What can I do to improve my interview skills? After months of networking, I am finally getting interviews and I can’t afford to mess up these chances to get a job. I’ve been told that though I am likable, I ramble and give too much detail without getting to the point. What tips do you have to straighten out my presentation?.

The answer reminded me how grateful I am for the Southwestern experience. If I were answering this question, it would have a very simple answer:  spend a summer selling books with Southwestern!  As someone who prepares people daily for interviews, I know of no better practice for interviewing than a summer on the bookfield.

The interview essentially is a sales cycle that Southwestern salespeople truly know and understand.  Since I only work with candidates that have sold books, it makes preparing a candidate for an interview so much easier!!  Check out the following excepts from the article to see how closely their suggestions parallel the cycle of selling.

Imagine the interview is 30 minutes long. Within those 30 minutes, you will have specific time frames, each with a purpose. The first few moments are considered an icebreaker. These minutes may happen as you walk to or sit in someone’s office. Perhaps they will ask you about traffic or weather. Now is not the time to be negative, respond in short positive statements.

Ahem…Rapport!

At this point, a transition to the more formal interview will take place. The opening question is often something such as, “Tell me about yourself.’’ This is not the time to offer your life history, so prepare a written answer that shows professional progression, the strength of your work experience, and highlights aspects of your personality like dedication, commitment to learning, leadership, and willingness to work hard. You might also prepare a brief personal statement describing your education and places you have lived (particularly if you are willing to relocate)….

Sounds like an Introduction to me! And, by the way, think as a Southwestern alumnus might be able to prove your willingness to relocate?!

If interviewers want additional information, they will ask follow-up questions. Try to remember that interviews are conversations with give and take on both sides.

The next part of the interview is where you can showcase how well suited you are for the position. Study the job description and prepare statements that speak directly to the job’s responsibilities and challenges. Your research should extend into the company’s culture and environment. Examples that you give should align with what you know about the work style of the organization.

Can you say Demonstration?

The next section of the interview is focused on questions you may have. You must have at least 10 questions ready to ask. These questions demonstrate your interest in the opportunity and that you have prepared for the interview. You will not use all 10 questions and you don’t need to save them for this section. If a pertinent topic comes up during the interview, ask the question then, don’t wait until the end of the interview.

Asking Questions to Fit the Need?

Your last question should be something like: “Thank you. I really appreciated the opportunity to meet with you. Can you tell me what the next step in the process will be?’’ This gives you information about the appropriate time to follow up, and the person you need to contact

Summary, and CLOSE!!

If you are a Southwestern alumnus who has put your interview skills to the test, I’d love to hear your success story.  Let us know how your practice on the bookfield and the skills you gained helped you ace your interviews.

Be sure to check out the full article at http://www.boston.com/jobs/news/articles/2010/03/21/the_key_to_good_interviews_practice/

Breaking News: Our economy is in a recession, and that this is the worst job market in the last 60 years. Ha! Okay, so everyone with access to any form of media knows the market is tough right now. An indication of the severity of the job market could be that I have helped more Southwestern Alumni with their resumes and provided more interview counsel than ever before. But to the contrary, I have also placed more salespeople, year to date, into careers than ever before.

So, what’s the lesson? The world will always make room for top performing, proven salespeople. It’s not that there are not opportunities available and companies are not hiring—the problem is that there is an abundance of qualified candidates on the market.

So, how can you separate yourself from the pack? For anyone that finds themselves in career limbo, this is the time to put your ‘bookfield’ skills to work! No, that doesn’t mean that you have to strap on the ol’ sample case—although, my friend Ryan Davis DOES have a spot on his team (wink)—this means apply the success principles learned on the ‘bookfield’ to your career search! This is the time to develop a prospect list, re-establish the positive self-talk, feed your mind with positive material, set realistic goals, and go knock on company doors! Just as the top Southwestern salespeople were always those who saw the most people, the people who are finding great new careers are those who are pleasantly persistent and work the numbers. The things that worked on the ‘bookfield’ will work on the ‘jobfield’, as well. Everything besides cold showers, that is.

But, don’t take my word for it, hear what Fortune Magazine has to say in a recent article entitled,“How to Get a Job”.

Southwestern Career Services is the division of Southwestern dedicated to helping alumni in the career search….for anyone in need of career assistance, contact your appropriate Career Counselor directly.