Job Tips: How to Have a Successful Interview in a Tough Economy

There is lots of information out there with tips on how to get that job you want and have a successful interview. From etiquette to questions, it's no secret that the interview is critical and how you are able to establish relational connections, quickly determines whether you will be shortly employed, or back to the classifieds the next day.

But times are different now. With the unemployment rate reaching new highs, it's no longer an employee market. The employer now has all the power and choice and they are recognizing it. Many companies are clearing out their staff of high salaries and unwanted positions to ensure economic stability in these tough times. Often, these people cuts are blamed on budget cuts which is most often true, but we also know there are companies that are firing and hiring just because they can and are drooling about the fact the competition just let go some key staff.

So here at My Perfect Economy we have tapped the experience of some of our partner companies who are proactively interviewing for new positions daily. Take heed to this advice because it may mean all the difference!

Let's start off by saying never use the word "job" to begin with. This is especially true if you are interviewing for a corporate position in an established company. The word job has a certain sting to it and has cheapened the market. Employers are looking for professionals who use the words, "employment," "position," and "opportunity." This may seem insignificant but trust us, it does have an effect and some HR managers and recruiters just can't stand the word. So try to avoid it.

Do not tell your interviewer that you have applied for the position because there is nothing else available. Everybody already knows there are less jobs than ever before. Sounding desperate will not help you. It will actually create doubt because an employer does not want to feel like you are going to jump ship as soon as someone offers you a better deal. Yes, the reality is you may still be constantly applying to other companies, but that doesn't mean you have to let it hurt your current means of income.

Do share the fact that you recognize that it's a tough employment market right now. Also articulate that you are willing to be flexible with your compensation and appreciate the opportunity to work your way through the organization. This is the professional way of saying, "I know you can't pay me what I really want (or am used to) now, but I am willing to work hard to get there." The fact is if you were paid $25 an hour at your previous corporation that laid off the entire department, there is no way you will be making anything close now. Applicants often take for granted that employers fully understand the current going compensation rates for positions they are trying to fill. If you demand higher then that going rate, you are considered unrealistic and that will hurt you.

Remember you have competition, and in tough times with hundreds of qualified applicants scrapping their way to the same position, the winner is often the lowest bidder. Which brings us to the last and probably most important point.

How much you can or cannot get paid in a tough economy is completely your responsibility. When the economy was cresting and peaking, let's get real, our standards of living saw the benefit. People bought bigger homes and felt they could afford nicer things and took on greater expenses.

Going to a potential employer saying that you cannot work for anything less than your previous standard of living costs will put you in a bad spot quickly. The one who understands how this all works and last month moved back into their parent's basement or sold their home to cut down on a mortgage payment, will win. If you are willing to take responsibility and make it as easy as possible to employ you when it comes to expected compensation, then a company will always be willing to take a chance. And if they are smart and you prove to be a competent employee, will most likely be more than happy to increase your wages later.

Making yourself employable by cutting your personal expenses and wage requirements is a great place to start when looking for work. We know it's tough and there are many who are having their ideals and dreams of finding that perfect job shattered. But think of it this way; those who are able to prove they have what it takes to navigate the lows, will be truly valued and rewarded during the highs.

One thing is for certain, a bad market has an interesting way of revealing our character and personal resilience through challenging times. And funny enough, these are the exact same qualities that employers are really looking for.
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