Pongo Resume

Your first job interview with a potential employer is a true test of watching what you say and how you say it. The employer tries to get a sense of who you are and what your work ethic is all about, so everything you say is open to interpretation. Nothing will derail your chances of moving on to a second interview faster than saying something with a hidden meaning. What do I mean? Check out the following examples of what NOT to say in your first interview:

"I'm a bit nervous about driving in the city."

What they hear: I want this job but I'm not sure I can handle the stress of the city.
What you should say: "I'm excited about working in the city!"

"I'm planning to start a family as soon as possible. What's your policy on maternity leave?"

What they hear: I might only be here for a few months before I take off a big chunk of time. Will I get paid for it?
What you should say: Nothing. Don't bring it up until after you're hired!

"Would my health insurance cover diabetes?"

What they hear: I have diabetes. (Find out why this is bad here.)
What you should say: "I hear you offer great health insurance; I look forward to hearing about it at the next interview."

"I need to work from home twice a week."

What they hear: I have other obligations that will take priority over this job.
What you should say: Nothing. Save your work-from-home demands until you have a job offer, which is when you can negotiate employment terms.

"What's the available salary range for this position?"

What they hear: Money is all that matters to me.
What you should say: Nothing. Always let them bring it up first!

"I really need this job."

What they hear: I really, really, really need this job. Come on, I'm desperate!
What you should say: "This sounds like my ideal job, I'm very interested in coming back for a second interview, if needed."

Second and third interviews are a lot more flexible when it comes to topics of discussion. Wait until they're interested enough to hire you before you bring up things like benefits and salary!

Have you ever said anything in an interview that you truly regretted? What was it?

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How Do You Handle the Salary Question?

Dear Pongo Gentlemen, ladies.

I have not read all the comments and suggestions you included in your presentation, but I am certainly impressed with what I have read.

You are detailed and knowledgeable and you drive your comments directly to the hearth of the matter you are presenting or discussing.

I look forwards to read more of your materials as I progress in this search.

Regards,

Luis H. Turcios, B.A., MBA.

No, the few times I have called an interview a JACKA&& I meant it and didn't regret it either lol

One comment here though - the issue of second or third interviews? Cmon people, what happened to the old days of going in and meeting and then that being the end of it. For gods sake, there is such a thing as too much analyzing and thinking of a persons abilities. Do I really need to meet with everyone in the flipping company? I have actually been on inspection by an entire accounting department. Someone could have hated me on site and the others loved me but because of one person maybe I was out! And if you know I am going to meet with the HR person. the hiring manager and the CFO then set me up all in one trip. In this economy who the heck has the money to drive 60 miles RT 3 different times? I sure don't

Hi all

I'm not a person for interviews and am very worried how it will go when called for one. I am in the prossess of job hunting and wish i could avoid being interviewed because even when i know the answers my mind goes blank during the interview, any ideas on how i can overcome this fear.

Vivian, it's natural to feel anxious when you know you're under the microscope. I have felt the same way. One of the strongest methods you can use to overcome this is to treat it as an on-stage performance. Try to anticipate the kinds of questions you'll be asked - the articles and comments here are great for examples - and practice answering them, especially the ones you are most afraid of. Getting a friend to help you practice is even better, and if you are self-conscious about doing that, ask anyway and use it as an opportunity to practice assertiveness (but don't take it personally if you don't get the answer you were hoping for). This will build your confidence. Eventually the process will become comfortable to the point that you can handle most situations.

The good part is they received your Resume, they like what they saw, and you know darn good that you have all the qualifications that this company is looking for and it's "peanuts" you can do it all because of the many years on the previous jobs. They called you to set you up for a phone interview. You've answered all the questions they asked and briefly asked about your accomplishments. Yeah, you think it went well, but at the back of your mind is, they're not gonna call me back because of the "accent". The sad part is for "a minority" who has an accent but can clearly relate is not gonna get hired, let's face it. They always say that they are an EEO.

Some people ask this question before the interviewer has a chance to even ask THEIR first question and this is a big mistake. It makes it seem as if all you are after is money.