Page 94 - Oscar Adler - Sell Yourself in Any Interview_ Use Proven Sales Techniques to Land Your Dream Job (2008)

SELL YOURSELF IN ANY INTERVIEW

As I’ve mentioned repeatedly, trying to use someone
else’s words during an interview is uncomfortable. It can
make you self-conscious, distracted, and even more nervous.
Throughout this book you have been practicing a number of
skills that are designed to make you more effective using your
own words and your own style. This section examines tradi-
tional interview questions and gives specific instructions for
developing the skill of using soft questions. The examples
presented are not meant to be memorized but to help you
develop productive communication techniques. The exam-
ples provided will give you an idea of how you can take con-
trol of an interview and improve your comfort level—as well
as that of your interviewer.

Avoid Asking Abrasive Questions

Almost every book on the topic of interviewing lists a num-
ber of questions that in particular you should ask during an
interview. Some typical suggestions include
❏ “How would you describe this job?”

❏ “What are you looking for in a candidate for this position?”

❏ “Who will be my supervisor?”

❏ “Can I have a copy of the organizational chart?”

❏ “How did this job opening occur?”
❏ “How long have you been working here?” Or “Do you
like working here?”

❏ “What is the next step?”

I classify these examples as abrasive questions. And although
there is nothing inherently wrong with the subject of each of

74