Greater Milwaukee Jobs

Here's the challenge for employers and job appli- cants: Find the right mix between making speedy and not-so-speedy hiring decisions. I've often heard from appli- cants – and written – about their unhappiness with having to go through multiple inter- view rounds, often spread over several weeks. But here's a different wrinkle. Recently, a well-qualified applicant for a position told me he was dismayed to hear that a one-hour interview session before a panel of department heads was all he'd get. He had looked for- ward to an expected second round of interviews. Don't mistake his com- plaint for sour grapes. He wanted the job, but his reac- tion was philosophical and based on years of human resource experience. Especially when hiring from outside the organiza- tion, the applicant said, it's crucial to have more than one interview. Some job hunters may wow an initial interviewer but not impress others, or vice versa. And some organizations may need a more detailed eye on candidates to ensure whoev- er is hired has the exact skills needed. 2 GREATERmilwaukeeJOBS • July 3, 2014 'One and done' job interviews may lead to hiring mistakes By Diane Stafford The Kansas City Star about an idea you would like to pursue. It's as applicable to that as it is to a job interview.) I spoke with Myers, and he said this: "What most people do is they just show up for an inter- view. They haven't even done any research in most cases; they haven't studied about the person or the company or the culture. It's a huge mistake. It's like lambs to the slaughter." So to make sure you properly prepare, think about how you want to position yourself once the interview is over. "Let's say the interview goes really well," Myers said. "What do I want to get out of it? What is my objective? Most people say, 'I just hope I come out of it alive.' That's not good enough." Most of us have heard the goal of a first interview is to secure a second interview. That's correct, but you need something new to talk about in that second meeting. Myers suggests you think of yourself less as a job candidate and more as a consultant. Ask probing questions during the ini- tial interview: "What are the challenges, what are the needs, what are the company's biggest problems, what have they tried, what has worked or not worked. When you come back for the second interview, you're going to walk in with a presentation which is based on the notes you took and everything you learned at the first interview." This is about trying to be in control of the process. You don't let an interview happen; you grab hold of any part you can and lead it in a favorable direction. "When the interview ends, the worst thing you can do is say, 'OK, I hope to hear from you, bye,'" Myers said. "You want to maintain control. You say, 'I see our meeting is coming to an end. Can you please tell me what the next steps are and when I can expect to hear from you? And if I don't hear from you by next Tuesday, can I call you?' You want to keep the ball in your court." And if the interview tanks, don't surrender: "Say after 20 minutes, the interviewer says you're just not the guy for this job – do you just get up and leave? No. Ask the person, 'Can you tell me why?' You might learn something. Or maybe they say you don't have enough expe- rience working with outside clients, and you say, 'Well, actu- ally I have a lot of experience with outside clients. May I tell you about it?' Then you tell them something that got missed in the interview, and five minutes later you're back in the game." Maybe both you and the inter- viewer acknowledge you're not the best fit for the job, but you happen to know a person who would be ideal. Don't be afraid to recommend someone else. You're not getting the job anyway, but you could leave a remarkably good impression on the inter- viewer. be on the ball . . . from page 1 Liz Reyer is a credentialed coach with more than 20 years of business experience. Her company, Reyer Coaching & Consulting, offers services for organizations of all sizes. Submit questions or comments about this column at www.deliverchange.com/coachscorner or email her at lizdeliverchange.com. Balance needs of present, future when pursuing degree By Liz Reyer Star Tribune (Minneapolis) & A Q Q. I am currently in school and working full time. I'm trying to decide if I should just finish my associate degree or continue to a four-year degree to get a better job. I enjoy school but am not sure if it's the right investment vs. saving for retirement. I would be in my late 60s when I graduate.Your thoughts? A. Follow your heart – with a dose of practicality. THE INNER GAME: The first step you need to take is to know your vision for the next stage of your life. Carve out some time from work and school to pause and reflect. Focus on your breathing, releasing any anxiety about the future and any sense of what you should do. This is your chance to let your inner voice be heard. Think about what motivates you. When you consider having a " b e t t e r " j o b, w h a t d o yo u envision? A greater challenge or more compensation? Working in a certain type of organization? Notice if you're trying to get away from where you are now vs. having a proactive view of where you'd like to be – that's never a recipe for success. What is it about school that you enjoy? You're probably a person who values ongoing learning; how important is the structure, feedback and social interaction of a formal classroom setting? Also consider if you have gained similar personal satisfaction through other activities or in other settings. How long do you expect to work? While many people are deferring retirement out of necessity or preference, you'd be finishing school at a common retirement age. As you figure out the best plan, you'll want to factor in a realistic perspective on the number of years you'll want to – or be able to – work post-graduation. THE OUTER GAME: Now that you've developed a vision, focus on feasibility and next steps. I strongly recommend consulting your financial planner. If you don't have one, find one. The trade-offs between retirement savings, tuition payments, student loans and other financial implications are not to be made lightly, and it is not an area on which I am qualified to comment. Talk to people at your school's career office and your state or county workforce development centers. They'll have tools to help determine the job market and reasonable salary expectations for an associate or bachelor's degree and may also be able to help you find resources to fund an ongoing education. It's also very important to get some direct information from potential new employers. Tap into your network to set up interviews to get more information on what they look for. You may find that your associate degree and years of experience get you farther than you thought or that a four-year degree is, in fact, essential. Either way, you'll be making a more fact- based decision. If you decide that pursuing a four-year degree isn't for you, don't neglect your clear need for ongoing growth and development. There are many ways to engage, including auditing classes at local colleges or universities or finding organizations that are focused on your interests. THE LAST WORD: Make a choice that will serve you the best long-term by building on your life vision. see 'ONE AND DONE' . . . page 6 A publication of Conley Media Distributed by: Conley Distribution 262-513-2646 ©2004 by Conley Media, LLC Waukesha County Independent and Locally Owned GREATERmilwaukeeJOBS is published weekly by Conley Media – Waukesha County, 801 N. Barstow St., Waukesha, WI 53186. Contents of this publication may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. GREATERmilwaukeeJOBS assumes no liability for any error in copy or content. It is the advertiser's responsibility to be aware of the laws pertaining to employment advertising. Subscriptions are available for $34 (non-refundable) for a 6-month subscription. Call 262-513-2698 for information. Call Center Director: Cindy Shaske 262-306-5016 cshaske@conleynet.com Account Executive: Donna Armstrong 262-513-2698 darmstrong@conleynet.com Story Coordinator: Dwayne Butler 262-513-2626 dbutler@conleynet.com Production: Patricia Scheel 262-513-2690 GREATERmilwaukeeJOBS Volume 16 • Number 42 July 3, 2014 To place an ad: Call us at 262-513-2698 or fax us at 262-542-6082 deadline: Noon on Wednesdays see BE ON THE BALL . . . page 6

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