A reader asks for help as follows: "I have a reasonably good resume and I don't have any trouble getting companies to interview me but I don't do well in the face to face interview. I am not sure that reading a book is what I need. Can you help?"
This is like leaving an e-mail with your mechanic saying that your car is making a funny noise and asking them to e-mail back in one paragraph how to fix it! Honestly, I can't do this topic justice in a few words but here are some of the best quick fixes available.
* Do your homework. Know what your strengths and weaknesses are. Be ready to discuss your most recent accomplishments to whatever level of detail is required. Know exactly what you contributed to the success of the effort.
* Know where you are and what you want in your next career move. Be ready to show exactly how your accomplishments support your wants.
* Do the numbers. Document current salary, bonus, and benefits. Find out what you are worth and realistically decide how much you need to change. Do not be the first to bring up the salary issue. Do not play salary games.
* Dress properly for the interview.
* An interview is a verbal exchange of information. If you are not comfortable discussing this kind of information, you have more homework to do.
* Research the company, position, hiring authority, locale, etc.
* Know what to ask in the interview and how to ask it.
* Believe that you must sell yourself in an interview and learn how to do it.
* Be honest, professional, and sincere.
I am just getting warmed up to the task but these ideas are a good start. Incidentally, I cringe when a candidate tells me they always interview well. Most people don't. After all, how many real interviews do you do in your whole career?
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