How to get an offer you can't refuse (Saturated Market)

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How to get an offer you can't refuse

Strategy There's something I really hate doing. And unfortunately, I don't do it much. Yes, yes, I'm aware that sounds crazy. "Jason, why would you find it unfortunate you don't do something you hate very often?" Because that something is going to Job Interviews. So naturally, when I got "the call" from "the Corporation" (whose identity will be protected for obvious reasons), I was both thrilled and terrified.

Getting TO the interview point has always been quite difficult for me. So I don't have a whole lot of practice in this area. When I got word from the Corporation, I decided I would have to bring my A game...and in fact, a whole NEW game. Therefore, I did something I've never really done for a job interview before: Prepare. While I'm still waiting on their decision, my interview did feel like it went well, and one of my interviewers even remarked as much as she led me back to the lobby. Here, then, is my laundry list of helpful interview preparation:

Look the part

The last thing I did before I hung up the phone was ask directly what the recommended dress code would be. Today's business world seems to be having a bit of a fashion crisis, so it really helps to know what to expect. The HR person to whom you're speaking will be glad to answer the question, will be glad to see you're taking it seriously, and might even give you a hint. Personally, I was told that wearing a suit "really impresses them".

Behave yourself!

I'm not talking about having good manners; that should be OBVIOUS! I'm talking about behavioural questions. They seem to be the regular form these days. Go to a career centre, or get a book, or hell, even use the Internet; you'll be able to find all kinds of resources on common interview questions and what they're looking for. The fact is, in behavioural questions, they want SPECIFIC examples from your past. So if you've got a list in your head of excellent situations, you'll be ready. Think of the situation, but don't plan your answer out 100%. You should be able to adapt the event to the actual question (since they can differ), and you don't want to look too rehearsed.

Mind your manners

Yes, I know, it doesn't bear mentioning...okay, maybe it does, just in case. Be polite! Shake their hand, smile, look them in the eye, sit when asked (not before...I'm serious!), and be courteous. Look to your interviewer to set the tone. You can loosen up if they do.

Do your research

Know the company. That's another simple one. But I want to stress that you can't go too far with this. Go to their site, check their stocks, look in the news, read their releases...in fact, learn how to do some basic business analysis, and give it a swot.

...what?

Yes. I was asked, on the spot, to do a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) of the Corporation. Never get caught off guard. I did it, and did it well, too. When I got back from the interview to my current place of employ, I ran into my marketing strategy teacher, and thanked him profusely for drilling those SWOTs into our brains.

Hope for the best

Basically, just remember to be your best. Be confident, be personable, and show them you're capable. It's not guaranteed to get you the job, but it'll sure as hell help.

Until next time,

P.S. The Saturated Market head office will be moving come Saturday, so if I disappear in the near future, don't panic. Or do, it'll give me an ego trip.