Job interviewing chat with Mary Shapiro

Boston_com_Monster: Welcome to the Boston.com/Monster chat on job interviewing with Mary Shapiro, associate professor at Simmons School of Management and co-author of "Your Job Interview: An Easy, Smart Guide to Interview Success." If you have any questions for Mary, please feel free to ask them and come back Monday at 1 p.m. to join us in the chat and see her responses.

Mary_Shapiro: Hi job seekers, this is Mary. I'm happy to take questions about difficult interview situations and questions you may be asked.

JOHN__Guest:Good Morning, should salary be discussed during the initial interview? thanks

Mary_Shapiro: Hi John, ideally you should not talk about salary in the first few interviews. However, more and more often employers will ask for your salary expectations in the beginning to screen you in or out of their range.

Mary_Shapiro: If that happens, you should give them a broad range and let them know you are open to negotiation on an entire package (so it's not just salary, it's benefits and time off, etc that allows for more creativity)

Paul__Guest: Hi, thank you for taking questions. I was wondering, is there a way to overdress for an interview? Sometimes I can feel uncomfortable in a really nice suit, and I feel like I reflect those uncomfortable feelings.

Mary_Shapiro: It is not usually a problem to overdress for an interview. The rule of thumb is to be slightly more formal than the interviewer. You can find that out in advance by doing some research: asking the receptionist about dress code, etc. Bottom line: it's easy to dress in layers, so you could take off a jacket or tie if you wanted to be slightly more casual.

jobseeker__Guest: Hi, how important is eye contact in an interview? I feel like sometimes if I stare at an interviewer for too long, it's sort of creepy. Thanks.

Mary_Shapiro: Eye contact is very important. In American culture it signifies respect and honesty. However, every culture has different rules about eye contact, so a good stragtegy is to mirror what the interviewer does. If he/she uses direct eye contact, do the same.

Steve__Guest: Thanks for chatting -- I was interested in your take on informational interviewing. Is it worth it to go out and do it?

Mary_Shapiro: Informational interviews are a terrific way to get your foot into the door. But the main mistake job seekers make when going on an informational interview is not preparing for it as seriously as a real interview.

Mary_Shapiro: You still need to research the company, know as much as you can about the industry, and have some solid thoughtful questions created. Dress as you would for a regular interview, and keep it to under 30 minutes long. End with a final question: "would you suggest any other names for me to speak with?" and make sure you thank them and follow up with a thank you note.

bmx202__Guest: Hi, I just graduated from college, and I've set myself up for an interview for an entry-level job. I have no idea what to ask for (as far as money is concerned). Is salary something I should address? Should I also acknowledge that I don't know what to ask for? I know it sounds stupid, I'm just a bit confused.

Mary_Shapiro: You should definitely have an idea of what you want for a salary. You can find this out by doing some research....there are many websites that list average salaries for all kinds of different industries and types of jobs. You can also talk to HR of the company you are interviewing with and ask them about typical starting salaries.

Mary_Shapiro: As a new job seeker, keep in mind that compensation goes well beyond salary. It includes vacation days, flexibility, benefits, etc. So you need to think about what you want: are you willing to take slightly less in dollars to have more flexibility around when and where you will work?

Pup__Guest: Hi, Mary. I'm a big fan of your book, and thanks for doing this today. I'm curious about how much you think physical appearance plays into successful interviewing. For example, if a woman is appropriately dressed, coiffed, made up, etc., is it likely to matter if she also is overweight? Do slender women have an interviewing edge over heavier women?

Mary_Shapiro: Unfortunately in every world culture, research shows that physical attractiveness is a big leg up in situations like interviews. Research shows that people will choose the more attractive person, if all else is equal. That doesn't mean that you shouldn't do all the grooming you spoke of.

Mary_Shapiro: It is very important to go to an interview being well groomed, clean and slightly formal clothes, and not having anything distracting (ie, too much jewelry, too much cologne, etc).

KingRoss__Guest: Only recently I've come over to the States from England. I haven't been working because I've been taking classes, but I'm going to re-enter the work world very soon. Is there anything about a job interview in this country that's different from Europe? cheers.

