What are the keys to a successful job interview?
There are many folks out there - with fancy titles or impressive letters after their names - who will hand out all sorts of "INTERVIEW ADVICE".
Since I am responsible for choreographing this "employment dance" - in a way that insures the candidates I represent are successful in the interview process --- I figured I may have something to add to this discussion as well.
Here are some things you can do to be INTERVIEW READY:
1- Have a clear understanding of the job you are interviewing for (review the formal job description several times)
2- Research the company - find out about any recent events that may impact the way they are doing business
3- Based on the Job Description...have an idea of what you will be SELLING about yourself that relates most closely to the skills, qualities and experience sought
4- Try to get some insight into the "corporate culture" of the employer...and if possible; the culture of the specific group or division you are meeting with
5- Know EXACTLY where you are going (address, cross streets, floor) and how long it will take you to get there...then give yourself 30 EXTRA MINUTES
Oh...and just in case you were thinking "I sent them my resume - so I don't need to bring a hard copy" ----- YOU NEED TO BRING SEVERAL CLEAN/CRISP COPIES OF YOUR RESUME TO ALL INTERVIEWS! You never know if the person you are meeting printed it out...or received it from HR...and if you will be meeting more than one person. Make it easy for them!
Then there is the OFTEN OVER-CONTEMPLATED..."HOW SHOULD I DRESS?"
DRESS LIKE YOU WANT THE JOB - NOT LIKE YOU ALREADY HAVE IT! It is always better to err on the side of PROFESSIONAL. However, if you are 22 years old - you are not expected to dress like you are 52 years old. Many of the industries I recruit in - require a balance of PROFESSIONAL - YET FASHIONABLE. Lay out several options the night before (not the morning of) and make a choice. When you are wearing something that you feel good in...it impacts the way you carry yourself and the way you communicate!
WHO GETS HIRED & WHY?
This is a question everyone who is exploring new career opportunities SHOULD be asking.
- The person who does the best job of convincing the interviewers/decision makers that they were better qualified for the job than those they were competing against.
- The person who does the better job of CONNECTING or developing chemistry with the people they would be working with/for during the interview process
- History shows me that the candidate who is perceived with the more vibrant, upbeat, flexible personality beats out the more "qualified on paper" candidate who lacks interpersonal savvy
How can I start the interview off on the right note?
Since everything you heard about FIRST IMPRESSIONS is true...this is what you have to do:
- SHOW UP ON TIME
- DRESS APPROPRIATELY
- BRING HI-ENERGY
- HAVE A SMILE ON YOUR FACE
- GIVE A FIRM HANDSHAKE
- ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN EYE CONTACT
"I want to make sure I am taken seriously...or appear professional".
This is the response I get when I ask someone why they seem so STIFF, INTENSE or ROBOTIC!
The bottom line is that ENTHUSIASM IS CONTAGIOUS! You should be bringing a slightly MORE ENERGETIC, ENTHUSIASTIC, version of yourself to an interview. SMILE...convey happiness about WHERE YOU ARE AT NOW...and excitement over the FUTURE possibilities this opportunity may offer.
Thanks for coming in and meeting with me..."Are there any questions you have for me?"
Just in case you were confused --- the answer to that question should never be NO!
In fact; one of the biggest complaints I receive from my clients is that the candidate they interviewed did not have any questions...or at least any thoughtful questions for them!
Here are few SUGGESTIONS:
- Why is the position open?
- How would you describe the culture/personality of the company/group you are interviewing to be a part of?
- What do you feel distinguishes XYZ from your competition?
- What was it about XYZ company that attracted you to join?
- What skills/qualities do you feel are essential to being successful in this role?
QUESTIONS YOU NEED TO AVOID ASKING:
- What is the possibility for advancement? Could be a RED FLAG that you are already looking past the job you are interviewing for and your timeframe for advancement may be quicker than theirs!
-What is a typical day like? Are there really any TYPICAL days? You will get a feel for that from the collective interview process and from meeting potential peers.
- Do you offer formal training? It sounds innocent enough - but unless you are interviewing for a TRAINING PROGRAM...you can assume you will get to "shadow someone" and receive a brief orientation. the company does not want you to fail. However, that question could make them view you as NEEDY. Not an attractive quality!
I could go on and on...but I think this info should serve as sort of an overview --- an INTERVIEWING 101 - if you will!
If all that CONTENT is too much to read or remember - just remember this: BE PREPARED, BRING HIGH ENERGY, BE POSITIVE, APPEAR HAPPY, SHOW A BALANCE OF CONFIDENCE & HUMILITY...AND MAKE SURE YOU CONVEY YOUR INTEREST!
