interview skills

Three top questions being asked in interviews!

Here are three questions you should be prepared to answer crisply and clearly for a job interview:

  1. Why do you want this job? To answer this, do in-depth research on the company. Be able to tell them about what excites you about their product, service or market niche. List the challenges that excite you about the job, and how you plan to tackle them. Talk about how your past experiences give you the tools and know-how to do the job well.

  2. How do we make money? This question is purely to see if you have done your research. Have the answer. If it is unclear exactly how they do make money, with some tech companies it is a bit challenging, do enough research to develop a theory or two and put those forward to the interviewer. Say you have gained some knowledge about potential revenue streams, and would love to hear the actual answer.

  3. Why are you the best candidate? This is always tough, because it feels like the answer is bragging. What this question really means is “What are your top strengths and how will they help you do the best job?” So talk about how your top strengths (hint: These had better be pulled from among the job posting requirements) and experiences will have you quickly doing the job for them.

Michael gets a job in the hotel industry!

Dear Samantha, I wanted to take this moment to thank you immensely for the many hours you have dedicated to grooming me for professional success. Not only did you help me with my resume, but you taught me how to quickly draft and modify a cover letter and how to interview. You basically helped me in all aspects. I look forward to continuing to work with you in the future and making you proud. Warm Regards, Michael

First Job Austin alumni party hosted by Samantha and Johnny Stevens

First Job Austin alumni party hosted by Samantha and Johnny Stevens.

What a great evening with these 19 lovely alumni of Samantha's job coaching service. All of them have been happily employed as a result of Samantha's dedication, empowerment and skillful interview training. From left to right - Katya, Bryan, Samantha herself, Nick, Hayden, Jessica, Iain, Thomas, Haley, Kayla, Tom, Lauren, Belle, Travis, Marlee, Kris, Taylor, Taylor, Bradner.

 
First Job Austin Alumni celebration

First Job Austin Alumni celebration

Open Season on the job hunt

Normally I work one on one with my job hunters, but I thought this was sort of funny and unusual because on this day, as a function of viral texts from 2 clients, I ended up with these four plus 2 more around this table for an entire day. Sometimes it is valuable to have peers around to bounce ideas off of each other. I was on my feet all day. I slept well that night.

Samantha Stevens with a table full of new job hunters.

Samantha Stevens with a table full of new job hunters.