I recently sent a note out to our recruiting organization asking them for their top tips for job seekers.
Seriously, how many people know how job search works these days? In this market, with modern day tools, etc. etc.
Reading through their tips is fascinating!
I'll share the ones that struck a cord with me -- followed by the Recruiting Management's Team Top 5 Picks.
Today, I'll share the tip that EMC Recruiter Mark Walsh provided on "The Interview." I loved this tip because it works for people moving around inside a company as well as those on the outside. It should help you understand the "real deal" on the job, as well as avoid that terrible moment I've seen too many times when the candidate doesn't seem to have questions to ask the interviewer.
What do you say on the Interview?
Mark Walsh's "Road map for Success" Tips:
- As soon as possible in an interview with EACH person ask, "What is your idea of what the job is?"
- Right after question 1, follow up with, "What skills are needed both technically and personally for someone to be successful in this position? "
Third question, to set up the interview for success, "What have you seen in candidates that you like and what have you disliked?"
According to Mark, "This gives a road map for success in the interview - gives the view of the job - what is needed to be successful - then what to stay away from." He said the questions have evolved over his 20 years of recruiting, and that many people have told him they wished they had these tips earlier in their careers.
By the way, Mark is currently looking to fill a Technical Marketing Manager position in Cambridge (#37012BR). You can search for more information about this job, and all of EMC's current openings here.
------------- Talk Back ----------------
What do you think of these tips?
I loved this guidance because most job openings I've been involved with generally come with not fully-defined elements. Questions like this can let you know how clear the organization is (or isn't) on the actual job. It can indicate if the manager has his/her act together and that, if you get hired, you would be left to figure everything out, or be set up for success.
Don't get me wrong, I love ill-defined jobs (all the better to shape them myself!). I just like knowing that the job is ill-defined before I show up.
I also love these questions because they follow a strategy I like to use with marketing. Simply, "find out what the target market wants, and work to give them that." It helps ensure you meet the mark.
- Polly Pearson
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