Page 56 - 101 Dynamite Answers to Interview Questions

Mistakes, Trends, and Resources 49

34. Demonstrates poor listening slulls. Doesn’t listen carefully to
questions or seems to have her own agenda that overrides the
interviewer’s interest. Tends to go off in different directions from
the questions being asked. Not a very empathetic listener both
verbally and nonverbally. Seems to be more interested in talking
about own agenda than focusing on the issues at hand. Apparently
wants to tale charge of the interview and be the Lone Ranger. The
job really does require good listening skulls!

35. Seems not too bright for the job. Answering simple interview
questions is like giving an intelligence test. Has difficulty talking
about past accomplishments. Doesn’t seem to grasp what the job
is all about or the skulls required. Seems confused and lacks focus.
Should never have gotten to the job interview but had a terrific-
loolung resume which was probably written by a professional
resume writer!

36. Fails to lcnow hisher worth and negotiate properly when it
comes time to talk about compensation. Job seekers are well
advised to only talk about salary and benefits after being offered
the job. If you prematurely talk about compensation, you may
diminish your value as well as appear self-centered. Be sure to
research salary comparables so you lu-tow what you are worth in
today’s job market (start with www.salarv.com). Listen carefully
throughout the interview and ask questions which would give you
a better idea of what the job is actually worth. Stress throughout
the interview your skulls and accomplishments - those things that
are most valued by employers who are willing to pay what’s
necessary for top talent. When you do start negotiating, let the
employer state a salary figure first and then negotiate using salary
ranges to reach common ground. These and other salary negotia-
tion techniques are outlined in several books on salary negotia-
tions as well as on several websites (see resources on pages 5 1-52).

37. Fails to properly prepare for the interview. This is the most im-
portant mistake of all. It affects all the other mistakes. Indeed,
failing to prepare will immediately show when the candidate
males a bad first impression’ fails to indicate knowledge about the
company and job, poorly answers standard interview questions’