The way things are going with the economy no doubt a great number of people will be out job hunting and the competition for any individual position will increase.  One of the best suggestions that I can offer you is to take the perspective of the recruiter and interview panel, and try to make their job a little easier.  You can do this by stating in your resume or as appropriate, being prepared to explain in an interview the answers to the following frequently asked questions (FAQ’s):

1. The employer will want to know if you have the skills necessary for the job you are applying for.  If you do have the skills, are they current or were they used several years ago?  Make sure your training and experience is easy to access in your résumé, and be prepared to give further details in an interview.  Either your background will satisfy their need or it won’t, but don’t get passed over because there was not enough information to screen you in.
2. The employer will want to know if you have stayed at previous employers for a reasonable amount of time (2-4 years) or have you jumped around every year? If you have jumped around, be ready with valid reasons for doing so; OR in the other case…
3. Have you been at your current employer for too long (6+ years)? If so, they may think that you will be very resistant to actually leaving (even if you say otherwise).  The new employer may also be concerned that you will jump ship as soon as the former employer calls back workers from a layoff.  You need to be proactive to minimize any concerns the hiring manager my have.
4. Is the job local? If not, explain what your expectations are concerning relocation.  To be in the best position you should at least by the interview, be able to describe a well thought out strategy regarding relocation.  The way they see it is if you are reluctant to commit to the local, you will be reluctant to commit to the job.
5. When you are in an interview situation you can’t know if your personality will click with the hiring manager, or if you will be their ideal candidate.  But, you can take control regarding the communication skills you demonstrate, and be prepared with a strong presentation. In any case, it is important that you sound confident, trustworthy, and proud of your accomplishments, without arrogance.  I realize that is no easy feat.
6. Be sure to meet the question head on as to whether this position will be a step up for you.  If not, you need to explain why you would go to a new organization for a step down or sideways.
7. Do you have a valid reason for leaving (more responsibilities, not able to expand your skills, unstable company)?  If it is a questionable or week reason it is understandable that the employer may not want to put out the effort to negotiate with you if they think you will be swayed when it comes time to walk into your boss’s office and quit.  And related to this, a hiring manager will generally want you to be able to come to a decision within 24 hours of making the offer.  If you can’t do that don’t interview for the job. 

The last suggestion I want to make is not a question to prepare for, but rather how you go about presenting your background information.  Make your life sound interesting.  Most interviewers have short attention spans, and many are often preoccupied with what they are going to ask you when you finish answering their current question.

I have mentioned this recently, every one loves to hear a story.  So, rather than just presenting dry factual information, bring the interviewer into your life a little by telling a story.  You will stand out in their mind because gave them a break from the boredom and for an entertaining moment they will have identified with you by seeing themselves in your story. 

One technique you can use to do this is to divide your career into several two-minute career chapters, each with a beginning, a middle, and an end.  Each chapter story should segue neatly into the next chapter, and each chapter should lend itself to a stand-alone line of interview questions, such as “What was your biggest failure at ___, what did you learn from that failure, and how did you apply those lessons in the future?” 

I hope you find this useful when you interview for a Riverside County job in the Desert… let me know if it worked for you.  If it does... you owe me a cup of coffee, at the downtown PS Starbucks.