EITHER/OR QUESTIONS

A specific area to watch out for in interviews is "either/or" question. If a recruiter asks you to compare your strength in one area versus another, there is a good chance they are trying to put you into one of two categories. Our natural reaction to this kind of question is to sell strength we're most proud of. For example, if a recruiter for a sales position asks you to discuss your strengths in report preparation compared with your strengths in cold calling, you might feel more compelled to talk in detail about your report preparation skills because you're proud of how quickly you learned a certain computer software package. It takes willpower to resist that temptation and to instead emphasize skill interviewer feels is most important. Again, if you're not sure which is more important, ask recruiter to clarify role each skill will play in job.

SKILLS THAT THREATEN THE INTERVIEWER

Most people don't like being interviewed. You feel like you're being judged and evaluated. Most people would rather have a conversation on equal footing with another person. It can be especially difficult if person interviewing you is younger or seems less experienced than you are. You may feel like you want to show interviewer you're smarter or more qualified than they are just out of a sense of pride. However, it's better to check your ego at door and resist urge to prove to interviewer that you're smart enough to be their boss. It might make you feel good temporarily, but most interviewers are not confident enough to hire someone who could threaten their job. This is another reason why it's important to keep discussion focused on what skills you have that are pertinent to interviewer's needs and to steer clear of creating impression that you're smart enough or qualified enough to take over interviewer's job.

The other benefit to constantly working to improve your skills and your overall marketability is that your employer may suddenly perceive you as more valuable. People tend to find others who are aggressive about going after their career goals attractive and more capable than people who seem to be content with their current station in life.

2. Aim to work on projects that are very important to success of company/organization. If you're working on projects that don't really matter to big brass, you won't get noticed. You might not always have a choice. But if you find yourself in a meeting and projects are being given out, and you could at that point recommend yourself for a project that would have more of an immediate impact on company's bottom line or other success factor, that project would be preferable. The big brass at your company are more interested in getting to know people who are working on critical projects than people who are working in areas that are not on their radar screen.

3. Look for ways to get recognized by important people. For example, volunteering to give a presentation or working on a special project. If there are no special projects available, consider suggesting one yourself. Ideally you want this to be a project that would involve making a presentation or getting yourself other exposure that higher-ups will notice. It could also be spearheading a company-wide or department-wide initiative to improve quality, sales, etc. Or sharing a technique you learned at a seminar or class that others could benefit from.

4. Determine metrics for measuring your effectiveness. Aim to exceed expectations. Most likely, you will need to talk to your boss to determine what these metrics should be. Just fact that you initiate a conversation with your boss about this will make you come across as a high-performing and valuable employee. If metrics are established ahead of time, there will be an objective way to measure your performance. You may also be able to get your boss to agree to set your bonus and/or raise based on how well metrics are achieved.

5. Always keep your options open. One of most important principles is you never want to get into a position where you're dependent on your job. If you have other options, you will be more confident at work and that confidence will shine through in your interactions with other people. In scenario J.S. wrote about, his co-worker most likely has other options - or else she wouldn't be coming in late every day. One way to keep your options open is by posting your resume on job sites confidentially. Using PutMyResumeOnline.com service is one effective way to post your resume without revealing your name or contact information.