Poor listening skills could cost you the job offer.

I did a seminar this weekend on listening.

And it struck me how important listening is for a job hunter in a job interview.

There's more to job interview success than giving interesting answers. If your listening skills aren't up to scratch, you can throw away your chances of a job offer.

It's easy to get distracted in an interview.

You might be thinking about your nerves, wondering how the last question went, panicking about whether you'll make your train home... The human brain gets bored listening to words. It can process so much more information. So it tends to "fill the gaps" with other stuff.

The problem with this is it's all to easy to be asked a question and suddenly realise you weren't paying attention. Or maybe the question is a bit ambiguous and you caught the words, but missed the tone of voice.

You've got three options:

1. Answer the question you think they asked - and hope for the best



2. Admit you weren't paying attention and ask them to repeat the question



3. Ask them to clarify what they're looking for with the question

I'd recommend going for option 3, as long as you don't do it more than twice during the interview.

With option one, you're likely to be making assumptions about the answer they want. You might get it right or you could waste everyone's time by spending 5 minutes answering the wrong question.

This could mean you're throwing away your chances of getting a job offer.

If you choose option 2, you might as well get up and leave. Yes, interviews are a place for honesty, but they're also a place for concentrating and being alert.

Asking them to clarify what they're looking for is a great way of making sure you answer the question well and give the information they're after. If this isn't something you're comfortable with, it's ok to start answering, but ask them whether your response is telling them what they wanted to know.

The most important thing is then to put it behind you and get on with the rest of the interview. A single slip-up might not wreck your chances, but dwelling on it and making the same mistake again probably will.

Use your listening skills to hear the message behind the words. After all,

the majority of communication is in our tone of voice and body language.
So true listening requires using your eyes and your common sense, as well as your ears.

More tomorrow on how being focused and listening well can give you an advantage over other candidates.

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How great listening skills can give you a competitive advantage

Yesterday, we covered the importance of really listening in a job interview, to make sure you don't accidentally answer the wrong question.

Want to know two more simple strategies you can use to increase your job interview success?

It's a myth that the best qualified candidate gets the job offer. In fact, it's usually the person with the strongest interview performance.

In addition to answering the questions well, you can add some impressive extras, to drive home why you're the best one for the job.

If you're spending your time in the interview stressing about what to say next and worrying about your nerves, you won't be able to take advantage of these "added extras". The good news is that all you need to do is pay attention to the interviewer - what they say, their tone of voice and their body language.

Then you're in a position to:

• Read between the lines of their questions.
  What characteristics are they testing for? Pick up on what they're really looking for in someone to fill the role and reference this in your future answers.




• Use any new information they give you to tailor the questions you ask them at the end of the interview.
  
  This one truly impresses. It shows you're able to take in information under pressure and act on it. Serious brownie points!

These two strategies can make a dramatic difference to the impression you make. And all you need to do is listen!

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Clare Jaques of Interview Stuff working with Monster on job interview podcasts

Hot off the press!

We're going to be working with Monster, the online job search experts, to create job interview advice podcasts.

[Podcasts are audio or video files that you can download to listen to / view on your computer or MP3 player.]

I've been their resident Job Interview Expert for the last2 years and moderate their job interview advice forum. So working with them on their podcast initiative is the next, logical step.

Why do we think podcasts are a great idea?

Being able to view job interview advice videos or listen to advice can make it easier for some people to remember. Not everyone wants to stare at a computer screen for hours. So podcasts mean you can get the latest job interview advice when you want it, in the format you want.

We're also developing podcasts for this site, which will be based on everything you need to know if the interview's tomorrow! They'll include relaxation techniques, too, to help you deal with interview nerves and get a good night's sleep.

Get a sneak preview of the upcoming podcasts. Here are some of the articles I've already written for Monster.

Don't let nerves ruin your chances

How to avoid the top 10 interview mistakes

What are your biggest weaknesses?

If you have a topic you'd like to see us cover in a podcast, just let us know. Contact Us.

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Cover Letter Strategies To Help You Get An Interview

Your cover letter is often seen as the "poor relation" of your CV / resume. Yet it's a vital part of the application process.

In fact, there are techniques you can use to at least double your chances of getting a job interview, just by tweaking your cover letter.

The good news (for you!) is that very few job hunters bother to focus on their cover letter. They rattle off the usual "Dear Sir / Madam" with a few awkward paragraphs, to fill the space. For them, a cover letter is secondary to the CV.

Yet a strong cover letter acts as a mini marketing tool for your CV. It can get the reader hooked - and draw their attention to the 3 reasons why you're a strong candidate for the role.

It helps show your "spark", get them interested and make them want to meet you. It's really tough for a CV to do this on its own.

All this might sound a little daunting. You might be asking yourself, "Where do I start?".

