The job interview is a lot less stressful when you know exactly what they want from you. In fact, anything in life is a lot easier when you know what to expect right?

You see, fear comes from unknown. We are not sure what they want, what to say and what they will ask. And the truth is, job interviews are the most predictable event you will ever have in your lifetime. Why? Because everything you need to know is available to you ahead of time. Well, at least 95% of it is.

Here’s what I mean. At one point in my career, I was an HR Project Manager and I oversaw a project where a team of consultants worked with 200 department managers to re-write job descriptions for over 8,000 employees.

Here’s how the process works.

We interviewed each manager to identify exactly what the job was required to deliver. We identified specific skills, knowledge and experience for each job. We identified specific behaviors each successful employee displayed in the job to be a top performer.

We took all of this information and wrote job descriptions that would enable any Recruiter in the company to use to hire the exact match to do the job. Finally, we developed interview guides to evaluate each applicant’s skills against our requirements.

Now, a little inside tip for you. I’m going to show you how you can duplicate this exact process to your advantage so you can get inside the heads of the Hiring Managers to discover what they really want and you can prepare for the job interview in a way that gives them exactly what they need.

And you start first with the job description. You see, the job description gives you two important pieces of information: What they want you to know (knowledge) and what they want you to have done (experience).

Here’s an example of a job description for an Account Manager position.

Purpose of job:

We have a vacancy for an Account Manager to develop a sales strategy in a high growth territory. This position will focus on targeting new accounts and managing existing accounts. We are seeking a candidate who is driven, results-oriented, thrives on winning new business and can understand the business challenges of organizations to clearly communicate our value proposition to potential clients.

Here’s what you do:

Analyze the job description.

Now, most people just read the job description. You are going to analyze it. You are going to tear it apart because it will reveal what knowledge, skills and abilities you will be evaluated on. In essence, it will give you an exact idea of what questions you will be asked.

So, go through and pick out all the competencies. Competencies are the knowledge, skills and abilities required to do the job. So, you go through and make a list of all the competencies that are required. On this page, I have highlighted sales strategy, account management and results oriented.

Anticipate potential questions you may be asked.

So, you have 3 competencies here. Sales strategy, account management and results oriented.

A good percentage of interview questions will be directly related to the competencies required for the job. Every manager will first evaluate your ability to do the job. So, this exercise will give you an idea of what potential questions you may be asked.

Potential question: Tell me how you would develop a sales strategy within 3 months if you got the job

Why do it? As long as you prepare an answer to demonstrate your abilities with developing sales strategy, you can handle any variation of this type of question. You really need to focus on what the employer is telling you they want. You find the competencies and narrow down the potential questions you may be asked.

Finally, prepare your answers to these questions…in advance.

Don’t waste precious time going through 101 Job Interview questions and answers, trying to memorize answers to questions you will most likely never be asked. Focus on the questions you will most likely be asked. Prepare your answers that sell you.

For example:

If they ask you… “Tell me about yourself”.

If they ask you… “What are your greatest strengths?”

If they ask… “Why should we hire you?”

Each answer should be highlighting what you have identified as most important to them that is sales strategy, account management and results oriented.

And there is a specific way to answer each question so you are articulate, memorable and polished. Most importantly, you are confident because you know what to expect and you are prepared to give it to them.

On our website, you will find more tips about how to prepare your answers to interview questions so you are calm, confident and crystal clear in your interviews. And you sell yourself as the perfect match for the job. Be sure to download my “Irresistible Interviews” book if you don’t already have it.

Now, the job description is one of 6 tools we use to uncover what the Hiring Managers are looking for. When you are ready to get in-depth coaching to discover how to position yourself as the best person for the job, click here to sign up for Crystal Clear Interviews and get the complete step-by-step job interview coaching program where we will give you in-depth training on how job descriptions are actually developed, what key information matters and what doesn’t and how you can get inside the head of the Hiring Manager to know exactly what they are looking for.

Check it out today, I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

Best,

Addi