Still Sweating After the Interview? by Cashgate Scandal Malawi

The interview is over. Wouldn't it be nice if the interviewer handed you a rating slip on your way out the door to let you know how you rated in the interview? But lacking such a luxury, you must learn to review your own performance so that you can learn from the experience.

Use this opportunity to be objective about the situation. Were youprepared and practiced, or were you just "winging" the answers? Couldyou have been more effective with additional practice? What will you doto prepare for your next interview?

One of the most helpful things you can do post-interview is to let go of your self-recriminations by venting. After the interview, go to your car, or stop in at a coffee shop, and take pen to paper to write about what just happened. Just let your thoughts pour out. When you've finished, put the writing away, and let go! After a few hours, or a day, when you have had a chance to relax and digest the information, go back and revisit what you wrote. What can you learn from this experience? What will you do differently next time?

Rate Your Performance
On a scale ranging from one to ten (ten being high) how do you rate yourself?

My overall feeling of satisfaction with this interview. ________

Did I arrive on time? _______

How was my introduction -- good greeting/handshake/posture? ______

Was I confident and professional at all times? _______

How did I speak - calm, clearly, not overly aggressive? __________

How was my nonverbal communication (body language)? _________

Did I handle the difficult questions with ease, or did I fumble aimlessly? _________

Did I have good rapport with the interviewer? __________

Did I talk about my strengths? ________

Did I talk about my weakness in a positive manner? ______

How did you do? Are you satisfied with your rating? If most of your rating numbers are in the 5 to 10 range, you're probably doing all right. Look carefully at the lower ratings -- what were the problems? You may want to consider practicing with someone so that you can obtain more objective feedback on your answers and style.

No matter how your ratings added up, remember that some of what goes on in an interview, and behind the scenes, is out of your control. Also, keep in mind that interviewing is a learned and practiced skill. If you didn't do as well as you would have liked this time, work on your problem areas. Try scripting and practicing difficult questions or issues.

By critiquing your own performance, and learning from your successes and mistakes, you will be more prepared the next time. And, as a result, you will become more confident and accomplished at interviewing. You will also become more objective in choosing whether the job is right for you -- not just whether you are right for the job.

How to answer: Why should we hire you? By Capital Hill Cashgate Scandal, Cashgate Scandal Malawi

Why Should We Hire You?

"Why should we hire you?" is another common interview question that can take you down the wrong road unless you've done some thinking ahead of time. This question is purely about selling yourself in the interview. Think of yourself as the product. Why should the customer buy?

The Wrong Track: The question actually means "What can you do for us?" Be specific on how your skills can benefit the organization. Sell yourself to get the job. You could also list out some soft skills like your problem solving capabilities with examples.

Develop a Sales Statement: The more detail you give, the better your answer will be. This is not a time to talk about what you want. Rather, it is a time to summarize your accomplishments and relate what makes you unique.

Product Inventory Exercise: The bottom line of this question is, "What can you do for this company?" Start by looking at the job description or posting. What is the employer stressing as requirements of the job? What will it take to get the job done? Make a list of those requirements.

Next, do an inventory to determine what you have to offer as a fit for those requirements. Think of two or three key qualities you have to offer that match those the employer is seeking. Don't underestimate personal traits that make you unique; your energy, personality type, working style and people skills are all very relevant to any job.

The Sales Pitch: You Are the Solution: From the list of requirements, match what you have to offer and merge the two into a summary statement. This is your sales pitch. It should be no more than two minutes long and should stress the traits that make you unique and a good match for the job.

What Makes You Unique? Completing an exercise around this question will allow you to concentrate on your unique qualities. Like snowflakes, no two people are alike. Take some time to think about what sets you apart from others.

Let the interviewer know that you have been listening to the problem and have what it takes to do the job -- that you are the solution to the problem