Page 112 - Oscar Adler - Sell Yourself in Any Interview_ Use Proven Sales Techniques to Land Your Dream Job (2008)

SELL YOURSELF IN ANY INTERVIEW

have more one-on-one meetings about my perfor-
mance. We had reviews only once a year. When I get
regular feedback [Feature: Responds to feedback], I can
turn it around and implement the changes immedi-
ately [Benefit: Able to implement changes quickly for this
company].”

In this example, you praise your boss and avoid direct criti-
cism. By explaining that you would have liked more frequent
reviews, you are revealing your work style and showing what
you are looking for in your next position rather than com-
plaining about your former situation. You show that you have
learned more about yourself and have grown from the expe-
rience, and you end with a benefit that shows that you will
do a better job.
Some interviewers employ guerilla tactics—deliberately
putting you on the spot to see how you respond under pres-
sure. One example of this approach is to ask a candidate
about his boss’s weaknesses. As mentioned, you do not want
to launch into a tirade about how much you hated your for-
mer supervisor. Recognize the tactic for what it is—a kind of
test. Stay calm, think about what you have discovered about
what is important to the interviewer, and focus on the bene-
fits. Talk about what you have learned from your supervisor’s
mistakes and how that knowledge will benefit your new
employer.
Using the example I gave about a supervisor with poor
communication skills, you can be even more specific about
what lesson you have taken from your supervisor’s mistakes:

“I have learned how regular feedback is important
to an employee’s success, and I will be sure to follow
up with both my supervisor and my direct reports so
that we can address any problems as they arise.”

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