This is week 4. Remember to give me a call for free consultation during these 5 weeks.
Did you know, by definition, an INTERVIEW is a conversation between 2 or more parties with the intent to get information? Easy enough – right?
The resume has accomplished step one. You triggered an interest and now they want face time.
With that opportunity the 1st thing you do is get prepared.
Learn as much about the company as you can. There is a wealth of information on their web site and other related links. Research. Research. Research.
Know what they do, how they do it and who their clients are. Know the culture, know the language they speak – The more you know about them the easier it is to market yourself in a way that aligns who you are and what they need. You look smart.
If you have the name of the person(S) doing the interview – look them up on Linkedin. Know about them as well. This is a professional meeting, but being able to personalize it is also a nice touch.
The net take away should be 2 things. Leave them with a feeling that you are intelligent and nice.
How do we do that? Make a human connection. Develop an instant rapport.
The dynamics taking place during the interview are both interesting and very significant.
This is your moment to shine. This is your moment to make an impression.
Listening is as important as talking. I coach my clients to let the interviewer drive, but make sure you navigate from time to time. Tell them when to turn left and right. It’s up to you to keep the conversation on point. This is not about you. Quite the contrary, it’s about them and the needs they have. The question to be answered is, are you the one to fill that need? They will know.
Ask good questions. It exhibits thought and purpose. It illustrates that you have an understanding of who and what they are. It shows an interest – that is key. A good interviewer processes quickly and will see if the symmetry is there.
Some key points:
- Be familiar with your resume. Often that is the roadmap for the interview.
- Have a notebook – nothing wrong with writing things down.
- Have your questions ready. Use the notebook as a reference guide.
- Know your accomplishments – Your value.
- Dress Appropriately
- Avoid negative – Be diplomatic. Be flexible about your schedule for follow up, start date, and do not diss your previous employer(s)
- Never lie! You’ll get caught.
Although many questions are asked, some boiler plate – some not, it’s good to anticipate. That is part of the prep. Think about yourself, the position, the job description, the ‘key words’ describing the position and why are you right for it. These are a few targeted topics that should come up. Remember, you have the opportunity to ask questions as well.
- What are the expectations? Yours and theirs?
- Strengths (Response – Essential skills for the job)
- Weaknesses (Response – Non-essential skills for this job)
- How do you evaluate success?
- What are the challenges? Short term/Long Term Issues – Embrace the opportunity.
- What are the goals for the department?
- Where did your predecessor fall short?
- Reason for leaving your previous job?
- Compensation – Have targets in mind – Flexible is not a good response
- The ‘stump question’. Try and avoid “I don’t know’. Better to respond with, ‘that’s a really good question’. It strokes their ego and will buy you time to process and think about response.
Above all – be yourself. If you project something different – they will recognize it.
And, the final thing – get a business card so you can send a thank you note when done. Email is fine. Snail mail works. Either way – do it right away.