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Home > Jobing Community Blogs > Blog Post: Overcoming Career Liabil...
Blog Post: Overcoming Career Liabilities
posted Tuesday, October 14, 2008 6:32 AM
Last week I introduced the concept of ARQS, a subtle approach to responding to career liabilities when in an interview. This week I would like to provide you some examples in the use of the ARQS methodology.
ACKNOWLEDGE First you have to let the interviewer know that he has communicated and that you understand why the perceived liability might be a problem. Do not argue about the validity of the point raised or contend that it is not important for the job you are seeking. This is the positive first step which sets the stage for you to turn a negative around and actually gain points for yourself:
In some situations you can end the issue right then and there with a simple acknowledgement. You must differentiate a genuine concern from a passing comment. Concerns need to be addressed. Comments need to be clarified. REDIRECT After you have set a positive tone by acknowledging the interviewer’s concern, you must determine the underlying reason for the question. What is the job-related negative that is really being raised? Most questions about credentials, work history or past problems are directly linked to concerns about your performance on the job. Sometimes, however, they reflect the interviewer’s personal preferences or corporate culture. Before you can deal with these questions you must understand the reality that you must address.
QUALIFY Offering the interviewer a chance to confirm your understanding of the problem is really a subtle way of directing attention to areas where you can respond positively. Most interviewers will choose one of the alternatives that you present as the topic of further discussion. Even when they have other concerns, you still have an opportunity to guide the interview into an area where you can show your skill and abilities to best advantage.
SATISFY All your work thus far has been pointed to this opportunity. Now you can use an Accomplishment from your past to demonstrate how you have been effective in past situations. Your Accomplishment story should end with a recap which reinforces the reality-qualification link you established earlier. EXAMPLE 1 Interviewer “I see from you resume that you don’t have an MBA.” (Problem/Concern) Your Response “I can appreciate your concern in that area. (Acknowledgement/Redirect) Many people see an MBA as evidence of strong analytical skills and a bottom-line orientation. Is that your perception?” Interviewer “Yes, the job requires a lot of financial analysis.” Your Response “If I could demonstrate my experience in financial analysis, would that help to show you that I have the skills to be effective in this position?” Interviewer “I didn’t know that your background included that.” Your Response “Yes, when I was at (Satisfy with an Accomplishment story from your past)…” The ARQS concept is designed to shift the point of focus and, in doing so, redirect the emphasis to skills, talents and capabilities which are unique to your “package” and give you added-value. Bear in mind, there is nothing unethical about “de-emphasizing perceived weaknesses.” However, you must guard against any direct falsification for it will instantly destroy your credibility.
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About This Author
About Me
Dan is the CEO/Founder of CareerCampaigns, an online business venue connecting job candidates with Florida employers. Previously he was CEO of a human capital consulting firm that worked exclusively in the areas of transition and executive search.
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Even to people I know have been layed off also, still ask the question.
I try to point out that the number and varity of jobs is an asset, that I am flexible and adaptable.
How can anyone, still have a "work for the gold watch" mentality, in this day and age?