We're pleased to announce that we've teamed up with Jimmy Sweeney of Amazing Cover Letters to bring you a really useful e-book. We've even persuaded him to let us give it to you absolutely free!

Top 10 Secrets Of The World's Greatest Cover Letter

It's rare that we come across a product this good, so we're pleased to be able to offer it to you absolutely free. To download it now, just right click on the image and choose "save target as".



Jimmy's advice applies equally well to thank you letters.

If you've already had an interview and want to maximise your chances of getting a job offer, we suggest you read page 17.

Let us know what you think.

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Interview Tomorrow? Get the definitive last minute job interview guide.

If your job interview is racing towards you and you're running out of time, then you're in good company.

Over 50% of the visitors to Interview Stuff have an interview in the next 24 hours. A further 1/4 have one in the next 2-3 days. And we know what that feels like!

When time is really running out, you don't have the luxury of spending hours, surfing the web, looking for what you need to know about tomorrow's interview.

So we pulled together the most essential job interview advice into 24 Hours To Go, so you don't have to trawl through website after website, with the clock ticking.

It includes the most popular parts of our site, together with the most useful last-minute job interview advice and plenty of stuff that's not even on the site!

It's been called the definitive guide to last minute preparation.

One of the job-hunter reviewers commented, "It told me everything I needed to know. Don't go to your interview without reading this!"

It's hot news and, as far as we can see, there's nothing else out there like it.

It launches on our main site next week. But, as a special treat for our bloggers, you can get hold of it now.

So if your interview's looming and you want to make sure you've covered everything and know how to avoid the dreaded job interview pitfalls, get 24 Hours To Go now.

We hope it helps you get the job you want.

Good luck!

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Age Discrimination Legislation To Protect Job Hunters

At last - good news for UK job hunters.

The UK's Department of Trade & Industry has given employers a 6 month countdown to stop age discrimination in recruitment.

The new law comes into force in October this year and means that any form of discrimination on grounds of age will become illegal. Employers have been warned they must make the changes necessary or face employment tribunals and hefty fines.

What are the implications for job hunters?

UK job hunters should find it easier to get interviews, regardless of their age. Recruiters are going to be increasingly aware of the risks of discriminating, meaning your application is much less likely to be side-lined because you're considered too old or young for the job.

However, it remains unclear how this law will work in companies with traditionally older or younger work-forces.

While we're waiting for the new regulations to take effect, our advice remains the same:

• Don't put your date of birth on your CV / resume



• Don't include the dates of your schooling



• If you think you could be considered too old / young for the job, make sure you pre-empt any concerns in your cover letter.

Dianah Worman, Diversity Adviser for the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD), says:

Figures show age discrimination is still rife in the workplace. In a recent CIPD survey, nearly a quarter of those surveyed admitted that age has an impact on their own recruitment decisions. Some companies still have a lot of work to do to implement the new regulations.

If you believe you've been on the rough end of age discrimination as part of your job hunt, from October 2006 in the UK, the law will be on your side.

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New Resources Section Added

Just wanted to let you know that we've just added a brand new Resources Section to Interview Stuff.

In addition to all the information we offer on the site, we wanted to make it as easy as possible for you to find all the extra resources we offer - they cover all aspects of job hunting.

The new section brings you the cream of Interview Stuff resources, as well as some carefully selected e-books and courses from other experts.

We believe this collection of resources is totally unique.

It includes:

• Free 5 Day Interview Masterclass
  A completely free 5 day course, covering the 5 major areas of job hunting. You'll receive an instalment each day, by email.



• What's My Dream Job?
  Try out this free online tool that helps you work out what you'd really enjoy doing



• Where Do I Start?
  A free, online e-course that guides you through finding a job you'll enjoy and then convincing the recruiter to give you a chance.



• People Maps Free Profile Report
  If you'd like to know what the interviewer will think of you and your personality, try this People Maps mini profile report. It will make interesting reading.



• CV Confidence - free CV / Resume guide
  If you want to write your own CV / Resume, download our free CV-Confidence guide now. It applies equally to CVs, Resumes and job application forms. Don't apply without it!



• Closing The Deal
  Make sure you don't miss out by simply accepting whatever salary package you're offered. Check out these expert strategies for negotiating a fair package, getting the start date you want and quitting our old job without burning your bridges. And it's free!

There are plenty of other resources, too. Check them out and tell us what you think!

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Why Your Health Can Impact Your Interview Performance

How fit are you feeling? Right now?

Full of energy and raring to go? Or one coffee too many and using match sticks to prop open your eye lids?

Why do I ask?

Because your job interview performance depends on your mental state - how fast you can think and how clear you mind is. And this is directly related to your physical state.

Mind and body are linked. Try this test:

• Sit in your chair and really slouch. Repeat 10 times: "tired and weak".



• Now try to stand up.

What do you notice?

• Now sit upright in your chair. Repeate 10 times: "confident and strong".



