Ep. 066: Fatal Flaws in Job Interviews, with Dan Miller

Did you just spill your coffee all down the front of your shirt? Or, did you forget to turn the ringer off your phone before the interview started?

Today’s guest expert, Dan Miller says the good thing about interview fails is that they are easily remedied. The number one thing Dan sees in interviewees, which hurt their chances at a position, is a lack of enthusiasm and energy. He says job seekers who want to show their enthusiasm should:

• Walk briskly
• Sit up straight
• Speak from their diaphragm
• Convey a lot of energy

These actions show the interviewer that you have something to offer, and as an employee, you are someone who will do more than expected. If you are an introvert, you don’t need to change who you are naturally, but show a lot of energy during a job interview.

Dan says job seekers should be prepared with a two-minute answer to the 20 most common interview questions. Interviewers want to know how a job candidate will handle a conflict or how they go about solving a problem. So, candidates should also prepare for a few behavioral questions.

An interview is a time set aside by a company to see if a job candidate is right for their organization. On the flip side, an interview is a time set aside by a job seeker to see if a particular company is right for them.

Interview Do’s and Don’ts:

• Do ask the interviewer about the company at the end of the interview.
• Don’t ask about the compensation for the job too quickly.
• Do send a thank you as a follow-up immediately after the interview.
• Do make yourself more memorable with a handwritten follow-up.
• Do bring every ounce of enthusiasm you can muster to the interview.

Pro Tip — Preparation matters! Know the company’s mission statement and at least one thing about the person handling your interview before the interview starts.

Dan Miller Bio

Dan Miller is President of 48 Days a company that specializes in creative thinking for increased personal and business success. He is the author of the New York Times bestsellers, 48 Days To The Work You Love, No More Dreaded Mondays and Wisdom Meets Passion. Dan has been a featured guest on CBS’s The Early Show, MSNBC’s Hardball with Chris Matthews and the Dave Ramsey Show.  Dan will soon be introducing a seminar to accompany his book, 48 Days. Get a free copy of Dan’s 48 Days Goal Setting Workbook for 2017.

Ben’s Job Search Resource:

Ben’s resource this week is a social media site specifically for job seekers. Jobcase is the networking equivalent of Linkedin but for people who are unemployed. It is a community for people who are looking for work. The forums are moderated by guest experts who are able to answer tough job-search-related questions.

Jenna’s Find Your Dream Job Listener Question:

Today’s question comes from Rachael Smith, who asks, “How long should I wait before following up with an employer after an interview?”

If you would like the team to answer a job-related question, email it to jenna@macslist.org, or call her at 716-JOB-TALK. If we use your question on the air, you will receive either a copy of our new book, Land Your Dream Job Anywhere (to be published February 1, 2017) or a Mac’s List Coffee Mug, your choice. Or, if you’ve found a job resource you think everyone should know about, send it to ben@macslist.org, and tell him how it has helped you find your dream job.

Ben and Jenna’s segments are sponsored by Land Your Dream Job Anywhere (to be published February 1, 2017). The book offers practical, actionable, and proven tools to help you get clear about your career goals, find hidden jobs, ace your next interview and more.

If you like this show, please help us by rating and reviewing our podcast on iTunes. We appreciate your support!

Opening and closing music for Find Your Dream Job provided by Freddy Trujillo, www.freddytrujillo.com.

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