How to take the Power back in Job Interviews!

I've just spoken with a new friend who has an important job interview tomorrow.

...and he told me he HATES job interviews!

He was really worried and talked about how he can't SELL himself.

So I shared with him a little trick I've shared with hundreds of my students, that when used, helps them stand out as solutions for the problems the interviewing company has.

But before I share this with you, please know that this only works if you actually do it in an interview. You have to really want the job to find the Chutzpah to put this trick into action.

The context of this strategy lies in the old saying: "He who asks the Question, has the Power" and it comes from the fact that every mother, especially yours, brought their kids up saying: "Answer the question! Just answer the question!!"

This little "mother's trick" has traumatised virtually everyone! Anyone who wants to be interviewed by the mass media, needs to be coached and trained through the terrible habit of answering every question that is asked of them. If they don't the results can be disastrous!

The reason most people feel powerless in job interviews is that they are structured so that all the questioning is done by the people interviewing you.

It's time to take that power back.

And here's how you do it:

As with every interview, you introduce yourself by shaking peoples hands - hopefully everyone will be standing at that point. They will show you your chair and everyone will prepare to sit down. This is the point where you time your next move.

Just before everyone's bottom hits their seats - just before; you ask your question - while their derrieres are in mid air.

You say clearly and confidently: "Before we start, may I ask you a question?"

Timed right, this will take everyone by surprise and because their mum told them to answer the question, they will say:

"Yes."

Just what you wanted to hear.

Now you are set up to ask the next question:

"What qualities are you looking for in your successful candidate and what exactly do you want them to achieve?"

Taken off guard with your question, probably bored with yet another same old same old interviewee going through the same recitation of their qualities and qualifications, possibly inspired by someone who is actually interested in helping them solve their problem, the interviewers will usually give you some spontaneous and off the record information that you tuck away to build your case for why you are the "Best person for the job."

It will take chutzpah and guts to try this one out, but I can only report great successes from all the people I have shared this with - it has worked really, really well!

Look out for my post on "Turning bland Features into Compelling Benefits!", to help you take the interview to the next level.

This is only the beginning. Get to know your clarity. Email me, Mike Kennedy...