Tag Archives: job interview tips

How To Handle Yourself During Multiple Manager Interviews

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Though most companies choose to take advantage of a Human Resources department, which simply hire a single individual to hire their staff members and interview them, many companies will actually require applicants to go through multiple interviews in a single setting. These interviews are then conducted by multiple managers within the company and are generally known as multiple manger interviews. Many companies rely on these types of interviews in order to gain different opinions and information from each manager who takes part in the interviewing process.

These types of multiple manager interviews have been known to produce a higher quality of employees; this is due in part to several reasons. For instance, an applicant who may be unqualified may be able to convince one manager that they have the skills needed in order to obtain the position which they are applying for. However, the chances of this same applicant fooling multiple interviewers are slim to none. Therefore, this type of process can generally weed out weak applicants.

When you learn that you will be taking part in multiple manager interviews, there are numerous tips and suggestions that you should keep in mind. These tips and suggestions will assist you with truly convincing these managers that you are the best choice for their open vacancy.

Simple To Follow Multiple Manager Interview Tips

The first thing you need to focus on is consistency. Keep in mind that each manager who is interviewing you may ask you the same question as a previous manger. You will want to remain consistent with the manner in which you answer these “like” questions. If you fail to do this, this could result in the managers believing that you are not being open and honest with them. Remember, that all of these managers will meet with one another and will analyze the manner in which you answered specific questions. If they notice that you have answered the same question differently for each of them, they may begin to question your general consistency.

Another major element that you will want to consider is the length of your interview. If you are being interviewed by multiple managers in a row this process could run a few hours. The main thing you want to keep in mind is keeping your energy level high throughout the entire process. Don’t be completely energetic with the first manager, only to fade out and become quiet in the interviews with the last two managers. You will want to maintain the same level of energy throughout so that each manager can gain the same opinion about you and your attitude and general demeanor.

Multiple manager interviews may seem intimidating! The truth is they are supposed to be. These types of interviews are designed to find the best possible applicants available in the work force. Therefore, you should take these types of interviews very seriously, because chances are that is the way that these managers are looking at them. So keep your energy level high and remain consistent from one manger to the next.

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Lunch Interviews: Treat Every One Respectfully

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Lunch interviews are becoming more and more popular amongst major companies and organizations who are seeking out personable and engaging staff members to fill their vacancies. Lunch interviews allow a potential employer to see an applicant in a normal setting wherein they can gauge how the person interacts with the public and other individuals outside of the work place. This can be valuable information that an employer can use in order to choose the best staff to hire for their job openings.

There are several rules of etiquette that you must keep in mind if you are asked to take part in a lunch based interview. The first thing you will want to consider is the attire that you will be required to wear on your interview. You will want to check with the individual who is setting up your interview to determine how you should dress. Secondly, you will want to know if you are expected to pay for your lunch or if the company is covering the cost. In most cases, if you are invited to attend a lunch interview, the interviewer will cover the cost of your meal.

The third thing you want to determine is the exact location of the restaurant where you will be visiting or if the lunch will be hosted and catered within the company itself. This way you can obtain proper directions in order to ensure that you know where you are going and so that you can get there on time. This is very important! You should arrive for the lunch interview at least 15 minutes early. This way you can connect with the employer prior to being sat down at your table.

There are a few more things that you should pay particular attention to. One of the most important is the way you treat those around you, including the waiter or waitress who will be serving you. Treat every one respectfully! Not many people are aware of this but most interviewers who conduct lunch interviews are very curious about the way in which you will engage with these servers. They will be constantly scrutinizing you to determine how courteous and respectful you are when you are being catered to. Whatever you do, it is absolutely crucial that you go out of your way to treat every one respectfully.

You will also want to consider what you are ordering! Don’t be over zealous and order the most expensive item on the menu. Instead, see what everyone else at the table is ordering and place your own order around this budget.  Additionally, be sure not to order foods which are generally messy. For instance, don’t order foods such as ribs, which you would typically eat with your fingers; you don’t want to be sitting opposite your interviewer all covered in barbeque sauce!

Also observe other respectful factors such as not placing your elbows on the table and not talking with your mouth full. Be sure to politely excuse yourself if you happen to leave the table. The more courteous and respectful you are in these matters, the more friendly and professional that you will appear to those individuals who have invited you out for a lunch interview.

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Using Examples During An Interview

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When you attend a job interview you will either make or break your chances of winning the job that you applied for. Given the utmost importance of the interview, it is imperative that you take a few moments and truly prepare yourself for the way that you will present yourself in your interview. You should consider each and every part of the interview process and should look into using examples during an interview. Interviewers enjoy it when a potential employee can take an example from a past work experience or life experience and can use it to answer a question backed with facts.

If you truly want to make an impact during your next interview, you should begin by researching the types of questions that you may be asked during your interview. The good news is the Internet features numerous websites and references that you can take advantage of in order to obtain sample interview questions. Once you have acquired such a list, you should begin to determine how you will answer each question prior to attending your interview. You may even want to enlist the help of a friend to assist you in this process. Your friend can read the questions to you and you can simply practice how you will successfully answer them.

