What separates the cream-of-the crop professional from the run-of-the-mill job seeker are those who can interact in the interview, pick up on something the interviewer says, and use it to make intelligent comments. Interviewers do not want to hear a canned speech. They'll recognize it immediately, because they've heard it a thousand times. Use your experience and imagination to give relevant, honest answers to questions.
Interviewing is a two-way activity. The interviewer wants to determine what kind of person you are. Your purpose is to get as much information as you can about the company and the potential job. It's possible the job isn't one that you really want, and you have to determine this during the interview.
Consequently, you should be prepared to answer questions that may be asked, but also to ask questions to determine if the company meets your needs and expectations.
The Right Answers. You are not going to be interviewed like a college graduate. You may be asked, "Why are you looking for a job after being retired for three years?" Or "Why do you want to work for our company?"
Your answer to the first question might be: "Frankly, I didn't really 'retire.” I did take some time off to travel. But I've kept busy doing some consulting work for my old company and freelancing. But I found I missed the day-to-day work and contact with people. I've done some research on your company and believe, because of my experience and specific skills, I can make an immediate contribution if you hire me for the job you advertised.
"For example, I understand you are having some trouble in your retail division. I've had a lot of experience in this field and I'm familiar with your problem area. I also have many executive friends I can call on, because I've maintained contact with them. I'd like the opportunity to discuss this situation with you."
To the second question, you might answer: "I've been reading about your company and the new manufacturing plant you've just completed. I'm a mechanical engineer with a great deal of experience in manufacturing, especially in robotics, which I understand is an important part of your process. I know several of the executives in the company that produces the robotics line and have visited their factory in Japan. I'm also familiar with the robotic startup problems you're having on the line. I've dealt with them before and am sure I can help you."
Use questions to your advantage by giving specific examples of how you can make an immediate contribution to the company should you be hired. You are selling competence and problem-solving ability. By preparing for potential questions before the interview, you should be able to give creative answers to virtually any question the interviewer asks.
Wanted! Professionals Who Can Fix Things
Companies want creative people who can solve problems. It's one thing to say you are a problem solver, but it's another to prove it.
You can do this by pointing to specific problems you've solved in the past. Better still, if you can relate your experience and skills to a company's problems during an interview, you'll be one step ahead of the competition. Obviously, this can't be done in all cases, but these are the kinds of situations to look for when researching a company. Problem-solving situations can be invaluable to a job hunter because they will impress the person doing the hiring.
Learn to Listen
Listening is also an important part of the interview process. Pay close attention to what is being said so you can frame your answers to the questions. A professional interviewer has a reason for everything he or she says. Try to determine what information the interviewer is seeking. For example, he or she might say, "How did you like working for the XYZ company?"
This is an obvious question. The interviewer is trying to determine if you will bad-mouth your previous company. If you do, it's likely that you'll do the same to his or her company. Always speak well of past associates and companies.
Your answer: "It is a first-class company. I enjoyed working there."
