Cheat Codes

Closing the Interview: Tips to Seal the Deal

You've done all the hard work, and it's time to seal the deal. Closing an interview effectively can make an average interview become a standout performance. Unfortunately, the reverse is also true. By not closing the interview effectively, you can make the best of interviews seem average. The final few minutes are crucial and you don't want to blow it by saying the wrong thing on your way out the door. To leave a good impression with the interviewer, your final words and gestures should be enthusiastic and confident.

Are you unsure how to close a job interview? Take your cue from the interviewer. During the interview, pay attention not only to what the interviewer says but also to how they say it. Notice their body language, tone of voice and level of formality, and tailor your closing remarks accordingly. There's one exception to this rule—regardless of the interviewer's demeanor, always be confident. Look them directly in the eye when speaking. Thank them by name and firmly shake their hand when saying goodbye.

The JO's Guide to Getting Out

Do Your References Check Out?

What Kind of Salary Can I Expect?

Military Transition Division Salary Survey The following salary survey includes data for candidates placed by Lucas Group's Military Transition Division between October 1, 2005 and September 30, 2006

How does your military pay stack up on the outside?

Behavioral-Based Interviewing Is the Future: Are You Ready?

The main premise behind behavioral interviewing is that the most accurate predictor of future performance is past performance in similar situations. Behavioral interviewing, in fact, is said to be 55 percent predictive of future on-the-job behavior, while traditional interviewing is only 10 percent predictive.

Behavioral-based interviewing is touted as providing a more objective set of facts to make employment decisions than other interviewing methods. In a traditional setting, the interviewer may say, "Tell me about yourself."  You can usually get away with telling the interviewer what he or she wants to hear, even if you're fudging a bit on the truth. Even if you're asked situational questions such as, "How would you handle X, Y, Z situation?" you have minimal accountability. How does the interviewer know, after all, that if you'd react as you say you would?

Getting Out: Greener Pastures?

Those of you fighting the war or supporting military operations clearly have a lot on your shoulders and on your minds. But sometimes in the midst of personal and collective risk it's time to think about what you're going to do with your life next. The notion of "greener pastures" comes to mind. How could it not?

"Greener pastures" usually means "fun" alternatives to our present reality, like being a beach bum or working a cushy 9 to 5 job with no major problems or responsibilities.

Top 10 Myths of the Civilian World

I resigned my commission after serving four years as a SWO. I had started counting down the days I had left in the Navy at the two-year point, and it is safe to say I had a bad case of "the grass is greener" syndrome. At the time of my resignation in 1999, the MILPERSMAN said I could submit my letter of resignation anytime up to a year from the date of resignation, and I submitted mine one year to the day. My letter specifically said I was looking for a better quality of life outside the Navy.