“3 Things People Hate Most About Job Interviews (And How To Overcome Them)” plus 1 more

3 Things People Hate Most About Job Interviews (And How To Overcome Them)

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 09:00 AM PDT

Job Interview Tips Job interviews can be stressful and nerve racking — especially when you really need a job.

But even though we all need a job, there are always parts of the process that are just plain annoying. To help make things easier — and to give you a leg up on the competition — here are the 3 things people hate most about job interviews and how you can overcome them.

Problem 1: Researching the company.

The solution? Look at the corporate filings for company research.

Most interviews are won and lost long before they start. But how do you prepare the right way? Where do you find the type of information that makes you stand out as a candidate?

Well, if you’re applying for a position at a public company, then you can check their SEC filings and other corporate documents. Buried in the summaries and outlines of these reports are often golden nuggets of information that can spark the perfect question for you to ask or the right approach that you should take.

Make sure you check the Annual Report, Proxy Statement, and 10-K. These documents don’t qualify as leisure reading, but they can work wonders if you’re looking for a way to do excellent research on the company.

Problem 2: Negotiating for a higher salary.

The solution? Ask the salary range long before the conversation comes up.

Usually, we put off talking about salary for as long as possible and then panic when it comes time to have the conversation.

Most candidates are ill-prepared for a salary negotiation, and so they end up leaving money on the table. Plus, it can make us feel awkward if we argue for more money.

Instead of waiting until the conversation comes up, take the initiative and ask about salary the first time you meet a recruiter. This could be at a networking event or the day of your job interview before things get started.

A simple phrase like, “What is the salary range allocated for this position?” will give you all the information you need to haggle your way to the top of the range and get the pay you deserve.

Problem 3: Answering the question, “What are your weaknesses?”

The solution? Choose a technical skill that is unrelated to the job you are applying for…

This is a classic interview question that most of us hate to answer. Usually, people will say a strength that isn’t really a weakness, “Oh, I work too hard sometimes…” or they will choose a general statement that reflects poorly on them, “Hmm, I suppose I have trouble saying no…”

Instead of relying on statements like these, you can clearly answer the question by mentioning a more technical skill that you simply haven’t learned yet and then talk about why that pushes you towards the job you’re applying to get.

For example, “Well, accounting really isn’t my thing. I understand the basic idea behind book keeping, but I don’t really get the nitty-gritty details. Of course, that’s also why I’m applying for this job in human resources. I think it leverages my strengths and steers clear of the technical skills that I haven’t learned yet… like accounting.”

An answer like this does reveal a genuine weakness, but if you pick a skill unrelated to the job you are applying for then it is unlikely to hurt you as a candidate.

Want even more?

Of course, there are a lot more than just 3 difficult pieces of a job interview. If you’re looking for even more advice, then check out this full list of 99 job interview tips.

Ten Questions To Ask Yourself Before You Start Your Own Business

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 06:00 AM PDT

It is generally agreed that we need more business start-ups. Small businesses are engines for economic growth, innovation and employment. We need more entrepreneurial activity and that means more individuals taking the dangerous, difficult and courageous decision to start their own business. How do you go about starting a new business? Well obviously you need a good idea. Once you have one I recommend that you ask yourself these questions:

Am I good at this? Do I have the skills; talents and experience that will help me succeed in this venture? Make a list of your strengths and weaknesses. Does this venture play to your strengths? How can you compensate your weaknesses?
Do people really need what I will offer? Who will buy it and why will they need it? If there is no customer need then the business will fail.
Can I make money doing this? Once it is up and running will it make a good profit? If not, why bother?
Do I have a business plan? Things will not go according to your plan but the act of making the plan helps you greatly. You will need a sound written plan if you want a loan or investment.
Do I have the financial resources to get this off the ground? New businesses generally take more time and more money than you at first expect. Will you be able to build the business and cover your living costs for the period until cash flow is positive?
Does my family support me in this initiative? It is important to discuss your plans with your immediate family and get their buy-in. It will be needed in the difficult months ahead.
What is different about my business? Is it similar to other businesses or do I have something unique to offer? Why will customers choose us rather than the competition? It is more important to be different than to be better.
What is my sales and marketing strategy? Who is the target market and how will I reach them? Can we test the sales proposition with some target clients before we go live?
Do I have a support network of colleagues or friends who can help me and compensate for my weaknesses or lack of experience? Most successful start-ups are partnerships where there is a balance of strengths. If you do not have partners in the business do you have a network of contacts and helpers who can advise and assist?
Is there a plan B? If things do not go according to plan is there a fall-back strategy for me personally and for the business? Am I flexible enough to adapt and cope with the vicissitudes of a start-up?

You need positive answers to most if not all the questions. Even then it will take enormous commitment and hard work to make the new venture a success. I am sorry to say that most new business start-ups fail. However, for those that succeed there are great personal and financial rewards. Above all the founder can relish the achievement of having created something of real value to the whole community. Good luck with your start-up!

Paul Sloane is an author and speaker on leadership, innovation and lateral thinking. His most recent book is The Innovative Leader. He helps organizations improve innovation, creativity and leadership. He is the founder of Destination Innovation. He has written 15 books of lateral thinking puzzles and hosts the lateral puzzles forum. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/PaulSloane.

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