In order to land the job, you have to nail the interview. Ironically, an unskilled interviewer can make it more difficult for the interviewee to shine, according to Jeanine Rickson, senior vice-president of Talent Management at Genesis 10, a national consulting firm with offices in Woodbury. Interviewers might be inexperienced, in a hurry, or concerned about the increasing number of legal restrictions on what can be asked. That makes it even more important for job seekers to hone their ability to engage and persuade the interviewer.

Rickson says that interviewers will often rely on questions that start with "tell me about a time when," or "give me an example." To provide meaningful answers to those questions, Rickson says, "You must prepare and have some stories in your pocket. As human beings, we love a good story. Paint a good picture around your experiences."

Painting A Picture

Stories to prepare in advance of the interview should include "good examples about how you've interacted with team members - what kind of team player you'll be," Rickson says.

Interviewers also frequently ask how the interviewee has dealt with a difficult problem. "Being negative is a pitfall," Rickson notes. "Describe the situation succinctly, focusing on what you were thinking when handling the situation. As an interviewer, my goal is not to learn about the company you were working for or the people you were working with, but about how you maneuvered through difficult situations."

Rickson advises interviewees to say early on, "Please let me know if this is not what you're getting at or if you need more detail." Interviewees can also create dialog by asking questions like, "Tell me about the characteristics of the people who are most successful in this department or role. What kinds of people or experiences have worked well? What won't work in your group?"

Rehearse!

Rickson's most important advice: "Rehearse! Talk out loud to yourself. Listen to how it sounds. When the right answer doesn't come to you fast enough, you miss the golden opportunity to share your best story."

Laura French is principal of Words Into Action, Inc., and is a freelance writer from Roseville.