I have not interviewed for a job in several years, but recently find myself in that process again. As such, I thought it wise to consult books on interviewing. Of the many books I skimmed through, two books were undeniable standouts and have provided me with a wealth of practical information. They were, The Essential Book of Interviewing by Arnold B. Kanter, and 201 Best Questions to Ask on Your Interview, by John Kador. I highly recommend these books for any readers interested in learning more about the interview process.

One idea from The Essential Book of Interviewing that really appealed to me was to create a commercial that sells oneself as a product. The author reasoned that creating a commercial gets one to be creative, to tell something personal while using simple and easy to understand language, to be positive, upbeat, and direct, and to have a theme. This exercise struck me as a great way to develop an opening or closing elevator speech. And, I can attest that envisioning myself as a product sold through a commercial advertisement was a real help as I prepared myself for upcoming interviews.

In closing, I’d like to include some ideas I’ve picked up from most interview skills books. For example, it’s very important for the interviewee to take their time, listen fully to the questions being asked, and answer each part of the question fully, without rambling. Every book mentioned this point. Additionally, the interviewer needs to learn if the candidate can think and solve problems, plan projects and meet deadlines, and interact well with others while taking the leadership role, when needed. It is the candidate’s job to ensure they address these key areas.

Best of luck to everyone reading this blog! Ciao.

Are you looking for a job, or are you planning to begin a job search soon? If so, how strong are your telephone interviewing skills? Telephone screening is becoming an ever more important component in hiring decisions so the better you are at putting yourself across in a phone interview, the higher your chances of landing a new job.

Santa Teresa Library is pleased to offer a 2-hour workshop on telephone interview skills with B.J. King on Tuesday, May 17, 10:00 am-12:00 pm. (Please note:  the program will begin before the library opens. Plan to enter the library through the Community Room door adjacent to the parking lot.)

B.J. King, motivational speaker, workshop facilitator, and life/career coach, has been influencing job seekers, corporate employees and friends to explore ideal careers and create plans to achieve their dreams for over sixteen years. Her workshop will focus on the following questions:

• How is this different from other interviews?
• What are the key elements of successful interviewing?
• Preparing an Interview Tool Kit
• How to handle tough interview questions

Please join us for this informative session and also mark your calendar for June 20, when one of our San Jose librarians will be demonstrating the job seeking resources available through the library’s website. This program will begin at 11:00 am in the library’s Tech Room.

For additional job seeking support, consider joining the Santa Teresa Library’s Job Seekers Support Group which meets the third Tuesday of each month at 9:30 am. Please contact the library at (408) 808-3068, for more information.