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The Benefits of Interview Coaching Consultations for Job Seekers

Interview coaching is a wonderful resource that job seekers should take advantage of. Usually the candidate has been out of the job market for 5 – 10 – or more years and is aware that the employment landscape has changed but is not aware how much the landscape has changed.

As a long time career consultant it gives me great pleasure to be able to help each client to have the consult and be able to equip them with confidence (which is often lacking or at best quite wobbly), and work out strategies with them to excel in a very competitive employment landscape.

So much goes into preparing each client with an assertive, quality resume that I feel interview coaching is almost a necessity so that they go into their interviews leaving a stellar impression. This greatly increases the candidate’s chances of securing their desired position.

So how does interview coaching help you maximize your potential in today’s job market?

Confidence – Going into any situation but especially a job interview with confidence is a huge plus. Anxiety will always be there, that is a given. Interview coaching helps the job seeker approach the interview in a safe, non-judgmental setting. Constructive feedback, positive reinforcement and practice can make the candidate feel poised, self-assured and professional.

Communication – To be able to communicate clearly and effectively during an interview is impressive to say the least. Interview coaching focuses on how one responds, the type of language one uses, and how one uses that language effectively. To be able to show a candidate how to do this and how to avoid filler words and phrases or hesitations is very gratifying to me because it is the equivalent of watching this person literally bloom right in front of me during the consult! Good communication skills convey competence and a professional demeanor.

Demonstrating Professionalism – The interview consultation guides the job candidate on what to wear, manners and etiquette, and basic being on time skills. In addition, the candidate learns how to create a very favorable impression through projection of a positive, can do attitude, learning when NOT to talk, listening, and respectfully communicating. This includes not interrupting the interviewer, not talking over the interviewer when they are talking, and not babbling on about themselves.

Feedback – The coach gives the candidate personalized feedback on overall performance. Each coaching session addresses the job seeker’s needs, strengths, weaknesses, body language, tone of voice, attitude, eye contact skills, and response quality. This feedback allows you, the job candidate, to refine your interview techniques in a warm supportive environment and then take your show on the road!

Practice Interviews – What a wonderful concept! I help my clients with real life scenarios where they can respond to both easy questions as well as challenging questions. This goes far in helping a candidate to hit the ground running, think on their feet, reduce anxiety and nervousness and make a more favorable interview impression. In a word, this hones your confidence to the max.

The STAR Method – Situation Task Action Result – This helps you learn how to tell a good story which highlights your achievements, skills, experience and problem solving expertise. This is behavioral training, and storytelling at its best.

The SMART Method – Specific Measurable Achievable Relevant Timebound – This helps you learn how to showcase your skills and achievements and communicate this clearly. This is goal oriented strategic training and gives the interviewer insight into what makes you tick and what motivates you.

Doing Your Research – If you are interested in joining a particular company, your interview coaching session can help you get a clear picture of the company culture, job description requirements and the expectations surrounding the actual role you are applying for.

Interview Formats – Depending on the type and level of job that you are looking for, there are different interview formats. Your interview coach will guide and prepare you with what to expect and the differing strategies to take depending on the format. Common interview formats are virtual, in person and panel style. Each requires a different skill set and attitude adjustment on your part.

Maureen McCullough LLC is headquartered in Hackensack, Bergen County NJ.

We are in business 20+ years with an A+ Better Business Bureau rating.

Call or text us today at 201.753.1677 or 201.523.4332 for a FREE 15 minute Career Marketing consult.