I’m guessing there aren’t a whole bunch of young adults under the age of twenty-five that read my column each week. So if you know someone who is seeking part-time or fulltime employment, (maybe your shiftless kid or the future felon living next door), slip them a copy of this article and just maybe they will greatly improve their chances of landing the job during their next employment interview. Over my twenty-nine years with the City of El Segundo as their Sports Supervisor, I interviewed and hired well over five hundred teens or young adults to work for the recreation department in various capacities. I also sat on myriad three-person interview panels helping other local cities hire the perfect applicant for their job offered. Generally speaking most of these still-wet-behind-the-ears, visibly apprehensive kids were woefully lacking in the art of interviewing for employment. It was often painful and comical at the same time watching these hatchlings attempt to fake their way through the process. For many this proved a first interview and they were dreadfully unprepared. Here are five commonsense, simple tactics that will absolutely increase your odds of landing that next job.
1. Always be honest: No one expects you to know everything related to the position you are applying for, especially if it’s an entry-level job. All employers are seeking moral, honest, hard-working individuals. So if you are asked if you have ever operated a certain piece of equipment and you have not, just say no. The key here is to make sure you follow up your negative response with “However, I am a very quick learner and I believe I could pick it up in no time if you give me the opportunity.” If you must answer “no” to any inquiry, always follow it up with a positive declaration. Let the interviewers know that you are mechanically inclined or a good mechanic, or an excellent problem solver or willing to learn anything the job requires. Never allow a “no” response to hang out there like a big matzo ball.
2. Do your homework: If you are interviewing for a city or company you know little about, do some research. The Internet is bursting with facts and figures on every subject under the sun. Visit the place where you would be working and talk to people there. Get a feel for the position you are applying for, and then make sure you get those facts out in the interview. I’ve seen many clueless applicants asked, “Do you know much about the Culver City Recreation Department” to which they reply with an awkward smile, “No, this is the first time I’ve been to Culver City.” You are not instilling confidence in the interviewers, my little minnow, by chirping out that lame statement. Always over prepare.
3. Be relaxed and use humor: I realize this is much easier said than done. However, in almost every circumstance I’ve been involved in the interviewers are hoping that you do well and they will be pulling for you to impress them. I always tried to relax the person sitting in front of me and let them know to just answer the questions to the best of their ability. It is always a huge plus if you can drop in some humor or relate a funny story from past jobs. Don’t overdo it however; always be prepared to drop an appropriate witty one liner if the opportunity presents itself.
4. Dress sharply, arrive early and engage in conversation with whoever greets you before the actual interview: Often the difference between finishing second and landing the job comes down to minor details. It’s much like a sudden death football game; it hinges of the slightest advantage. If it’s a tie between two people, the tie breaker just might be, “I think Jim and William would both make excellent employees; however, did you notice Jim wore old tennis shoes and William really dressed well. It’s not brain surgery folks. Often the final decision is based on subjective, trivial matters. You will never be dinged for arriving early, but arrive late for the interview and I will almost guarantee you will not get the coveted callback. It’s one of those things all employers take deadly serious. When you arrive there is usually an office person to greet and inform you of the details. Talk to them and if possible charm them. They are often the boss’s right-hand person and may be included in the final decision. I know from working for El Segundo, if Mona liked you, your odds doubled for getting the job.
5. Save your best stuff for last: Usually at the conclusion of the interview someone will ask, “Is there anything we left out or something you would like to tell us about yourself?” It is crunch time my nervous, unemployed amigo. This is one aspect of the process you can prepare for. The time has arrived for you to sell yourself without bragging or exaggerating. This closing argument should be practiced many times in front of the mirror and with someone who will give you honest, helpful advice. Pour out all your positive attributes. I am a hard worker, am always on time, get along well with others, will do any job or task asked of me and will work weekends, evenings and holidays. State these worthy characteristics plainly without appearing braggadocios. And when finished with your closing arguments stand up, shake each person’s hand while looking them in the eyes with a confident smile. And just before you turn to exit, compliment the interviewers with “Thank you for this opportunity, those were great questions.” Then, Elvis, leave the building.
Pete Whalon, author of “The Siagon Zoo” has called Southern California home since age five.
