Posted under Career Management, Interviewing on August 20th, 2007
Feeling overwhelmed with the interview process? You’ve read all the books, practiced the “right” responses but still haven’t felt good about the way you’ve performed in an interview. If that’s been your experience, you’re not alone.
Interviewing has never been more challenging as companies are increasingly using tough “think-on-your-feet” behavioral questions. You can’t find the “right” answer to a behavioral question in a book. So how do you go into an interview feeling prepared?
To help my clients with this dilemma, I developed a model I tagged the “RSP” Model. The acronym is a bit “hokie” sounding, but it’s fairly easy to remember the acronym, just think of RSVP without the V. The important thing is to remember the three basic themes that the letters represent. If you use this as your guide, no matter what question is directed to you, you’ll be able to answer on target.
To cover these three critical components, make sure your responses to every interview question are:
- Relevant - to the job you are applying for,
Specific - with details showing scope and backed up by an example if possible,- Positive - turn around any negative question into a positive, ALWAYS end on a positive note.
The last thing you say for each question is what sticks in the interviewer’s mind, so use the opportunity to close with a statement that reflects why you are excited about the job and are a fit for the position.
If you would like more information about the RSP Model, with sample questions and responses, send an email to jfranke1@bellsouth.net . A short summary of the process can be found in the October 24, 2005 QuintZine , an online publication of Quintessential Careers.
Posted by Julianne Franke.
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