Have you rehearsed your interview skills?

CPT Jack Durish — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 12:26:48 -0400

Resumes, cover letters, and elevator pitches as well as networking are all very important to job seekers. However, their main objective is to get you into an interview. The interview is where you will get the job. Shouldn't you practice? You can practice with friends. You may get lucky and find someone working in HR who would be willing to interview you even if they don't have a position immediately available. In my area (Orange County, CA) we have state employment offices that provide job hunting assistance, including interview rehearsals. And, we have a church, Saddleback Valley Community Church, which has an outreach program to help job seekers in every area, including practicing for interviews. Also, interview with temporary job placement people. Lastly, after every job interview, write a thank you note and request a critique even if you don't land the job; especially if you don't land the job.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2016 12:33 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 12:33:05 -0400

"You're hired"

Response by LTC Greg Henning made Aug 25 at 2016 12:35 PM

LTC Greg Henning — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 12:35:49 -0400

Sad but true

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Aug 25 at 2016 1:26 PM

Maj Marty Hogan — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 13:26:30 -0400

Very good advice. At least know what is on your resume and be able to speak to it. Government positions are not exempt. I have done interviews before where the person did not even know what they were interviewing for exactly. They were just trying to get in the system.

Response by Susan Foster made Aug 25 at 2016 4:41 PM

Susan Foster — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 16:41:40 -0400

Excellent advice!!

Response by Lt Col John Eliopolo Cpc, Eli Mp made Aug 25 at 2016 7:47 PM

Lt Col John Eliopolo Cpc, Eli Mp — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 19:47:27 -0400

Even better than practice is to do a mock interview. Practice in a simulated role play of the real thing where one person plays the interviewer role and the other the interviewee role. Then switch places and try it. Amazing what insights can be gained by doing this.

Response by SGT Patrick Reno made Aug 26 at 2016 9:46 AM

SGT Patrick Reno — Fri, 26 Aug 2016 09:46:53 -0400

Interveiwed this young man last week. When I asked him when he would like to start if he got the job. He told me a month or two because he still had plans for relaxing this summer. He was 26 and had never had a full time job yet. Needless to say he isn't going to have one here.