How to Kick Butt on an Interview!

James Bond kicks butt for a living.  He may have a license to kill but you can have a license to excel in a job interview.  I spend a lot of time and effort in preparing job applicants on how to do well on interviews.  Common sense advice such as be prepared by researching the company, reading the job description and being ready to discuss your background is the foundation of any successful interview.  Like a test in school, preparation and effort should yield better results.  But interviewers these days are looking for more, much more.  And in return, you can enjoy an amazing value proposition of working at a top company if you play your cards right.

Companies take great pride in their culture and painstaking effort to hire the best people that can thrive in their environment.  Cookie cutter expectations won’t fly any more; companies are looking for something special and unique, just like you are in a potential employer.  Here are some “Do’s” and ”Don’ts” that should help.

Do’s

• Do your homework.  We like to hear what you know about our company, the specific business and position you are applying for, and why you want to work here.
• Focus on this position and bring up specific examples and illustrations on why your education, experience and skills make you an outstanding candidate for us to consider.
• Show us you are ready to work hard and do whatever it takes to be successful. Thinking outside the box is not just a saying any longer, it’s the "new normal" of how we all must exist in business.
• Show a desire and passion for the products and services of your potential employer.  If you want to work at Bloomberg, for example, convince us why your unique background and potential coincides with the intersection of technology, financial markets, news and data.
• Smile and be personable, confident, bold and positive. Happy people want to hire and work with other happy people.

 Don’t’s

• Read your resume or job description to us. We wrote it and read it already!  Add value and context to the words already written.
• Focus on what's in it just for you - salary, benefits, promotions, job titles, offices, etc. Show us the benefits you can offer to our company and how your wants and needs can be complimentary to ours.
• Treat us like we are like every other company, we are certainly not.
• Expect the same as you currently have or plan to have at most other companies. Prepare to have your expectations upgraded.
• Bring anything less than your A-game. If you don't do your best why would you expect the company to take a chance on hiring you?

Companies are picky and have every reason to be.  We look for a lot and are very selective so do your homework and be prepared.  Whether you want to join this or any other company, raise your bar and reach higher.  Keep the opportunity in your sights at all times.  Remember, you only live once.  Good luck, you can do it!