Once you have a sample list of questions, you will want to begin figuring out how you can begin using examples from your past experiences to add more depth to your answers. Some common interview questions will already encourage example use. For example, a common interview questions is: “In the past how have you dealt with a negative complaint from a customer?”  A question like this requires using examples during an interview.

How else can I go About Using Examples during an Interview?

Using examples during an interview is very simple if you compare each and every interview question that you are asked with another job in mind or with a past experience in mind. For example, when asked a question such as: “What do you bring to our company?” You should be able to quickly consider any positive effects that you had in your previous place of employment. You can then reveal what it was you did at your past place of employment in order to use this experience as an example of what positive effects you will have at this new place of business if you are potentially hired.

Every interview question that you are asked is an opportunity for you to take advantage of examples. This allows you to show a potential employer your various achievements and the positive effects that you had at your previous place of employment.

This method of using examples during an interview is much more productive and effective than just giving general answers during an interview.  With the use of examples you can prove to a potential employer that you are well worth your weight in gold.

When taking part in your next interview be sure to prepare yourself with examples in mind so that you can truly impress your interviewer.

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Avoid Slamming Your Old Employer

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When seeking out employment in an industry that you are passionate about, you may often be tempted to speak negatively about a past employer in order to gain favorable attention from a potential new employer. Many people feel that if they are staying within the same industry and they speak poorly about another company in the same industry that will help them curry favor with their new employers and earn them huge brownie points. While theoretically this may sound like a good idea, you should avoid slamming your old employer at all costs! In fact, the moment you say anything negative about an old employer you could actually jeopardize any chance you may have of clinching the job.

This is very true when it comes to both, in person interviews as well as information that you present in your resume. Many resume writers will use their cover letter to point out their negative experiences while working for the company’s main competitor. When you do this, not only do you create a bad image of your old employer but you also create a poor representation of yourself. A poor representation that could actually endanger your chances of gaining the employment that you desire.

Why You Should Avoid Slamming Your Old Employer

One of the main reasons you should avoid slamming your old employer is because it immediately creates a poor image of yourself. A potential employer could see your slamming of an old employer as a poor quality trait. They may assume that you are a whiney person who is simply looking for any reason to complain. Therefore, they may pass up on hiring you, fearful that you will constantly complain while working for them or that when you leave their company that you may turn around and slam them as well.

No one wants to hire an individual who seems to be bitter. The moment you show a potential employer that you are bitter person who holds grudges, they may assume that you will bring that same attitude to their company. Most employers are also aware that this type of attitude can quickly spread from one person to another and if they were to hire you, they would be fearful that your attitude would affect everyone else around you that you work with. This could result in a collectively poor work ethic and could result in future problems for the company.

How To Avoid Slamming An Old Employer

The best way to avoid slamming an old employer is not to talk about them unless asked. Even when asked about a past employer, avoid speaking negatively about them. Just explain why you are no longer employed with them in as professional and respectable a manner as you can muster. There is no need to recount every reason why you hate your old employer and why you are now looking for new employment.  

As the old adage goes- “if you have nothing nice to say; don’t say anything at all.” It’s far better to just keep your opinions to yourself rather than to say something or to place something in your resume that will reflect poorly on you in the long run.

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Job Interview Questions to Ask

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When attending a job interview, you will most likely be given the opportunity to ask any questions that you may have pertaining to the job for which you are applying or about the company that you are interviewing for.  You should always be prepared to ask a couple of short and brief questions. 

Most people will simply say that they have no questions and will walk out the door. However, when you ask a potential employer questions, you may be showing them that you really value the opportunity that you have been given and that you are very interested in the position that they have to offer.

Most people will simply ask questions like, “how long before I know if I got the job or not,” or “I have a wedding to go to in 2 months. Will that be hard for me to get off?” Asking these types of questions is out of place during an interview. You are best suited to gain your answer to question number one by calling back in a few days after your interview and asking. As for question number two, it is best to put it on hold until you have gotten the job and know who your supervisor is so that you can speak to them directly.

Examples Of Questions To Ask During A Job Interview

One question to consider asking is “what is the dress code?” This allows a potential employer to know that you are thinking about the way in which you must present themselves while working for them. 

Another good question to ask is “How many hours can I expect to work a week?” Once again this shows that you are curious and excited about the possibility of working for their company and that you are concerning yourself with scheduling.

There is another question that you may wish to ask once you have gauged the personality of the person interviewing you. One question that actually turns the tables on the interviewer is to ask them this: “Why should I work for your company?” If asked in the right tone, this question can be a great conversation starter. This allows the interviewer to see that you believe in yourself enough to actually question what their company can do for you.   This question has been used to the success of numerous people who have attended job interviews of all types in all industries.

Finally, one other great question to ask is “what do you personally value in your employees and what qualities do you look for in your employees?”  This once again shows an interviewer that you are curious about exactly what they are looking for and that you are also willing to learn these things and take notice of them so that you can make yourself a better employee.  Questions like this are questions that your interviews may ask such as, “what are your 3 best qualities?” However, now you are turning the question around on them in order to get their opinion on the situation.

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