How to Get Hired

Bob Weinstein is a journalist who covers technology, project management, the workplace and career development.

  Career Development  

The job interview books keep coming. There are thousands on the market, each one regurgitating the same tired information. Amazingly, they still sell. Even though most of the books rehash old information or try to put a new spin on proven advice, a few of the new ones offer solid tips worth heeding. Garrett Miller’s Hire on a WHIM is one of them. Miller is a career coach based in Andover, New Jersey.

The premise of his interview strategy rests on standing out from the competition. The United States Marines’ slogan, “The Few, The Proud, The Marines” exemplifies the importance of demonstrating that superiority, Miller asserts. Companies are “looking for a few special candidates with the right skills and qualities to join their ranks.” Miller says that the following eight tips can set you apart from your competition:

1. Make small talk. Small talk is a good way to learn something about the interviewer. Looking for something to say? Some topics of conversation include sports, front-page news and local events. The idea is keep it light. It’s best to stay clear of expressing political or religious opinions. The goal of small talk is to explore common ground so that interviewers get a sense of your personality.
2. Take notes. Taking occasional notes during an interview tells interviewers that what they are saying is important to…

Please log in or sign up below to read the rest of the article.