Winning the Interview Game
by Alan Nierenberg

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface

Acknowledgments

Part I:
Let the Game Begin: The Preparation
Chapter 1 Prepare for Perfection: Before the Interview

• How Susan Got the Interview
• Rules of the Game
• Game Preparation
• Behavior-Based Interviewing
• The Vignette Strategy
• Elevator Drill
• Do I Ask Questions?
• Practice, Practice, Practice

Part II:
Game Plan: Interview Strategies and Tactics
Chapter 2 Find an Opening Connection - Establish Rapport

• View from Behind the Desk of the Vice President - Human Resources
• The Morning of the Interview The Moment of Truth
• Establishing Rapport

Chapter 3 Meander Through the Middle: Bulging with Questions

• Power of Perception
• Use of Preparation Knowledge
• Facing an Experienced Interviewer
• The Inexperienced Interviewer
• A Discouraging Interviewer
• Illegal Questions
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Neutralize the Age Issue
• Big Company Small
• Frequent Job Changers
• Changing Industries
• Long-Term Unemployment
• Overqualified
• The Interview Game Continues

Chapter 4 End with a Lasting Impression: Any Interviewer, Any Venue

• The Beginning of the End
• You Want to Know My Salary?
• Request for References
• Document the Interview
• Thank-You Note
• Waiting for Feedback
• Other First-Time Interviewers
• Other Game Formats

Chapter 5 Differentiate Yourself - Second and Subsequent Interviews

• Focus
• A Second Interview
• Competitive Intelligence
• How to Use Competitive Intelligence
• Differentiation Techniques
• Susan’s Second Interview

Part III:
Winning Move - Enjoy the Moment
Chapter 6 Negotiate Final Hurdles - The End Game

• Reference checking
• Receiving an offer
• Picking a Start Date
• Due Diligence
• Background Check
• Personality Tests
• Susan Is Still in the Game
• Transition from Interviewee to Employee
• Prepare for the Next Interview Game

Appendix

Bibliography

Index