• Stand up.

Notice the difference?



If our mind can impact our body's ability to perform, then it follows that our body can impact our mind.



If we need to be alert to do well in an interview, then we need to sort out the body first!

Have you ever noticed how, after a big meal, you feel sluggish and dozy?

Well, if you're generally feeling unfit and living off a diet with too much caffeine and fatty food, your body will be exhausted, which doesn't leave much energy left for your brain. This will limit your job interview performance.

So what can you do about it?

Sorry - it's the usual, boring story. Do a bit more exercise. Wean yourself off high-caffeine or sugary drinks. Eat more fresh fruit and veg.

I know it's a story we've all heard before, but it's so true.



If you're struggling with your interview performance and finding it hard to come up with the right answers, then it's worth looking at how you're treating your body.



Good luck!

If you missed yesterday's blog, make sure you check it out. It tells you all about our new resources section. This is a unique compilation of the best resources we've been able to find on all aspects of job hunting. Make sure you don't go to your interview without reviewing them.

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Want To Know How To Spot Illegal Job Interview Questions - And How To Answer Them?

It's critical find out how to deal with illegal and dodgy job interview questions, before going to the interview.

"So are you married, then?"

"I was wondering what your thoughts are on starting a family?"

"Do you have any medical problems we should be aware of?"

All of these are examples of illegal interview questions. (or at least dodgy - depending on the country you're being interviewed in).

Usually interviewers ask them out of ignorance - making small talk or trying to break the ice. However, ignorance is no defence and they shouldn't be asking them.

Want to know how to handle illegal questions in a job interview without writing off your chances of a job offer?

We've just added a brand new section to Interview Stuff, that covers just this dilemma.

It offers advice on which approach is most successful and how to give an answer that will impress the interviewer.

It also gives you tips on how to spot accidental illegal questions vs. intentional use of them - and what to do about it.

It's essential that you don't let a single bad question spoil your interview - and wreck your chances of getting a job offer.

So if you'd like to know how to handle dodgy interview questions, so you don't risk offending the interviewer or freeze on the spot, check out:

• How to deal with illegal interview questions, without throwing away the job offer.



• How to answer dodgy interview questions without wrecking your chances.

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Can't Sleep? Stressed About Your Interview?

If you find your mind is racing, thinking about the interview, then it can be difficult to sleep. Top tips are:

1. Avoid caffeine after 6pm (this includes tea, coffee, cola and chocolate).
   
   
2. Have a warm bath, with some soothing bubble bath.



3. Keep a notepad near you, even in bed: you can make a note of anything you're worried about and what you're going to do about it. The reason your mind races is because it wants to make sure we don't forget things. By writing it down, it allows the mind to start to let go.

A key to overcoming nerves is having a positive attitude.

Would you rather get to the end of the interview, thinking about how well you answered the questions, or wishing you had done better?

Basically, since you're sat in the interview, your CV / resume has already proved you're a suitable candidate for the role. You've already made it through to the short-list, beating plenty of other candidates.

Then all you need to do is stay calm and give the answers that are natural to you.

Most interviewers will pick up on someone who is exaggerating or bluffing, so just be yourself. After all, the interviewer has given up their time to get to know you better and find out how you might fit in.

The interview process is equally about the interviewer sussing you out, as much as you finding out whether you want to work for the company.

Find out more about job interview nerves.

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Are you tired of job hunting?

Do you find it hard to motivate yourself to go to the interview, knowing it's likely to be the same old "thanks, but no thanks" response?

Do you wonder whether you'll ever get a job?

You're not alone.

Research shows that after just 3 separate interviews without success, candidates can start to feel demoralised.

If this is you, read on to find out what you can do about it.

Firstly, it's essential to look at what's not working.

You're getting job interview offers, so your CV / Resume must be ok.

Have you asked for feedback? This might sound scary, but it doesn't have to be. As long as you bear in mind it's just someone's opinion, you'll be ok. Find out more about getting feedback on your job interview performance.


Secondly, it's time for some self-analysis. Have you reviewed your performance? What's going well? What's not working so well? Find out about the 3 Ls of job interview self-analysis.


Thirdly, it's important to shake yourself up a bit. Here are some suggestions that have worked for people in the past:

• Wear different clothes from your previous interviews.
  It's amazing the impact this one can have for changing your mindset.



• Look at your pre-interview routine and turn it upside down.
  Change the order in which you do things to prepare for the interview. This is a signal to your subconscious mind that things will be different this time.



• Do your homework.
  Be honest - did you really do your research last time and find out about the company? It's a critical step for making a good impression. Find out how to research the company.

Finally, make sure you're up to date with current job interview etiquette, just in case there was a tiny slip-up in your last interview that counted against you.

These four steps should help you turn your interview performance around and motivate you to give your next interview your best shot.

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