MOLI VIEW™

Job interviews can be tense affairs. No one wants to appear desperate or needy, but there are times when we feel that way. Employers want to get a sense of who you are and how you think. If you're nervous or feel like a dork, you're not at your best. You know it — and it shows. So what can you do about it?

We've already gotten into things like preparation and doing a bit of upfront research about the prospective employer and the position. But it's well worth repeating, because if you have your stuff together and can relax a bit, you'll do MUCH better. It could even wind up being a pleasurable experience.

If you're qualified for the job, understand what's expected of you, and feel prepared, you're good to go.

But the one thing that most people worry about is money. "What are they going to offer?" "What should I say if they ask me what I wanna make?"

A book I recommended previously, Negotiating Your Salary: How To Make $1,000 a Minute by Jack Chapman, says to never be the first one to mention a number. If asked, you can always try to change the subject or say something like, "Well, I have no upper limit," and then just shut up. Chapman's point is that the first person who says a number loses, and that if the applicant comes in too high or too low, they risk being eliminated.

Think about it: If they've budgeted $50K for the position and you say you want 30, they may wonder why they're bothering with you. If you ask for 100K, you're gonna blow them away and they're going to be wrapping things up quickly and usher you out the door.

Previous Page  1  2  Next Page