Pity the Poor Interviewer is the conversation executive coach Judy Rosemarin recently sparked among members in ExecuNet's Job Search Roundtable, reminding candidates to see the interview from another perspective.

"All too often we interview and try to 'sell ourselves' into the position, or worse, try to take control of an interview. However, are we really focused on what concerns the interviewer has?" asks Judy. "They have huge responsibilities in making the right decision or avoiding making the wrong one. On your next interview, see how you can take care of their anxieties by taking care of their needs, wants, desires, hopes, wishes instead of yours," she suggests.

Often, the candidate who gets the offer is the one who forges the best connection with the interviewer, so it's a career imperative to establish rapport, while also assuaging concerns about whether you can do the job. Jerry McGrath, partner at Caldwell Partners and formerly from Korn/Ferry International, says the candidate should use the interview to demonstrate who they are — not what they know.

Interviewers, particularly those who aren't in HR, can appear nervous because there aren't highly skilled in interviewing, and one ExecuNet member advises candidates to approach the interview like a sales call. "What's in it for them? Ask questions to gain information but to also draw them out."

Here’s some more business insight we’ve collected for you to help you advance in your current role, find a new one, gain expert advice and learn what’s happening in the marketplace:

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July’s Jobs Report Shows Hiring Pickup but Economic "Swirl" and Uncertainty Continues
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The blog posts that keep on giving:
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What You Said: Leadership
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When Bad Interviews Happen to Good Candidates

Robyn Greenspan
Robyn Greenspan is ExecuNet's Chief Content Officer, where she is responsible for setting and driving the editorial content engagement strategy across the private business network's publications and expert-led programming. She is also a Huffington Post blogger. You can follow her on Twitter @RobynGreenspan

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