Say The Right Thing During Your Job Search

Posted by in Career Advice


Are you doing as well at your job search as you'd like? If not, maybe the problem is the words that are coming out of your mouth. Job searching is an intense process. From the very beginning, you have to be and show your best. Your résumé and cover letter have to be impeccably written. Your interviewing techniques have to be masterful. Your salary negotiation skills have to be at their best or you will leave money at the table. Meanwhile, throughout the process, no one tells you how you are doing. A company may bring you in for a series of interviews, tell you that you are the best candidate for the job, and then you might never hear from them again. A recruiter could tell you that a position has opened up that you would be perfect for, and then he or she might never return your phone calls. It's a guessing game and it can play with your emotions and your view of yourself. But still, this is how many jobs are filled. This means you have to get good at being the person selected for these open slots. The better you are at saying the right things, the more likely you are to get the job you want. What you say while looking for a job is crucial to your success. It can be the difference between getting a job or being passed by for someone who said something better than you did. So, How Do You Get Better Ay Saying The Right Thing? Follow These Four Points Below: 1. Expect To Be Terrible At First You cannot get good at saying the right things without knowing what it feels like to get it wrong, too. If you haven't searched for a job in a while, you will be rusty. You may not be used to questions such as, "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" Or, "Tell me about yourself." You may also be apprehensive about leaving your current position and not comfortable discussing the details. Expect that there will be mishaps in the beginning. This way, they won't throw you. 2. Put Yourself On The Court A job interview contains two main components. First, you get ready for the interview. Second, you have the interview. No matter how hard you prepare for the interview, success or failure happens while you are there. Tell an employer what you can do for them. Let go of how you think you are doing. Trust that you have done the work and that's why an employer has asked to see you. You don't know what a job is truly like until you go there. You may be nervous about it, so don't let fear keep you from going. This principle holds true for other job search seeking activities such as job fairs and networking events. There may be many reasons not to go, so keep your eye on the bigger picture, which is they can lead you to a great new job. 3. Practice Makes Perfect Some people make saying the right things look easy, but they work at it. They role play mock interviews with friends, family, and their coach several times. They say their 30-second introduction over and over again until it becomes second nature. They anticipate questions that make them uncomfortable and they have their answers spelled out and ready to go. You can't do well without practicing. It's your pathway to job searching success. 4. Learn From Your Mistakes Looking for a job can be tricky sometimes. You may be asked a question that you have no clue how to answer. You may say something foolish, and then realize when it's too late, that you can't take it back. Saying the wrong thing from time to time happens to everyone, so know that you are not alone. If you fall off the horse, pick yourself up and try again. If you don't do as well as you liked in a certain situation, be confident that you'll get it right the next time. So, what do you say? You only have one life to live, so it might as well be a life you love!
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  • John Kermode
    John Kermode
    There are some great suggestions on this website and in the comments from various readers.  I am starting a job search after working for my former employer for more than 15 years, so it's difficult to build up my job search and interview skills quickly.  I was terminated from my previous job, but it was a wrongful termination and I am suing my previous employer.  Does anyone have any suggestions on how to handle such a situation during an interview?  It will be easier once the lawsuit is over, assuming I win, but how should I deal with this in the meantime?
  • Wendy Habert
    Wendy Habert
    The comments posted so far have been great.  As an HR professional over the past few years, I have the following suggestions.  #1)  In the first interview, the interviewee (you - the one looking for a job) should NEVER ask what the pay rate is.  If you are asked what pay you are willing to accept, be generic.  Simply state something to the effect, "The topic of pay is definitely something negotiable to me.  I am sure you would offer me a pay rate commensurate with  my experience and abilities in comparison to the workforce you currently employ.  I am not specifically looking for any job just based on pay, but definitely must keep it in mind when deciding my next career move.  If offered this postion, I would be more than open and available to discuss the topic of pay.  Until that time, I will leave that specific answer in your hands."  #2) Reason for leaving when terminated:  remember the root as to why you were terminated - poor performance issues = "not challenged enough in the last position" or "the position, employer and I were just not a good fit; the 3 of us did not gel and a happy medium was unatainable unfortunately"; fight or conflict with a coworker = "hostile working environment" or "I did not feel emotionally / physically safe working there"; attendance issues = the work schedule was not conducive to my / my family's needs and the employer was not willing to negotiate a happy medium or modified schedule... A key thing during an interview is to be honest with yourself.  Remember that you are being interviewed by the prospective employer, but you should also be interviewing them.  Ask questions like, "What are you looking for in your next _____"; "Why is this position vacant?"; "What type of supervisor is the person to whom this position reports - a micromanager, a mentor, non-existent, etc"Just put yourself on the other side of the table as one of the individuals that would be hearing your answer.  If you think it sounds like a line of bull, it probably is!  If anyone on the panel during an interview thinks you are wasting your time, you can pretty much asure yourself you will not land the job.....