"Let me tell you dudes what I do to protect this - I shoot at you actors like movie Directors...this ain't a movie, dog!" - JAY-Z
Since I am responsible for choreographing this "employment dance" - in a way that insures the candidates I represent are successful in the interview process --- I figured I may have something to add to this discussion as well.
Here are some things you can do to be INTERVIEW READY:
1- Have a clear understanding of the job you are interviewing for (review the formal job description several times)
2- Research the company - find out about any recent events that may impact the way they are doing business
3- Based on the Job Description...have an idea of what you will be SELLING about yourself that relates most closely to the skills, qualities and experience sought
4- Try to get some insight into the "corporate culture" of the employer...and if possible; the culture of the specific group or division you are meeting with
5- Know EXACTLY where you are going (address, cross streets, floor) and how long it will take you to get there...then give yourself 30 EXTRA MINUTES
Oh...and just in case you were thinking "I sent them my resume - so I don't need to bring a hard copy" ----- YOU NEED TO BRING SEVERAL CLEAN/CRISP COPIES OF YOUR RESUME TO ALL INTERVIEWS! You never know if the person you are meeting printed it out...or received it from HR...and if you will be meeting more than one person. Make it easy for them!
Then there is the OFTEN OVER-CONTEMPLATED..."HOW SHOULD I DRESS?"
DRESS LIKE YOU WANT THE JOB - NOT LIKE YOU ALREADY HAVE IT! It is always better to err on the side of PROFESSIONAL. However, if you are 22 years old - you are not expected to dress like you are 52 years old. Many of the industries I recruit in - require a balance of PROFESSIONAL - YET FASHIONABLE. Lay out several options the night before (not the morning of) and make a choice. When you are wearing something that you feel good in...it impacts the way you carry yourself and the way you communicate!
WHO GETS HIRED & WHY?
This is a question everyone who is exploring new career opportunities SHOULD be asking.
- The person who does the best job of convincing the interviewers/decision makers that they were better qualified for the job than those they were competing against.
- The person who does the better job of CONNECTING or developing chemistry with the people they would be working with/for during the interview process
- History shows me that the candidate who is perceived with the more vibrant, upbeat, flexible personality beats out the more "qualified on paper" candidate who lacks interpersonal savvy
How can I start the interview off on the right note?
Since everything you heard about FIRST IMPRESSIONS is true...this is what you have to do:
- SHOW UP ON TIME
- DRESS APPROPRIATELY
- BRING HI-ENERGY
- HAVE A SMILE ON YOUR FACE
- GIVE A FIRM HANDSHAKE
- ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN EYE CONTACT
"I want to make sure I am taken seriously...or appear professional".
This is the response I get when I ask someone why they seem so STIFF, INTENSE or ROBOTIC!
The bottom line is that ENTHUSIASM IS CONTAGIOUS! You should be bringing a slightly MORE ENERGETIC, ENTHUSIASTIC, version of yourself to an interview. SMILE...convey happiness about WHERE YOU ARE AT NOW...and excitement over the FUTURE possibilities this opportunity may offer.
Thanks for coming in and meeting with me..."Are there any questions you have for me?"
Just in case you were confused --- the answer to that question should never be NO!
In fact; one of the biggest complaints I receive from my clients is that the candidate they interviewed did not have any questions...or at least any thoughtful questions for them!
Here are few SUGGESTIONS:
- Why is the position open?
- How would you describe the culture/personality of the company/group you are interviewing to be a part of?
- What do you feel distinguishes XYZ from your competition?
- What was it about XYZ company that attracted you to join?
- What skills/qualities do you feel are essential to being successful in this role?
QUESTIONS YOU NEED TO AVOID ASKING:
- What is the possibility for advancement? Could be a RED FLAG that you are already looking past the job you are interviewing for and your timeframe for advancement may be quicker than theirs!
-What is a typical day like? Are there really any TYPICAL days? You will get a feel for that from the collective interview process and from meeting potential peers.
- Do you offer formal training? It sounds innocent enough - but unless you are interviewing for a TRAINING PROGRAM...you can assume you will get to "shadow someone" and receive a brief orientation. the company does not want you to fail. However, that question could make them view you as NEEDY. Not an attractive quality!
I could go on and on...but I think this info should serve as sort of an overview --- an INTERVIEWING 101 - if you will!
If all that CONTENT is too much to read or remember - just remember this: BE PREPARED, BRING HIGH ENERGY, BE POSITIVE, APPEAR HAPPY, SHOW A BALANCE OF CONFIDENCE & HUMILITY...AND MAKE SURE YOU CONVEY YOUR INTEREST!
"Let me tell you dudes what I do to protect this - I shoot at you actors like movie Directors...this ain't a movie, dog!" - JAY-Z