Mary_Shapiro: There are many things that could differ from your own country's style of interviewing. In many countries, the interviewee is not expected to talk about their accomplishments, or when doing so, they are expected to understate them. This is opposite of what is expected in the US: you must talk about your own accomplishments, and if possible, include clear metrics of the scope and impact of those accomplishments.

Mary_Shapiro: In US interviews, it is also acceptable to talk about "I" instead of using "we." As in any culture, it's important to know how that culture expects you to show respect, and in the US, it is through direct eye contact, call them by formal name unless asked to do otherwise, to thank them at the end, to stand when they stand.

Seeker5__Guest: I've been asked back for a round of second interviews. How should I prepare differently for these vs. the first? What should I expect?

Mary_Shapiro: As you get into second round interviews, you are most likely going to get more specific about job responsibilities. So you should come with very specific questions, such as "what type of decision making authority will I have?" You also need to be prepared to share with them specific examples of how you accomplished certain tasks/goals, how you worked well with people. Know what you want to find out about the job, and prepare questions.

michael14__Guest: Hi, just wondering, what can I find in your book that would be more then the sort of general advice I've picked up over the years? Is there more to interviewing than paying attention and speaking clearly?

Mary_Shapiro: In our book we have a lot of information that talks about special situations that is different from most books: for example, strategies if you are much older than your interviewer, or if you are changing careers, or you have a large gap in your work history, or you are a woman being interviewed by all men.

Mary_Shapiro: In any interview, the employer wants to know three things about you: do you have the skills for the job? are you motivated to do the job? and will we enjoy working with you?

Mary_Shapiro: You need to give them examples of situations that show your skills, your motivation, your ability to work well with people, whether those experiences are from your work or school years.

chrissy__Guest: I finished going to college a year ago. I worked full time and went to school at night, only now the company I work for now is not the company I want to stay with. I would like to change industries, I have been going on a lot of interviews but no offers. Do you think my resume might have something to do with it?

Mary_Shapiro: There are lots of people in your position, trying to change industries. Try to make the changes incrementally. For example, if you are in finance in nonprofit, and want to get into marketing in consumer products, try to get into marketing in nonprofit, and then go into consumer products later.

Mary_Shapiro: Also look at your resume. You need to identify "transferrable skills" that you offer to this new changed industry and make sure that gets highlighted on your resume

red_sox_fan25__Guest: Thanks for chatting Mary, I have an interview coming up for a new job. Do you think it's better to focus on your experience in the work world, or your education, and the skills you've acquired?

Mary_Shapiro: Hi Red sox, I answered your question earlier...hope you saw it.

Seeker5__Guest: Somebody told me once to end an interview by asking the interviewer: "How do you like working here"? Is that too forward? Is it a good queston, or could it backfire?

Mary_Shapiro: It is actually a good question. You can tell them you would love to know more about the corporate culture, what makes people successful, what they've done to be successfull. MOst people like talking about themselves so they won't mind the question.

over_the_hill__Guest: Hi Mary, I saw you mentioned the age gap between the interviewer and the interviewee. I've been looking to change careers, and I've found myself being interviewed by people much younger than I. Do you have any tips for me in attempting to relate to a younger generation, or at least to prove to them that this old dog still has a few tricks?

Mary_Shapiro: Yes, there's lots of strategies. One, don't apologize or make fun of your age. Be careful using language that dates you, like calling people "son" or "dear." Talk about recent accomplishments, ideally that shows technological savvy, and show your energy and enthusiasm.

Pup__Guest: A friend of mine is interviewing for a high-level job in another part of the country. They are flying her in and hosting her at a hotel for her interview. Does this change anything about the interview? Should she expect them to pay for meals, taxis, and things like that while she's there for the interview? Thanks!

Mary_Shapiro: By the time a company flies someone in, they are serious about that candidate. That means they do expect to pay for everything, including meals and cabs. Make sure your friend submits receipts right away. She certainly can choose to pay for some things herself (ie, if she goes to a really expensive restaurant, she may want to pay for anything over a normal stipend).

red_sox_fan25__Guest: Sorry about that, I didn't realize you answered my last question. One thing that I've also been thinking about with interviewing, is if the interviewee is asking you about your job search. I've been asked before if I was looking at any other places for employment, or if I've been on a few different interviews in my job search. Should I be honest?

