The Six Secrets to a Successful Hire

"THE SIX SECRETS TO SUCCESSFUL HIRE

The most successful candidates get hired if they have the following 6 capabilities. Companies base their decisions based upon the following:

1. ABILITY & SUITABILITY
2. WILLINGNESS
3. MANAGEABILITY/CAN THEY ALSO MANAGE
4. PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR
5. TEAMWORK
6. AFFORDABILITY

On your personal /professional profile the company is looking for:

• Drive. A desire to get things done. Goal oriented.
• Motivation. Enthusiasm and a willingness to ask questions/accept challenges.
• Communication skills. The ability to talk and write effectively.
• Chemistry. Does the person fit in with the culture of the organization? They are looking for a representative, a team player, someone who does not get rattled, who goes the extra mile, who always wears a smile.
• Energy. Extra Effort.
• Determination. Someone who does not back up in the face of problem.
• Confidence not braggadocio. Poise, friendly, honest, and not easily intimated.
• Your achievements

All interviews should be treated as if you were going in for a final examination. Say to yourself that This is your last chance and you WILL NOT FAIL. This is your 3 minute commercial. In order to impress the interviewer, you must feel very confident, that this job has your name written on it and you are going to get it. The secret is to be prepared so:

Here’s HOW TO KNOCK ‘EM DEAD!

Here are some of the questions you may be asked:

• Q. Describe a situation where your work or an idea was criticized.
• A. Describe the work, and say, ‘I did not take it as criticism. I used it as a learning experience’.
  
• Q. Have you done the best work you are capable of doing?
• A. I always strive to do my best, but I am constantly trying to do better.
  
• Q. What problems do you have getting along with others?
• A. I consider myself a team player. I flow with the water. I do whatever is necessary for the good of the team, the project and the company.
  
• Q. Tell me about something you are not proud of?
• A. The fact that I did not continue my education as and when it was necessary.
  
• Q. What are some of the things that your supervisor did that you disliked?
• A. I wish s/he had given me more responsibility. S/he liked to do everything s/himself.
  
• Q. What aspects of your job do you consider most crucial?
• A. The goals of the company and the success of project/assignment that I will be working on.

Here are some of the tough questions:

