987: How to Ace Your Next Job Interview with Sam Owens
Aug 15, 2024
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Sam Owens, the founder of a career coaching service and author of 'I HATE JOB INTERVIEWS,' shares his insights on conquering job interviews with confidence. He reveals the biggest interview mistakes candidates make and offers strategies for crafting compelling 'power' answers. Learn effective salary negotiation tactics, the importance of preparation, and how to develop impactful personal stories that highlight your skills. Sam’s advice not only boosts interview performance but also inspires hope for job seekers.
Practicing for interviews using structured storytelling techniques, like the SPAR model, helps candidates articulate their experiences confidently and effectively.
Engaging in informational interviews provides invaluable insights into company culture and enhances overall interview preparation, increasing the likelihood of success.
Deep dives
The Importance of Preparation and Practice
Many candidates underestimate the critical need to practice for job interviews, thinking that their existing skills or experience are sufficient. Effective interview performance requires not just understanding one’s experiences, but being able to articulate them clearly and compellingly. Without regular practice, candidates risk coming off as unprepared or lacking confidence, which can significantly hinder their chances of success. Preparing and rehearsing answers not only builds confidence but also enhances the ability to convey relevant experiences effectively.
Crafting Power Stories
Creating power stories is essential for effectively answering a range of interview questions, particularly behavioral ones. Candidates should employ the SPAR model—Situation, Problem, Action, Result—to structure their narratives, ensuring they provide specific examples rather than generalizations. By preparing two strong stories for each key skill associated with the job, applicants can easily adapt their responses to various question formats. This method not only simplifies the preparation process but also allows candidates to showcase their relevant skills effectively.
The Role of Informational Interviews
Engaging in informational interviews is a strategic approach to gain valuable insights about potential employers and enhance interview preparation. By reaching out to individuals connected to the company, candidates can acquire inside information about the organization and its culture, which can provide critical context during interviews. These conversations often reveal details about the interview process and the characteristics of successful candidates, greatly aiding in preparation. Ultimately, networking in this manner creates a better-informed candidate who can tailor their approach to align with company expectations.
Negotiation Tactics Post-Offer
When it comes to salary negotiation, the optimal time to discuss compensation is after receiving a written job offer, as this is when candidates have the most leverage. Candidates are encouraged to research salary ranges and be prepared for negotiations, considering not just salary but also additional benefits and bonuses. Establishing a positive rapport during negotiations can significantly influence the outcome, and candidates should feel empowered to ask for what they believe they are worth. Understanding that negotiation is a common practice can alleviate apprehension and lead to better overall compensation packages.
SamOwens is the author of I HATE JOB INTERVIEWS and founder of Sam’s Career Talk where he provides career coaching services and helps people land their dream jobs and thrive in them. He is also a chief marketing officer who has worked for three multi-billion dollar companies in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry. He is currently Chief Marketing Officer at Freezing Point, the makers of Frazil slushies. He and his wife, Gina, have four children and live in Erie, Colorado.