Dear Dr. George:

I read your column. Thank you for your advice. Do you remember your column about writing the perfect resume and cover letter? I tried your technique and was shocked to get a call from the company I had written. Now I have to go to the interview and need some good tips. What is the best way to approach this interview?

Signed,

IN THE DOOR

Dear IN THE DOOR:

I do not know that this column will reach you in time, but perhaps it can help others like yourself.

One of the first issues you must address in getting ready for an interview is your brand. You may find it strange that companies invest heavily in promoting the brand of their products, but many people who interview are unaware that they even need a brand.

Creating a brand for yourself is easy and includes three parts: your name, a brief summation of your assets and some statement about your values. For example, you could have a brand statement like this: “I am Dora Koury, who specializes in creating quality art design for marketing companies. I am a team player and am experienced in helping the company I work for reach its goals.”

Notice that in two brief sentences you summed up what you will bring to a company. Most interviewers are seeking something to remember a candidate by. By having a brand that is no more than two sentences long, you can imprint an impression much more quickly than if you are not focused.

Sometimes a clever interviewer will ask the question: “Tell me, who is Dora Koury?” Some people are not prepared for this. Your brand readiness should help you knock this question out of the park.

There is another trick that interviewers use on candidates. It is called the “silence technique.” All of a sudden in the interview, they will go mute. It will disarm you, as you are expecting a question. The surprising silence will likely cause you to start rambling, as you feel insecure about the silence treatment. Your rambling during the silence is just what the interviewer wants you to do. I have known some people to start saying things during the silence treatment that eventually cost them a job.

If the interviewer gives you a long pause, don’t talk! Wait for the question. Publilius Syrus once said, “Let a fool hold his tongue and he will pass for a sage.” Good luck. Let me know if you get the job. Write me at [email protected], and I will share your success with our University readers.

Dr. George Abraham is a business consultant author of “The Seven Deadly Work Sins Against the Golden Rule. He also formally served as an adjunct professor at Hofstra. Email confidential questions for advice to [email protected].