Competitive Preparation

The art of competitive preparation for the interview: the Morgan method.

Breaking the ice

1. Proper Attitude
2. Gather Job Information
3. Do Homework – Company and Industry
4. Look around the office for something to talk about
5. Use humor – Carefully
6. Use gentle flattery
7. Rehearse, Rehearse, Rehearse
8. Meeting will flow, if prepared
9. Follow-up

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Power Words – Work them into your vocabulary.

• Planned
• Initiated
• Implemented
• Created
• Developed
• Formulated
• Organized
• Conceived

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Leadership Words – Help to create a strong image of you.

• Organized
• Supervised
• Coordinated
• Presided Over Directed
• Guided
• Built
• Gave Direction to Lead
• Managed
• Responsible for

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Result Phrases – Help you to get your message across.

• Lead to
• Reduced
• Achieved
• Evaluated Saved
• Collected
• Provided for
• Shot holes in Contributed to
• Demonstrated that
• Increased

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Self-Presentation

1. Short synopsis – Opening type – tell about yourself
2. Dialogue about individual jobs – pinpoint qualities
3. Explore technical qualifications – what it takes to do the job

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The “T” Account

New job responsibilities
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Similarities to previous jobs
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

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Listen…Listen…Listen

Don’t step on their answers. Wait until they are completely finished (It makes people feel good when you listen)

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When they say…”Do you have any questions?”

Here are a few good sample questions for you to ask.

1. Major short and long-range company objectives?
2. Characteristics that the company feels are attractive about itself?
3. Outside influences that affect the company’s growth?
4. Areas that the company excels or has limitations?
5. Common denominators in successful employees?
6. Areas the company needs polishing or developing?
7. What would add or subtract from the incumbents performance?
   (Use if you are taking someone’s place)
8. Where do you think I could contribute effectively?
   (Save this one for last interview)
9. Always ask, “Do you have any concerns about my qualifications?”

Write out your own list of questions about the position.

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When they ask… “What do we need to offer you?”

NEVER…Never…Never tell them an amount.

Say something like this… “The dollars are important, but the opportunity to be with this firm is also important to me. I would like to entertain your strongest offer.”

Never give them a dollar amount or except their offer at the time of the interview.

If they press the issue… Just tell them that you are open to negotiation, through a third party.

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How to dress for the interview.

• Do not overdress.
• Just dress the best you are able to.
• Try to dress in the image of the company.
• Polished shoes.
• Small knot in tie.
• Even and clean fingernails.

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Unacceptable dress.

• Long sideburns.
• Heavy makeup.
• Don’t smell (No heavy perfume or aftershave).
• Neat haircut.
• No seductive clothing. It may take the employers mind off why you are there.
• No worn heels.
• No long earrings.

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Other important items…

Your walk tells others of your character. Think about it, and how you look to others. What message are you sending out?

Speak with a voice that is loud enough to be heard comfortably.

Keep handshake short as opposed to long. Just kind of firm. No bone crushers.

Don’t skip a meal before the interview. They want to hear your words, not you stomach growls.

Get up early and look alert. (For an early interview)

Arrive 5 – 10 minutes early. If late, don’t go into a long apology. Drive the route the day before so you know how long it takes.

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End of the interview.

Ask what the next steps are in the interview process.
Let them know that you want the position.
At some point…you must ask for the position, or you will not get it!

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After the interview.

Follow up with a thank you letter within 24 hours after the interview. Letter may be typed or hand written.

Three days later – telephone call – “Sincere interest in moving forward”.

If there is to be a second interview for this position. Be sure and ask for a second interview. Show that you have an interest.

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Second interview trial close.

“I have a sincere interest in pursuing this position, I hope your thoughts are the same”.

You have brought everything to the table and delivered it smoothly. It has nothing to do with getting the job. You must always remember that at some point, you must ask for the position, or you will not get it.

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Some things to remember…

When they ask,  “Tell me about yourself “, just say, “I’d love to, where would you like me to start?”

Future boss is only interested in – results and proof – not problems – just solutions. Most bosses are not trained to interview candidates, and that is to your advantage, if you are well prepared.

Leaving the old for the new.

Most people are not mentally prepared to leave their old company. Make sure that you have a positive attitude about the departure.

Visualize your resignation

Beware of the counter offer.

• It is inconvenient for them to loose you.
• It is a reflection on their management performance.
• Look out for the guilt trip.
• It has been proven time and time again that once you have expressed your desire to leave you will be let got at the company’s convenience, usually between six months and a year. Then where will you be?

Stay in tune with the original reasons for you wanting to leave.