  • Lhenie Gillespie
    Lhenie Gillespie
    This is very helpful for me. Thank you so much.I resigned from my job as a "Research Specialist" JPMorgan Chase Bank.Last December 27,2008. The reason why I resigned.I come to Georgia to joined my military husband, he was reasigned here at the States of Georgia.I start applying for several firms,companies and small busineses and etc.......!I got few interviews, I am not so lucky enough to be hired. One position for so many applicant.  
  • Jeffrey Turnbow
    Jeffrey Turnbow
    I am interviewing today and feedback on how to respond to weakness question is just what I was looking for.  Thanks.
  • Betty Hadley
    Betty Hadley
    I love this article as I think on my last interview I put my foot in my mouth.It's hard to tell which way an interview will go.Sometimes I'm great other times I stink.I'm with the last commentor though.What do you say to the quetion,why did you leave your last job if you were terminated?
  • Rhonda Tebedo
    Rhonda Tebedo
    Reading all of the comments have been very helpful for me. I will be going on my 2nd interview in 7 years on Monday 8-3-09! The first interview-the company ended up not being for me. I still have alot of research to do until then. Wish me luck! I really hate that 'weakness' question as well!..oh my goodness...I'm so sure there is so much more I will need to be prepared for!
  • Elaine Bernier
    Elaine Bernier
    i was let go from my legal assistant position with the explanation that i was to thorough (in other words, too slow) - what do i say to a future employer when they ask why did you leave your last job?  please help! thanks! elaine
  • Brenda Whittlesey
    Brenda Whittlesey
    The advise giving is always a good to follow.Thanks for the continue support.
  • Diamond
    Diamond
    The information here has been very helpful.  The questions perspective employers as are many and some crazy.  The ones on salary and suggestions was very helpful.  Its been over 20 years since i have had to go on an interview.  I really hate it but as i continue to do it i am getting stronger.Its true it will make you better and stronger for the next interview.
  • Roberto Canessa
    Roberto Canessa
    "What do you think you would take as an hourly rate for this job?",could be answered with "Are you offering me the job?", followed by " I am sure you pay a competitive salary", and do not answer the question directly, but if possible, put the onus on the interviewer.
  • Heather Gibel
    Heather Gibel
    Thanks, it was nice but I would've liked to see some specific example statements.
  • Sirena Anderson
    Sirena Anderson
    Thank you so much for helping me realize things about an interview to improve myself.
  • Sunanda Rana
    Sunanda Rana
    Thank you all, especially Shaun, SBrown, Tinroofer for sharing your thoughts and giving valuable insight.
  • Attia Reeder
    Attia Reeder
    Very informative! thanks
  • Kenneth Chesney
    Kenneth Chesney
    Very helpful. It's all about confidence & preperation. I've had 4 interviews this week alone, which I feel very lucky to have landed in these tough times. I had to practice, practice, practice! Mock interviews with family or friends is a great way to build your skills & not worry about saying the wrong thing. Know your strengths & expand on them- an employer must know why they can't do without you!!! Rejection is tough for all of us, just remember- sometimes others have better skills in work experience & interviewing, so level the playing field as much as you can!
  • Sharon Redekop
    Sharon Redekop
    I was laid off recently and have been looking for work since then.I have had quite a few interviews. I can make it past the first but when it comes to a panel interview in front of a # of people my mind seem to end up in the deep freeze. I am a professional in the medical field and have many years of successful work experience. My last panel interview went better then those previously and I am waiting to find out the outcome. I am still not 100% happy with my responses but I think you are that right-practise makes perfect!
