Five Things Employers Want to Know About You

 Chris Wodke

http://www.summittrainingpublications.com/

In What Color is Your Parachute?  Richard Bolles states there are five things any potential employer wants to find out about you. They may ask lots of different questions, but there are five things they want to know about you.  Be prepared to demonstrate you answer these five questions better than other candidates and you just might get the job.

1. Why are you here?
   You need to be clear and honest about why you are interviewing with the company. Have a clear picture of your career goals and plan. Talk about how this position is a good fit for your plans and how you will benefit this organization. You must honestly sell why your skills and experience have brought you to this interview at this point in your career.
2. What can you do for us?
   You need to articulate how you will solve their need. There is a reason they have an opening.  Do your research ahead of time. Use your network. Find out the current important issues and problems in this organization.  During the interview ask what the top three things the company wants this person to do or to describe the top three things their perfect employee would have.  During the interview talk about how you meet this criteria based on your past success. Be specific and tell you story so they will know how you will contribute.
3. What kind of person are you?
   You will send verbal and non verbal signals about the type of person you are throughout the interview process. An assessment is being made of you from the time your cover letter and resume arrive at the company. They are the first impression you present to the company. How do your dress, speech and body language during the interview show your level of professionalism? How you treat the reception staff and interviewers are a clue to your interpersonal skills. Companies are looking for employees with technical and people skills. They know to be successful you must work well with others.  Be sure to demonstrate this with your answers to interview questions. Finally send a thank you note to everyone who interviewed you. It is good manners. A well written thank you note helps you show your people skills and may give you the edge over another candidate.
4. What distinguishes you from the other people who can do the same tasks that you can?

Don Clifton says each of us does something better than 10,000 others. The key is to know the talent  have and how you can apply it to help the organization you want to join.  Talk about how you have used that talent in the past.  Do you do what you do best at work each day? Most people don’t. If you are someone who understands your talent and how to apply it to be successful you are a rare find.

5. Can I afford you?
   Again do your research on salary.  You should know what the typical salary is for the position in your region. Don’t bring up money too soon. Wait for the interviewer to ask the question.  Always ask what the salary range is for the position.  If it is within the salary range you researched, let the company know it is in the range you anticipate being acceptable.  If it lower than expected but close, tell them the most important thing is the position, and you are open to discussing the salary when an offer is made. They may be willing to come up a bit on the offered salary for the right candidate.  If they cannot budge on salary you may be able to negotiate additional vacation or some other benefit.

Remember the interview is a conversation between you and the potential employer. It is a chance to find out about the position, the company and how your skills will fit their needs.  It can help you to relax to know you are evaluating if the company is a good fit for you as well.  Preparation is the key to a good interview!

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