So, now that you hava dazzled them on your phone interview, you need to start preparing for the face to face interview.
Yes, I said that right. “Prepare” for the face to face interview. If I can leave you with one piece of advice, it would be to ALWAYS prepare for an interview…much like you would study before taking a test.
Here are some interviewing tips that I share with my candidates. Some of them may sound a little off the wall (like, “Who would be emotional in an interview?”), but they are all based on challenges I have encountered since becoming a recruiter.
Open the interview with a simple statement – “I would like for you to describe the position and, ideally, the type of person who would be a perfect fit for the role.”
Have a copy of your resume and notes in front of you to jot down notes and highlight specific examples on your resume. Use the answer as your guideline for the interview. Focus on the skills and experience you have that directly relate to the “ideal” person.
Yes, And….
Most interviewers ask direct questions. If your answer is “Yes”, then expand upon it. Site specific examples of when you have done this or worked with something similar. It will help to improve their confidence in your ability and will allow you to uncover even more about your past employment experiences that may be relevant to the position.
No, But….
Consequently, if your answer is “No”, then always follow up with a “But…I have” and site something similar to what they are asking. So, no, you might not have extensive experience with ABC software but you have been in situations before where you were asked to use a specific piece of software that was unfamiliar and was able to master it by taking initiative and playing with it on your off time or because you have a high aptitude for learning new things. However you do it, my point is to never answer with just a “No”.
Only ask job related questions during the interview.
NEVER raise the issue of compensation or benefits or anything that is not directly related to the job. If you do, it becomes clear to the prospective employer that your primary interest is “what’s in it for you”, and not the job opportunity. Keep the focus of the interview on your skills and not the benefits of the job. If you are working with a recruiter, like me, ask those questions of me, and I will ask the client for you when the time is right.
To keep you on track on the types of questions you need to be asking, the following are a few sample questions that you might want to use:
1. What are some of the objectives you would like to see accomplished in this job?
2. What is most pressing? What would you like to have done in the next 3 months?
3. What are some of the long term objectives you would like to see completed?
4. What are some of the more difficult problems one would have to face in this position?
5. What significant changes do you foresee in the near future?
6. How is one evaluated in this position?
7. What accounts for success within the company?
Think of the highlights (i.e. special projects, etc…) of your career that are relevant to the job and that you want to convey to your prospective employer.
Write them down. If they are not covered in the normal line of questioning, make sure that you talk about them when the line of questioning is opened up to you.
Look over the job description and cite relative work experience for each qualification.
The whole point of the job interview is to show how you are not only qualified for this position, but are the employer’s best choice. Yes, you may have experience with Excel, but mentioning how you have created a spreadsheet with specialized functions and macros that help to improve efficiency puts a whole new spin on it.
If the interviewer gets off of the subject (especially with technical war stories), try to bring him back to the interview with your skills as the focus.
There are many times when we are debriefing the candidate and they said that the interview seemed really easy and they thought that they did well. However, when we talk to the client, they say, “Well, I really liked him as a person, but I’m not sure he is right for the job. Can I see someone else?” It may not have been your fault that he started telling you about when he was in your role way back when, but you need to try and reel the manager back in when he gets too far off course. Otherwise, you will have spent your entire interview talking about him, not you. Say something like, “I have experienced something similar when I…” to get the focus back to you.
Never talk negatively about a current or previous employer.
Talking negatively about a former or current employer or company is perhaps the ultimate interview offense. If you air dirty laundry about your current or previous company or boss, then the prospective employer perceives it as you’ll probably do the same thing to them. Even if you’re convinced your boss is a felon, stick to your own accomplishments and the resulting performance when discussing your situation.
9. Never convey sensitive information about a current or previous employer.
Please do not share any information about your present or past employer that can be perceived as sensitive (i.e. upcoming buyouts, organizational changes, etc…). Many private companies are EXTREMELY sensitive about employees sharing proprietary information during an interview for fear that you would do the same to them and leak information vital to their success and/or competitive edge. Plead ignorance or cite ethics for not answering direct questions that may reveal sensitive information about your current or previous employer(s).
10. Ask for the job or convey your sincere interest in the position at the close of the interview (if you still want it by the end of the interview).
Finally, if you still want the job after interviewing, ask for it. One of the biggest blunders that people make is not conveying their enthusiasm for the position. Tell the client how, after this interview, you are even more convinced that this job is the perfect fit for your skills and background and affords you the opportunity for career growth and development. Tell them that you are looking forward to working with them in this role and growing with XYZ Company. Remember…”Ask, and you shall receive” may actually make the difference between you and another candidate.
I hope that you can use some of these tips on your next interview. Stay tuned for my next blog, negotiating the offer.
Best of Luck on Your Job Seach!
Diane