  • tinroofer
    tinroofer
    I went on my first interview in 12 years this week. I got questions ranging from 'what would your previous employer say about you?' to 'how would you motivate people?' but the one that threw me was 'What do you think you would take as an hourly rate for this job?' I would expect this question for a high level position, not a low level manufacturing job. I'm sure I priced myself right out the door because I went with my first instinct - that there was more to the position than they were saying. If I had just taken a breather and thought things through, I might have lowered my rate to get in the door.I obviously need a lot more practice at this.
  • john joris
    john joris
    I feel that in today's workforce there are workers and people that just want a check. This is where all your knowledge and character come out.  These hints are helpful to anyone that needs the right stuff to find a job. Great articles
  • Anacleto Cortez
    Anacleto Cortez
    Your ideas and clue for this kind of interviewreally are helpful instead of wondering to find an answer. Thank you so much, I really appreciate it.Anacleto Cortez
  • SBrown
    SBrown
    A quick search on google will result in a ton of responses on how to deal with the weakness question. I was trying to find a line from the Office where Michael Scott (the Office Regional Manager) is asked his weakness and I found the responses below from him as well as a couple of other people. Like her or hate her, Hillary's response isn't bad and I've turned that into one that's applicable for my business (and is often true), i.e. "I sometimes get frustrated when we can't do all the things that we want to do as quickly as we'd like to do them - usually do to resource constraints but I've learned over the years to be more patient, prioritize and find innovative ways to do more with the resources available." You have to make these your own, though:HILLARY CLINTON: "I get frustrated when people don't seem to understand that we can do so much more to help."JOHN EDWARDS: "I sometimes have a very powerful emotional response to pain that I see around me."BARACK OBAMA: "I ask my staff never to hand me paper until two seconds before I'll need it because I will lose it."Michael Scott: "I work too hard. I care too much. And sometimes I can be too invested in my job".
  • tobias mccrystal
    tobias mccrystal
       HELPFUL!
  • Margo Thomas
    Margo Thomas
    This article was great. A lot of the interview skills are common sense. Remaining calm and collected is key. Job searching is one of the hardest things you can do. It is important to remember to just be yourself and sell yourself to the employer.  Let them know they need you and believe if you keep up the effort you will find the right position.
  • Shaun
    Shaun
    Of course, we all have weaknesses, admit it, steal their thunder, and move on.  Take immediate control?  Give an example.  If anything, tell them what you would do coming in.  They are obviously looking for someone that has a handle on this and can do it right away without anyone following them around.  "This is what I would do first...."  They may need someone to "right their ship."  Ease their fears, show confidence - nothing overboard.  "Tell me about yourself?"  What would you want to hear about someone?  Not their tastes in travel.  Just remind them of what you do, what you have done, why you understand the business - and how that will affect them - and how you will implement this.  If anything personal, compare to a technique of success in life that you use for work.  Keep answers short, confident.  Never explain what you just said.  Tell them you want the job; ask them what the next step is.  Let them know that quality of life, integrity, high morals, etc. have meaning and are important and applicable to your work and everyone under/over you.  My main outlook for people is, simply - can I depend on them?  And the great depth and width of their dependability, the better it is for them - in regard to me.  Good luck - everyone is having a hard time today, Keep trudging along.
  • Staff Editor
    Staff Editor
    Jackie, this blog posting might help:  http://www.employmentmetrix.com/blog/2008/12/relevant-irrelevant-and-provocative-interview-questions.html
  • Jackie Smith
    Jackie Smith
    I am a professional Property Manager, 21 yrs experience, and hold 3 designations. I have recently relocated to Little Rock and have inundated the market with my resume. I have interviewed at several properties who say they are looking for a strong manager; one that can take immediate control. I have been asked 40 different questions, all of which I answered, what I thought, was correct. They start out by asking "tell me about yourself". Frankly, that is a very personal questions and has nothing to do with my job qualifications. I have  been asked "what are your weaknesses". Frankly, I think I have very few where my job is concerned. My biggest weakness is the grandchild. Give me hands up as to how I should answer these two questions. Thanks.
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