You got the call, your interview time and day is set. You have done your homework about the company. Your (ONE page) resume is printed and ready to go. It’s the night before, now what?!
Does your car have gas? If no, either go fill up or plan to leave early in order to stop and still arrive early!
Set your alarm, don’t leave waking up on time to chance. Pull out and, if necessary, iron your outfit.
Make sure you have your ID, a notepad (with all your questions prewritten of course), a working pen (and a spare) with copies of your resume ready. If you are currently working, make sure you have made arrangements at your current employer. (Until you get a new job and have given proper notice you still have responsibilities to your current employer)
Get a good night sleep…
In the morning – shower. Ok, so maybe that is obvious but this is your first impression and you only get one chance. Use deodorant but dont go overboard with perfume, in fact, I prefer solid perfume (Find some here) that is easily put on pulse points but not overwhelming.
Once you arrive and you are waiting for the interviewer be sure to acknowledge others that walk through the lobby – they may be future coworkers, or even the CEO.
Remember to shake hands, like you mean it, and let the interviewer know of a preferred name if you go by something informal. (Bob/Robert, Tess/Teresa, Becki/Rebecca)
The magic of interviewing is when it feels more like a conversation than a forced Spanish Inquisition. Offer a printed copy of your resume, let them know if anything has changed since you applied for the position. They will probably ask you to run through a brief history – brief is the key word here – start with your current position and work your way backwards. Highlight the key accomplishments, leadership development, and any other major notables. For example, if you lead a team of 15 and 2 of those associates were promoted that is something to highlight. If you were the lead on a major project that stayed on time and budget it may be a a good subject to bring up. If you developed or implemented a significant business change that may also be notable. Interviewers will interrupt you if they are interested to know additional specific info so give enough detail that it creates additional interest.
Do not, I repeat do not, at any time bad mouth a previous employer. If you had a difference of option on direction or personality and that was reason for leaving it is ok to mention with tact but it is not professional to bash another company. Certainly, everyone has non negotiables that they expect but it’s best not to air dirty laundry.
Once you get to the point in the interview where they start asking you detailed questions many will begin with “describe”, “tell me about”, “can you give me an example of…” This is a cue that they are looking for specific information; not general statements.
Here is an example:
Q: Can you tell me about a time when you had to lead a team through change?
A(1): I am great at change. My last company was always changing and adding new things. We just ensured to communicate as much as possible.
A(2): In my role at ADE co. I was responsible for rolling out a change in our recruiting platform. The first thing I did was aligned a team to assess the needs of the new technology. Then I worked with a team of 5 to create a stakeholder analysis to determine who would be impacted by the change. Then I determined a timeline and communication plan for those stakeholders. Further, I led a team that designed the training and implementation plan. We were able to implement the new platform with few roadblocks because we had integrated comments along the way. Currently, that company is still utilizing the new system.
Note how these two responses are different. The first doesn’t give any example, just boasts how great the applicant is with change. (Most common answer – Not good, not good at all) The second is better, it identified the situation (changing recruiting playform) the action(s) taken by the candidate (utilized common change tools to assess and implement) and the outcome (still using the system). Every question where you are asked for a specific should follow this format. Stay away from absolutes “I always…”, “I never…” as they create skepticism.
Sometimes interviewers ask questions about your future preferences. The age old “Where would you like to see yourself in five years?” is still common. These questions are designed to make you think and determine if you have authenticity and the ability to articulate what your future goals are. So, take the time to think about what you want for your future. It will change the way you look at jobs, companies and help you to find ways to accomplish those goals.
As you come towards the end of the interview you will get an opportunity to ask questions. Ask at least one question. Unless, of course, during the interview you realize you really dislike the company, the hiring manager and do not want a job offer. Here are some questions you can use as thought starters:
What does a day in the life of “xyz position” look like?
What are the typical hours for this position?
What does training for this position entail?
Does the company have a tuition reimbursement program?
What is your leadership style?
What is your preferred communication style?
Can you describe the culture of the organization?
What are the next steps in the process?
When the interview comes to a close thank the interviewer for their time. Express your excitement about being considered. Shake their hand.
Send a thank you note. Preferably a handwritten card, but if you must send an email at least make sure you don’t send the same note to each person you interviewed with at the same company.
Other side notes:
1) Use different examples if you have multiple interviews.
2) If the company uses someone outside the local company to schedule the interview – follow up with them after the interview.
3) You’re goal is to get an offer, from there you can determine if the position is the right one for you.
4) Always give a 2 week notice. Always. If they don’t accept it that’s ok, but you should offer.
5) Smiling is the best accessory you own.