Are you a recent Graduate? Looking for work?

You might want to read the article, Don't be a victim of interview bias.  It gives some interesting tips for standing out above all the other applicants.  Here's a quick outline of the article:

• Halo Effect Bias--positive attribute stands out to interviewer.  Do your homework about the interviewer, know likes/dislikes & work history.
• Harshness/Horn and Negative Emphasis Bias--negative attribute stands out to interviewer.  Ask if there's something they may have heard during the interview that concerns them about your ability to do the job.
• The Contrast Bias--Being compared to other applicants.  Ask if there's a particular skill they've been looking for that has been hard to find in the pool in interviewees and be sure to give examples of how you possess that skill.  Also ask what has stuck out as the key strenghts of the other candidates & be sure to point those out as well.
• Gut Feeling Bias--Interviewer assumes you aren't fit for the job.  Discuss ability to work with diff. people, in a similar environment, think from diff. perspectives & be open-minded.
• Stereotyping & Generalization Bias--Interviewer assumes you posses/lack certain characteristics b/c you belong to a group or come from same school as other people they know.  So, casually mention you have met similar req. in the past &/or ask if there are any particular req. they think you might not meet.
• Cultural Noise Bias--Interviewer believes you are stressing certain skills b/c you think that's what they want to hear/will get you the job.  Ex. they stress teamwork, you say you like working in teams.  Don't say you're a team player but rather give examples of how you worked well on teams.
• Nonverbal Bias--Based on body language.  Ex. you make a face when they answer one of your questions.  Smile & be friendly.
• Recency/Similar To Me Bias--When the interviewer remembers the most recent candidate instead of older ones.  Be sure to ask how many candidates they are considering & try to establish a connection and explain how you are similar to the interviewer.  Go back to Halo Effect.

 My personal advice (based on things that have worked for me):

• Do your homework about the company.  They will be impressed to know you took the time to find out more about them & it will show them that you are truly interested in becoming part of the team.
• Prepare for the interview by going over possible Q&A.  One of the most common questions most people aren't prepare for is "What are your strenghts & weaknesses?"
• Most interviewers want to hear a legitimate weakness as in "I put too much attention to detail so it can take me longer to get something done..."
• However, avoid making yourself sound like a slow, unable to meet deadlines, fool by adding, "but I understand the importance of deadlines & I work well under pressure."
• Be yourself but be on your best behavior.  Avoid slang, cursing, lying, or exaggerating.  If you don't know how to do something, don't say you can!
• Keep good posture & look the person in the eye.  Be confident!  You know you meet the qualifications so prove it by giving examples of previous similar experiences.
• When asked at the end if you have any questions, ASK THEM!
• It can be as simple as, "Why did the last person leave?"  Or "How often will I have to do x?"
• It can be as direct as any of the suggested bias questions Or "If you hired me, which of my skills would you say the company could truly benefit from?"
• It can also be a tough question to ask them such as, "You asked what my strengths & weaknesses are, what would you say are the strengths & weaknesses of this position?" Or "I'm concerned about x, would you say it is something that happens regularly or is there something we can do to improve that?"

Whatever you decide to ask, don't be nervous about it & remember that the interview is nothing more than casual, light conversation to get to know each other, the company, & the details to the position you want.  If it starts out on the wrong foot, it will more than likely continue to be that way & it just wasn't meant to be.