It's difficult to believe that employers are still asking
this type of question. Don't they read the newspapers or
listen to the news? If they were informed, they would know
the answer; i.e. jobs are very scarce and difficult to find
these days, and unemployment is at an all time high since
1994 - in some areas reaching 14% - 30%. (California and
Arizona)
Unfortunately, quoting these facts probably wouldn't get
you a job offer and could even result in the interview
ending rather quickly. So, what is the correct answer to
give an interviewer when you're asked such a question?
There is no "correct" answer. However, a technique that
works well is to take the focus off the length of your job
search and to place it on what you have to offer.
If you look at it from the employer's side, you can see a
different perspective. It's a "hiring" market, and
employers are receiving so many resumes that they have
their choice of among many very qualified candidates. When
interviewers ask a question regarding the length of your
unemployment, one of their concerns may be that you are
undesirable or flawed - (If no one else wanted to hire you,
why would they want to hire you?)
Your task, as the candidate, is to convince them that you
have valuable skills and to be able to sell yourself as the
solution to their problem. Using the examples below, which
of these sample answers would impress you most if you were
the interviewer?
Q. "Why have you been out of work so long?"
A#1. I knew the job market was tight, and I didn't run out
and try to get just any job. I took my time thinking about
finding the "right" job. I know your job would be a very
good fit for my skills and background.
A#2. It's a really tight job market out there, and it just
hasn't been easy to get interviews. My skills just didn't
seem to be in demand, and the competition is really tough.
A#3. I'm really not sure. I have an excellent background
with five years experience in this industry, and I have
knowledge of several software programs. I know there are
other people out there with similar skills. What sets me
apart from the masses are my abilities to relate and to
work with a wide diversity of customers. Having the unique
combination of technical skills and people skills has
helped me advance in the companies I've worked for in the
past.
If you selected A#3 as the strongest answer, you are
correct. This answer offers more information about what you
could bring to the organization and takes the focus off why
it has taken you so long to find a job. You don't dodge the
question; you just change the focus. A key phrase in this
answer is "set me apart from the masses." It is important
to point out what makes you unique, and what you have to
offer that others do not.
If you are getting interviews, it means that you have
valuable skills that are of interest to this employer. Now,
the strategy is to focus on the qualifications you can
bring to this position as the solution to their needs.
By scripting your answer in preparation for this type of
difficult question before the interview, you will feel more
confident and more in control. You will also be able to
keep the focus off the length of your job search and more
focused on why you are the best person for this job. Doing
pre-interview planning about the message you want the
interviewer to receive will improve your chances of being
taken seriously as a candidate.
----------------------------------------------------
Carole Martin, America's #1 Interview Expert and Coach, can
give you interviewing tips like no one else can. Get a copy
of her FREE 9-part "Interview Success Tips" report by
visiting Carole on the web at http://www.interviewcoach.com
No comments:
Post a Comment