against company policy. What would you do? What would you do if you fell behind on a project? What would you do if a customer started to become angry and agitated?

• Answer the question by using a personal story that is similar to the hypothetical question being asked.
• Say, I had a similar problem to solve in the past, where . . .”
• Describe the SITUATION, what ACTION you took, and what the RESULT was.
• Then say, "Based upon that experience, I probably would do something similar, where . . .”
• In short, what you are stating is that you have successfully dealt with problems like that in the past, and that you more than amply be able to handle them in the future. This SELLS the employer that you are the best candidate for the job.

 

Step 8: Watching Arthur Apply the SARS Method to a Real Interview

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Question

Now it’s Arthur’s turn.

Arthur, tell me about a time you fell behind at work.

Situation: While working as an independent contractor, I promised my client that I would kill the 3 dragons plaguing his lands. I quoted the client that I could do it in a maximum of 3 days. However, by the morning of the third day, I had only slain one dragon.

Action: Unfortunately, it turned out that the remain two were tiny green dragons, which are, as I’m sure you know, very difficult to hunt because of their fast speed. However, it was very important to me to stay on schedule and meet client expectations. Having taken the last 2 days to study their habits, I realized that their predictable flying patterns might mean that I could catch them with a dragonnet. I laid traps that morning and waited in a bush.

Result: A few hours later, to my delight—and the client’s—the green dragons were both captured in the traps I had lain and promptly slain by mid-afternoon. The client was very pleased and gave me a bonus.

Sell: The Lionheart brand is notorious for being dependable and always meets its time-constraints. This experience relates to this position because I too believe in always following through and being on time and have a track record of meeting time-constraints in 98% of dragon slaying cases I’ve undertaken.

 

Step 9: The 9 Open-Ended Questions of Doom

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"Are there any specific questions I should prepare for?” asked Arthur. Merlin nodded. Yes, in addition to situational and hypothetical questions, always prepare for open-ended questions—in particular, the 9 Questions of Doom. Here are the questions and how you should approach them.”

1. How are you?

 You are great! Say so. Then ask how they are doing back. Don’t say you are just fine. You are excited to be there!

2. Tell me about yourself.

Give your 30 Second Commercial. Since you’ve practiced your 30 Second Commercial, answering this question should be easy. Avoid revealing any personal details. Stick to the issue at hand— you selling yourself for the job.

3. What are you weaknesses?

Think of a weakness before the interview. A truthful one. Tell the interviewer about it. But then focus on how you’ve learned to compensate for your weakness. This will turn your weakness into a strength without saying cheesy answers like, "I’m a perfectionist, and I work too hard and can’t let the job go.”

4. What are your strengths?

Talk about character traits that you are proud of, but go the extra mile and give specific examples about using that character trait in the work setting using the SARS Method.

5. What are you goals 3 – 5 years from now?

Write out a list of general values that you admire in a company. Choose values that relate to the company’s mission statement. In the interview, state the values you admire, read the company’s mission statement, and say that you are very excited about this opportunity because the company exhibits the values you admire. Say that 3 – 5 years from now you want to be working for a company that epitomizes those values.

6. What do you know about this company?

Read the mission statement you wrote down and then talk about how your skills will be able to help contribute to that mission statement. Use your 30 Second Commercial to sell yourself. Talk about the company’s needs—your assumptions about why the company opened the position—and talk about how you will be able to make money, save money, or improve customer service.

7. Why did you leave your last job?

Tricky one if you were fired. If you were fired, don’t say "I was FIRED!” Rather, say you were "let go.” Then talk about things you could have improved on in the last job—don’t blame your last employer—rather talk about what mistakes you made, what you learned from it, and how it won’t happen again. Then talk about why you’re excited about this job and what you can bring to the table.

8. What are your salary requirements?

Don’t give away your hand. Give a range. Using market wage data, say the salary for your position is between x and y and that you are willing to be flexible about salary. If they press for a specific number, name the median, but again emphasize flexibility.

9. Do you have any questions for me?

Yes. Go the extra mile and have questions ready. Do not talk about benefits, vacation time, salary, etc. That comes after the job offer. Rather, ask what vision the employer has for the position. Ask about what the typical day would be like. And ask what the interviewer enjoys most about working for this company.

 

Step 10: Ask for the Job

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Lastly, Merlin explained to Arthur that at the end of the interview, he should ask for the job directly—or at the very least  express strong interest in the position.

"You mean,” said Arthur, "I should ASK for the job? As in, just ask for it? How do I do that?”

"Well,” said Merlin. "You need to be direct. There’s not much to it, actually. Just say:

I really want this job. Can I have it?

The employer will probably say that they need to interview a few more candidates and that they will get back to you. But asking directly for the job will leave a lasting impression. It conveys that you go after what you want. It conveys strong interest. And all of these things will work in your favor."

 

Step 11: What to Do the Day of the Interview

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• Enter building 15 minutes early—no earlier, no later
• Shake hands firmly but not too firm
• Smile using the Facial Action Coding System
• Give the interviewer (or interview panel) your resume, saying, "Here is an updated copy of my resume.”
• Take out a copy of your resume, your notes, and the job posting, and use them as a reference throughout the interview. Yes, this is completely okay; it conveys preparedness.
• If the interview does NOT begin with "Tell me about yourself,” take charge. Say, " I’d love to answer that question, but before I do, would it be alright if I told you a little bit about myself first?” Wait for the interviewer to say yes. Give your 30 Second Commercial. Then answer the original question.
• End with, "Thank you for taking the time to see me. I really appreciate it. And to just summarize everything we’ve talked about today . . .” Give your 30 Second Commercial again to end the interview strongly.
• Smile and shake their hand, thanking them for their time, and that you look forward to hearing from them. Ask for the job.

Eventually Arthur’s interview with Lionheart came to a close. Arthur shook hands with Lionheart, smiled, and thanked him for his time. Lionheart growled warmly and said he would get back to Arthur.

That night following the interview, Arthur began pacing nervously in Merlin’s study. Merlin stroked his long gray beard and smiled. "Pacing doesn’t help, Arthur.” Arthur grunted. "I’m nervous.” Merlin shrugged. "You shouldn’t be pacing right now. Instead you should be writing a thank you letter.” Arthur frowned. " A thank you letter? How do I do that?” Merlin chuckled, explaining to Arthur that it actually is quite easy. But first he told Arthur to visit the Giraffe Resume Facebook Page and download the free interview toolkit that would lead to his next job offer. Merlin puffed merrily on his pipe. "Well, I suppose we ought to talk about thank you letters next.”

 

         

    

 

 

 

 

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