Mary_Shapiro: Yes, you can be honest in reply,but you don't need to name specific names. It's good for them to see that you are being active in your job search, that you are exploring your options, that you are committed to finding a job that is challenging and allows you to move your career to the next level. THose show lots of attributes that are attractive in a candidate: goal setting, determination, commitment.

susan__Guest: Hi Mary, I look forward to picking up your book. What types of questions to you think an interviewer should have for an interviewee that might make them stand out?

Mary_Shapiro: There are some tried-and-true questions that interviewers often ask. One is the opening question, "so tell me about yourself." A candidate should always go in prepared to answer this question, as interviewers often use it to "test" the comfort level of the candidate, to get a general sense of the candidate, and to use what they say as a springboard for their next questions.

Mary_Shapiro: So you should go in with a 2-3 minute response that includes several sentences on your background, and if possible, one short story about an accomplishment. That story should include briefly a situation that you were facing (challenge, opportunity), what action you took, and what were the outcomes. You can frame it as, "let me give you a quick example of the type of skills I can bring to this job."

Mary_Shapiro: Another question that candidates often see as a throw-away is towards the end when the interviewer asks, "Do you have any questions for me?" Always have some good questions to ask, about the company and its future, about what it's like to work there, about challenges the company is facing, etc. Those questions garner good information, but also cast you as someone who thinks strategically.

Mary_Shapiro: On another topic, there has been a lot of press lately about women re=entering the workforce after taking some time of to raise children.

Mary_Shapiro: There are strategies women (or men) can do to overcome the hurdle of re-entry. One is to learn all you can about the industry and company you are interviewing with. Things change so rapidly, that it's key that you know the latest jargon, products, issues in that industry. Being up to date is important

Mary_Shapiro: You also need to highlight things you have been doing to keep your skills sharp while you were not in the workforce: volunteer work, project work, education,etc.

michael__Guest: I saw you mention motivation -- how do you show motivation in an interview? I mean, you're there, you want the job -- how do you really bring the point home?

Mary_Shapiro: To show motivation, think of situations where you demonstrated initiative, problem solving, or took on work above and beyond the call of duty. Did you take a project to the next level? Did you volunteer for a task force? Did you see a challenge and took it on, even though it wasn't in your job description?

Boston_com_Monster: OK folks, we'll be ending the chat soon, if you have any last minute questions, please let Mary know now.

susan__Guest: thanks for the answers, also, just wondering, I've been on interviews that didn't take place in the office, and I was given the chance to talk to the person in a more open environment, which in that case, was a conference room. Do you think a more intimate setting is better for an interview, if you're given the choice?

Mary_Shapiro: Savvy interviewers will try to find locations that put the candidate at ease. It is more productive for everyone. However, it is important that as a candidate, no matter how casual or "open"the situation is, you remember you are still being interviewed. Often candidates will reveal personal information in these casual environments that you should not reveal.

susan__Guest: but do you really think that a person with a gap in their career could possibly beat out a young up-and-comer?

Mary_Shapiro: Yes, In fact, many employers are recognizing the value of 'older" employees. Those older people have often raised their children, have figured out what career they want, have made clear choices about what they want to do next. These can be very attractive to employers.

Mary_Shapiro: The harsh irony is that employers tend to find candidates more attractive if they are employed. As someone out of the workforce, you need to invest in re-building your professional network. Try to do lots of informational interviews....contact your college and ask to talk to alumna; join professional organizations, etc.

suez__Guest: I have been an at-home mom for the past 16 months. i slowly worked my way up the ladder when I was working. I am having difficulty getting an interview and wondering if it has to do with my unemployment status.

Mary_Shapiro: Hi suez, see my preceding response which was directed to you. Also, see if you can take on project work, work part time for someone, to get your foot in the door. The reality is, you may need to start at a lower level than you left, and start that climb again.

Boston_com_Monster: OK everyone, thank you for participating in the chat. We like to thank Mary for taking the time to talk with us today. For more job interviewing tips, be sure to check out her book, "Your Job Interview: An Easy, Smart Guide to Interview Success."

Mary_Shapiro: The key will be to have patience, talk to lots of people, be willing to take on something that isn't exactly what you wanted to get in the door.