These days landing a job is tough. The interview is the all-important, make-it-or-break-it moment that determines whether YOU get the job.

Interviewing is trickier now more than ever. Interviews that used to be easy now leave many disappointed candidates baffled and wondering after what they thought was a good interview, “why didn’t I get the job?”

These days it’s not enough to answer the questions “adequately” – you’ve got to make sure the answers you give stand out, so that the interviewer can be left with only one conclusion: “This is the RIGHT person for the job!”

This week 15 area job-seekers came to the Ann Arbor CIL to learn the techniques necessary for “Stand Out Interviews,” the kind of interviews that employ winning answers and strong proof that tell the employer to make the offer to you.

On Day 2 of the workshop, four area interviewing experts shared first-hand accounts of hiring practices, insight, and valuable tips for landing the job.

David Canter, Executive Director, University of Michigan North Campus Research Complex

As an experienced hiring manager, David shared personal accounts of what goes on in hiring decisions. One of the most important things? The cover letter. He said when he is selecting candidates, the cover letter determines whether you get the interview and then sets the stage for the questions he’s going to ask you. And as to that cover letter, details matter. He said first and foremost it must be well-written. It must show that you know what the job entails, show that you took the time to learn basic details about the hiring process like to whom the letter should be addressed, and demonstrate that you’ll bring enthusiasm to the job.

In addition, he said that at all stages of the selection process, you must show him with specific reasons why you’re the right person for the job. He also looks especially for someone who will fit with his team, so the most important thing you can do is be yourself. Dr. Canter also discussed the issue of having a disability at an interview. “People in the room have mentioned they’re concerned about how their disability is a negative factor,” he said. “But for me, it’s really a plus. It makes you interesting; it makes you different.”

Tanisha Thibodaux, Human Resources, Busch’s Corporation

Tanisha shared tips and advice for mastering phone interviews. She said, “often job-seekers don’t take phone interviews as seriously. They don’t realize that we as employers are using a phone call as a way of figuring out whether we’re going to go forward with you. If you get called, treat that phone call as seriously as any other part of the interview stage. If you don’t, you won’t go any further.”

She recommended using a landline phone and not a cell phone for all phone interviews and said that it’s ok if the phone interview catches you off guard and you need to take a moment to find a quiet place to talk when called. She shared that when she was a job-seeker, she kept a file of her application materials with her at all times so that in case she got an unexpected call she was ready at all times.

Christina Camilli, Marketing & Communications, University of Michigan

Christina provided valuable insight about the importance of researching the employer properly before going in for the interview. If you don’t know important basic information about the employer and the position, you’re not going to get the job. Too often, job-seekers overlook obvious and important things to know about the company before going to the interview. Look at their website, look at the job description, and figure out how you fit into what they need.

The most important thing she recommended was to anticipate ahead of time the things they’re going to ask you and then practice your answers before you leave your house. Though many people think they’ll be able to figure it out when the time comes, practicing ahead of time makes a huge difference. And when it does come time for the interview? Be on time! Smile and project confidence. Show them you’re the person for the job.

Cynthia Richardson, President, People Focused, LLC

When the interview is over and you think it went well, how do you convey to the employer afterwards that you really want the job? Follow-up is key. Cynthia provided needed insight on what to do after the interview. Cynthia’s most important message: Follow-up begins before you leave the interview. Before you leave, don’t be afraid to ask important questions:

•  What are the next steps in the interview process?
•  When will you hear from them next and how?
•  When will a decision be made?

Also, don’t forget to pick up a business card and get the names of all the people you meet so you can send a proper thank you letter. Finally, when you have gotten home, the first thing you should do is write your thank you notes. Hand-written is always best and don’t be afraid to drop it back off at the employer in case they are making decisions very soon and you can’t wait for the mail.

The panelists were enthusiastic and motivating, and the job-seekers participating were resoundingly appreciative of the new insights and tips.

If you want to put your interviewing techniques to the test, join us on November 17th for Speed Interviewing. At this high-energy event, job-seekers get a chance to practice their interviewing skills and gain feedback about such things as their handshake, appearance, elevator pitch, and answers at a series of 8-minute mock interviews conducted by area business community members. To sign up or for more info, contact stephanie@aacil.org.