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Contrary to what most job seekers assume, an interview is NOT an interrogation, it is a conversation. Therefore, it is essential that job seekers hold up their end of the conversation. Below are some innovative ways to keep the conversation going and things to avoid in your next interview.

Do's

Ask personally relevant questions. If you are curious about a company's new product offerings, technology, or the new CEO, ask for more information. If you are curious about the work environment (and you should be if you aren't), develop creative questions to elicit information.  Instead of asking a bland and canned, "what is the culture like?" ask:

• If this workplace was a board game, what would it be?
• If this workplace was a television show, what would it be called?
• How do you celebrate success?
• What would you change about the environment
• What keeps you up at night?
• What do you admire about your staff?

These questions will elicit candid responses and provide you with insight about the culture.  Is competition or collaboration admired? Is the CEO up worrying about staff turnover or finances?  Is the culture like Battleship or The Office?

Don'ts

Never answer questions with a simple "yes" or "no." Always elaborate with a relevant example to illustrate your answer to their question.  For example, don't just say that you have dealt with difficult customers.  Instead, tell a detailed story about a time one demanding person asked for the impossible and how you delivered it.

And at the end of the interview, when the hiring manager asks if you have any questions, reply "no" only if you don't want the job because it is a sign that you are completely unengaged. And you probably know not to ask about benefits and salary. If you ask about the job and what the company does, that is also the kiss of death!

Be curious, creative and conversational in your next interview!  And remember that JVS is here for you if you need help with interviewing or other job search skills.  

Contact JVS at 248.233.4245

or visit us at www.jvsdet.org  

for more job search suggestions 

To register, contact 248.233.4245 or wtarrow@jvsdet.org.

Social Networking Seminar Series

Learn how to present yourself online

and connect with key people.

JVS

Rose & Sidney Diem Building

29699 Southfield Road

Southfield, MI 48076 

LinkedIn 101: Getting Started

Tuesday, February 7, 10 - 11:30am

LinkedIn 102: Getting Connected

Wednesday, February 8, 10 - 11:30am

LinkedIn 103: Building Your Brand

Thursday, February 9, 10 - 11:30am  

Get A Job Seminar Series

Learn how to conduct a successful job search.

JVS

Rose & Sidney Diem Building

29699 Southfield Road

Southfield, MI 48076  

Resume Workshop

Tuesday, February 21, 9am - noon 

Build an attention grabbing, targeted and attractive resume. Incorporate powerful keywords and phrases by capturing job market related and meaningful skills and achievements from a review of personal education and experience and employers. Create additional job search materials including cover and thank you letters, business cards and portfolios.

Job Search Strategies Workshop

Wednesday, February 22, 9am - noon 

Learn where to find job leads using the Internet and other resources. Discover how to work leads effectively to get interviews. Find new ways to uncover unadvertised job openings. Develop your job search support team.

Networking Basics Workshop

Thursday, February 23, 9am - noon 

Avoid the top ten networking mistakes job seekers make. Use your existing contacts to build your network and increase referrals. Forge connections to make better job offers happen faster.

Interviewing Workshop

Friday, February 24, 9am - noon 

Become prepared to win your interviews. Learn about the power of research, how to direct the interviewing process, salary negotiation and tips to getting the job offer.