1. Q. What are the reasons for your success in this profession?
   Say, cooperation from managers and co-workers and I always choose the most economical solution. Give an example.
2. Q. What is your energy level?
   Describe a typical day. Always say that you have a lot of energy. I typically plan my day ahead, and when it is over, I review my performance. I then clear up my desk for the next day.
3. Q. Why do you want to work here?
   Say, I believe the company can provide a stable and happy work environment. I am not looking for just another paycheck. I enjoy my work and profession and I believe your company would support and encourage that.
4. Q. What kind of experience do you have for the job?
   Now is the time for your 3-minute commercial on yourself. Have your resume open, and after asking what will I be doing? Say, I’m sure you are looking for someone who can contribute quickly to your current projects. Based upon what I have done in the past…elaborate on your contributions not just your skills. How you saved money or time, or made money for the company. DO NOT BE OVERCONFIDENT. This may come across as bragging. Always say, this is what I have contributed, but I could not have done it without the support of my managers and my team.
5. Q. What are the broad responsibilities of a Developer?
   This is a knockout question. While my responsibilities vary from job to job, here is what I have done in my most recent assignment...
6. Q. Describe how your job relates to the overall goals of your department or company?
   Say the quality of my work has to be such that it directly affects the other players. As a team member one has to be aware of other players.
7. Q. Are you willing to go where the company sends you?
   Ask: Are you asking about business travel, or is the company relocating. Your answer should be yes, I would take that into consideration. However you do not have a job offer yet, so tread lightly on this one.
8. Q. What did you like/dislike about your old job/ the interviewer is looking for incompatibles.
   Say you liked everything. The people, the work the atmosphere. There were always differences of opinion, on how to perform certain tasks, but it taught me to accept and respect the decisions and input of others. Tell them what they want to hear.
9. Q. How long would you stay with this company?
   Say, I would really like to settle down with this company. I take direction well, and love to learn. As long as I am growing professionally, there is no reason for me to move. How long do you think I will be challenged here?
10. Q. What would you like to be doing 5 years from now?
    The safest answer is to say that I would like to be regarded as a true professional and a team player. From what you have told me there seems to be heavy emphasis on growth, therefore, I will be happy to go wherever the job takes me. Please do NOT say I would like your job.
11. Q. What are your qualifications?
    If you do not have a degree, say I have had to enter the work force early on before obtaining a college degree, which I am constantly in pursuit of. However, I feel confident about my practical experience and on the job training. If the company offers tuition reimbursement at some point, I would definitely utilize the opportunity. If you do have a degree, say, I would love to update my education on an ongoing basis.
12. Q. What are your biggest accomplishments?
    Although I feel my biggest achievements are ahead of me, I am proud that because of my contribution, ABC Co. has been able to achieve its goals and deadlines ahead of schedule at a considerable cost savings.
13. Q. Can you work under pressure?
    Say I find it stimulating. However, I believe that with proper planning this can be significantly reduced.
14. Q. What is your greatest strength and outstanding qualities?
    I pride myself in my reliability, ability to plan and be a team player. Give examples of each.
15. Q. What interests you most about this job?
    Before answering, ask, can you tell me a little more about what I will be doing? Say I am looking for challenges, and the opportunity to make a contribution. After hearing the job description, say, judging from what you have explained, I feel I am the person qualified for the job.
16. Q. What are you looking for in your next job?
    I have a talent for motivating people and improving contribution. I am looking for a company to help me achieve that.
17. Q. Why do you want to leave your current job?
    Say, the opportunities for growth are limited and I can go only so far. I need to constantly be challenged, therefore I think it is time to move.
18. Q. Describe a difficult problem and how you dealt with it.
    Give examples like: I filled the shoes of a manager who was fired. I trained, reduced turnover, reduced costs and expenses, and was very pleased at the outcome for which I received a considerable praise and also a raise.
19. Q. What would your references say?
    Do let your references know in advance that you are giving out their name and that your job will depend upon them to give favorable answers. Take a copy of written references and hand them over at this point.
20. Q. Have you ever been fired?
    Say, yes if you have. I made some mistakes when I first started my job. I learned enough form that experience to ask enough questions about what is expected of me, than to go in blind.
21. Q. Do you have any questions?
    This is where you need to have done your homework. Make sure you have written down in advance all the questions you have as an employee. Here is also the time to ask about the following:

• Get a complete job description and why the job is open. Why the last person was fired or promoted. How many people have held this position in the last couple of years and what you are expected to do.
• Why did the interviewer join the company? How long has he/she been there?
• To whom would you report? Will you get the opportunity to meet that person?
• Are there any travel requirements? Say you will travel if required.
• What type or training is required and how long it is. What type of training is available?
• What would your first assignment be, who you will report to and how large a team will you work with?
• What growth ops are available and where are the ops for the greatest growth.
• What are the skills and attributes needed for the job and to get ahead with the company?
• Who is the company’s major competitor?
• What has been the growth pattern for the last few years and what is the future potential? Is the company profitable?
• Is there a written job description? May I see it?
• Do you have performance evaluations and how often do they occur.
• Are there any stock options and the vesting period.

Lastly, and most importantly, bear in mind that most applicants DO NOT GET THE JOB BECAUSE THEY DO NOT ASK FOR IT.

If you feel the job is something that you are comfortable with, do not hesitate to say, I really think I will enjoy this opportunity. What is the next step?

- from IT International

<Note from JobFairy.com: Pretty good advice. However, what they fail to mention is that a large and unspoken element in hiring is FEAR. Managers tend to hire way beneath them, so that they can keep the employee "manageable".>