Practice Speaking

For many people, interviewing is not a natural act any more than going on a blind date is. You are asked a bunch of questions about your work. You answer them. They ask a bunch more; you answer them. You're graded on your performance (you receive a job offer or not). Yet interviews are predictable processes and as such can be planned for

What does an employer want to know about you?

1. Do you have the skills to do the job that needs to be filled?

2. How will you fit in with my company?

3. If I hire you, are you someone I will need to worry about?

How does this get determined in an interview?

1. By asking questions about what you have done and how you did it or decided it should be done.

2. By asking behavioral questions that will give an employer a sense of the scope of your experiences

3. By asking concrete questions to ascertain your knowledge

4. By observing your body language or physical response to questioning to observe whether it is consistent with a successful person.

The fourth way (observing body language or physical response to questions) is particularly interesting because it is not skill or experience based and is completely subjective and emotional. AND it is part of the decision process.

And want are firm's trying to find out about you? Leadership. Honesty. Trustworthiness.

You can practice with a friend or family member but they may not be much better than you. So how do you practice you presentation and get immediate feedback in order to improve your presentation and demonstrate these attributes?

Toastmasters (www.toastmasters.org) offers people an opportunity to practice how to speak throughout their program. Whether you answer extemporaneous questions off the cuff for 1-2 minutes in Table Topics ("It's warm! It's summer! People start to go to the beach and spending time outdoors. Tell us about a time you had fun at the beach, Jeff." Notice that you only find out when you will speak at the end when you hear your name) or by doing actual 4-6 minute speeches, Toastmasters offers concrete opportunities to get used to being "on the spot" as happens in an interview. It also gives you an opportunity to observe others and learn from them and from the evaluations that are given.

There are Toastmasters clubs throughout the world. To find one, you can go to http://www.toastmasters.org/find/.

Jeff Altman, Managing Director of Concepts in Staffing, a New York search firm, has successfully assisted many corporations identify management leaders and staff in technology, accounting, finance, sales, marketing and other disciplines since 1971. He is also co-founder of Your Next Job, a networking group focused on assisting technology professionals with their job search, a certified leader of the ManKind Project, a not for profit organization that assists men with life issues, and a practicing psychotherapist. For additional job hunting or hiring tips, go to http://www.newyorkmetrotechnologyjobs.com

If you would like Jeff and his firm to assist you with hiring staff, or if you would like help with a strategic job change, send an email to him at jeffaltman@cisny.com (If you're looking for a new position, include your resume).

---

How To Get More Interviews In Your Job Search

Richard Bolles, job search guru and author of What Color... Read More

Relocation Myths and Stereotypes

You've probably been taught not to stereotype people based on... Read More

7 Deadly Cover Writing Sins

Don't start off your job search with one (or more)... Read More

Invest in Your Career Change--Put Your Money Where Your Dream Is

You say you want a new career, you say you... Read More

Reviving Your Resume

A resume may not be who you are, but to... Read More

Professional Moms: How to Get Ready to Re-Enter the Workforce

Finally! Your youngest is in school and you are ready... Read More

Ten Things To Do When You Really, Really Hate Your Job

1. Begin focusing on what you want instead of how... Read More

15 Tips for Writing Winning Resumes

The thought of writing a resume intimidates... Read More

Tips for Building a Successful Career

1. Develop excellent work habits ? for example, meet deadlines... Read More

Are You Sabotaging Your Career?

My experience working with thousands of leaders world wide for... Read More

Are You Making These Common Job Interview Mistakes?

Going to an interview without a plan of action is... Read More

Create Your Plan B Before the Layoff Axe Falls

In one short week, the axe fell at a number... Read More

Job Hunting Tips: Accepting Judgment

Applying for work is stressful, no matter the circumstances. Even... Read More

Is A Career a Calling or Choice?

How much of our career path is destiny and how... Read More

Writing Resumes

Use a resume as a foot in the doorWhen you... Read More

Preparing For Your Job Interview: What You Need To Know To Be Successful

In the limited time an interviewer has with you, their... Read More

Dazzle Interviewers With Your Achievements

Attention Job Seekers: Tasks and Responsibilities are BoooringHo hum. The... Read More

Intuition: The Secret To Your Career Success

For far too long, we moderns have relied on our... Read More

How To Write A Job Winning Resume That Puts Yours On Top

Many people would love to get a better job. And... Read More

Crafting A Stellar Career Summary For Your Resume

Are you a career changer? Or, are you satisfied with... Read More

Counteroffers: Should I Stay or Should I Go?

If "resignation" is the word that strikes fear into all... Read More

Preparation is Key

Interviewing for a new job, or a promotion, can be... Read More

How to Improve Your Work Situation

buWhy are so many people unhappy in their work situation?... Read More

Traveling for An Interview? 10 Tips to Get You From Here to There

You've just been granted an on-site interview in another town.... Read More

Answering The What Are Your Weaknesses? Interview Question

One of the trickier questions an interviewer might put to... Read More

Successful Job Interview Tips

Congratulations! You've finally landed that job interview you've been waiting... Read More

One Step at a Time in the Job Search

What is the first step to take in a job... Read More

Career Planning for Gifted Adults

"James is so restless and energetic. I wonder if he's... Read More

Are You Bored By What You Do?

Is your working life in the doldrums? Do you feel... Read More

When All Is Not Well With Work

When all is not well with work, what do you... Read More

Job Interviews: Six Steps to Acing a Telephone Interview

Telephone interviews are becoming more popular these days. Whether that's... Read More

A Bit of Pollyanna

"Stop being such a Pollyanna," a trusted, more experienced colleague... Read More

Do What You Love, Love What You Do

Everyone dreams of a life full of love and adventure.... Read More