by Becky Cole

 "I’ve been on a hundred interviews, but they never call me back." "They said they would make a decision by the end of the week, but it’s been two weeks and I still haven’t heard from them."

If you have been job hunting lately, chances are you have run into these situations. While you can’t change how an employer does business, here is a way you can minimize this: take charge of the interview.

Before You Go:
Make three lists, and put them on separate sheets of paper. Writing them down means you won’t have to worry about remembering what you wanted to say, and it will help prepare you for the content of the interview.

On one page, make a list of the questions you want to ask during the interview, such as:

• Out of all of the resumes you saw, you called me in for an interview. What was it about my skills and abilities that caused you to feel I might be a good match for this position?
• Is this a new position? If not, when was the last time the job description was updated?
• Does this position report directly to you? If not, for whom will I be working? If not, can I meet that person before I leave today? If so, how many other people do you have reporting to you?
• How does this position contribute to the success of the company?
• What is the average length of time people have worked for this department?

Add some others that may be important to you. Because interviews can vary in length of time you have available to ask questions, list them in order of importance to you, in case you don’t get the time to ask them all. It also might be a good idea to practice saying them out loud to someone so you can hear yourself asking them.

On the page two, make a list of your skills and accomplishments that relate to the job for which you are applying, and add them in the folder. This is the same kind of information you had in your resume, but just in a list form. Things on this list should include things like:
• I streamlined processes which resulted in less costs to accomplish the task
• I learn quickly
• I am good at what I do
• I helped train in new people

On the third page, make a list of reasons why you left your last job, or if you are still employed, why you are looking for a new job. Be careful not to blame other people for why you left or are leaving. Be honest, and phrase your statements so that it shows you are taking responsibility for the situation. Your list could include things such as:

• I was ready for more responsibility and the previous company didn’t have a way for me to grow with the position
• The company downsized and eliminated my position
• A new manager came in and restructured the department

If you had to leave your last job because of personal problems, such as lack of childcare or an illness in the family, be honest about that, but also be prepared to state what is different now and how you will address that with the new job.

On a fourth sheet of paper, print out a list of your references. Be sure to ask their permission before you list them, and include their complete information – name, title, company name, phone number and email address.

Put all this in a folder and give yourself permission to use this information during the interview. Putting them in a folder also keeps them neat and from being a distraction during the interview.

During The Interview:
Bring your folder with you to the interview. It will help keep you focused.

One of the questions you will inevitably get asked is: Why should we hire you? Often it comes in the form of, "tell me about yourself." This is where the list of skills and accomplishments you made will come in handy. Open your folder and have that page in front of you. Don’t read it to your interviewer, but use it as a guide to tell them about what makes you a good candidate for the job.
Another question you will get asked is: Why did you leave your last job? Use the sheet you prepared and tell them about it. What they want to know with this question is how long they can expect you to stay, if they hire you.

The third question you can expect to be asked is: Do you have any questions? This is the point in the process where most interviews fail. "No, I think you’ve answered everything" is a surefire way to kill the interview. Turn to your list of questions and start asking. Take notes, too, if you need to do so. Only after you have asked your list of questions, and they ask, "is there anything else," should you respond, "no, I think you have answered everything."

Before You Walk Out The Door
Give your interviewer your list of references, even if you aren’t asked for them. It’s telling them that you are ready to take the job.

Ask when a decision will be made about hiring for the position.

Ask what is their process for notifying candidates whether or not they got the job – do they call, email or send a letter?

Thank the interviewer for taking the time to speak with you.

Do you have an interview story you’d like to share? What was your best interview? Your worst? I’d like to hear from both job seekers and employers. Send me an email and let me know. Your issue/topic may be addressed in a future column.

Becky Cole is a consultant for non-profit organizations specializing in capacity building for both individuals and corporations throughout the Twin Cities.  She has an Education Specialist Degree from Indiana University. Becky Cole can be reached at: bcole@employmentnewsmn.com