10 Things You Should Do in an Interview (Part II)

This is a continuation of Part I.  Here is number 6 of the Things You Should Do in an Interview:

6.  Be Proactive – Ask Questions!

This is one of the most critical steps to interview success!  It is commonplace for most interviewees to sit back and let the interviewer control and guide the interview.  The interviewer, typically, asks an opening question, such as “Tell Me About Yourself”, and then focuses on the details of the resume asking question after question.  The standard interview is a one-sided grilling in which you, the interviewee, only ask the bulk of your questions at the end.

Being proactive means “to intervene or control”.  Do you believe that you can be proactive and actually intervene and control an interview?  The simple, and yet challenging answer is “YES”!  We assume that the interviewer is well trained and well skilled in interviewing – WRONG (much of the time)!  We assume that the interviewer is enthusiastic and confident about conducting the interview – WRONG (much of the time)!  Most interviewers are not trained or skilled, and most do not enjoy conducting interviews.  They are programmed to ask certain questions and to rely on your resume and your responses to guide the interview.  They usually have so many other seemingly more important things to do that the interview is a major inconvenience to their daily work.  Plus, hiring a new employee will help them later, and not now when they have so much to do.  Many do not enjoy the interaction with strangers.  Many do understand the importance of the hiring decision, and they are, therefore, concerned about making a bad decision.

So, do not assume anything, and do not leave the interview in the hands of the interviewer.  You do have the ability and the right to change the course in a more productive and mutually beneficial way.

Start by stating that you are looking forward to the conversation and that to help both of you focus on the relevant aspects of your background and how it fits with their needs and the position, you would like to get some more information.  In this way, you will be able to share with the interviewer what is most of interest and importance to them.  Then, ask 3 sets of questions (ask them in your own words):

1.     What will I be doing in this position?  (What are the daily responsibilities, what other situations will arise, and what special projects might be assigned?)  Notice that you are using the word, “I” which puts you in the middle of the conversation.

2.    What are you looking for?  (What experience, skills, education, etc. are most important to you?)  Do not assume that you know what the interviewer is looking for based on a job posting, job description or other source.  Get it directly from the person with whom you are speaking.  The priorities will vary depending on who is interviewing you – e.g., the HR Rep, the hiring manager, the VP/Director, other peers, and other functions within the company.

3.    What are your expectations of me, after 3 months, 6 months, 1 year? (How will you measure my performance?  How will you and I know that I am meeting and exceeding your expectations?)

These 3 sets of questions will give you a lot more information than you started with.  It will allow the interviewer to speak (and relax) and explain to you their perspective and their priorities.  It will change the interview from a grilling session into a 2-way discussion!  You will engage the interviewer in a more interesting and stimulating discussion instead of the 1-way interview process they typically experience.  The interviewer will remember the positive experience of your meeting, which will set you apart from others.

Now, you know what you will be doing, what they’re looking for, and how you will be evaluated. Now, you can speak in a more focused and relevant manner, and explain by examples, how you match the position, and why you are interested.

With all this information, you will be in a much better position to answer the difficult questions such as, “What are your 3 strengths?”, “Give me an example when …”, “How would you handle as situation when …”, “Why should I hire you?”, “Are you interested?” and so on…  I will address how to answer tough interview questions in later blog posts.

A client of mine who had not interviewed for 17 years was extremely fearful prior to his upcoming interview.  I prepped him with this proactive approach, and he did exactly what I had coached him to do.  He returned from the interview with such excitement and confidence!  He shared that he asked the 3 questions upfront, and that the interviewer engaged in a 2-way conversation with him throughout.  Instead of my client feeling fearful and uneasy, he gained confidence, and was able to articulate how he matched the needs of the position.  And, best of all, he got the job!

To be continued …

For Part I, please go to: https://careerspecialist1.wordpress.com/2010/12/06/10-things-you-should-do-in-an-interview-part-i/

10 Things You Should Do in an Interview (Part I)

The goals of the interview are to learn as much as you can about the responsibilities and requirements of the position, to get a good offer, and to decide if you can do the job well and are interested in the job.

Here are the first 5 of 10 Things You Should Do in an Interview:

1.  Know Yourself!

Do a thorough self-assessment to know your career/work values, your interests, your strengths, and your relevant experience, accomplishments, education/training, etc.  You are there to explain to the interviewer how you match what they are looking for.  You are also there to find out if the job is a match.

2.  Know the Company!

Do thorough research of the company – financial picture, products/services, divisions/subsidiaries, locations, history, culture, and recent/current news.  There is no excuse not to know what is happening with the company – are they merging, acquiring another company, being acquired, laying off workers, introducing a new product, etc?  Learn as much as you can about the department including the structure, culture, and growth opportunity, the hiring manager, and the position (responsibilities and requirements).  Of course, read what you can on the website, but also search the news, and most importantly, tap into your network.

Know the dress code, and dress appropriately.  Rule of thumb is to dress one level better than their standard dress code (better to be over-dressed than under-dressed).

3.  Practice, Practice, Practice!

Practice questions you are going to ask, and questions you may be asked.  Do not memorize your responses – you will not be genuine.  After doing your research, you can anticipate what the company is looking for, and what you will most likely be asked.  Prepare your accomplishment stories to give examples of your relevant experience and skills, and the contributions you made in your previous work.  They hire you mostly for what you have already accomplished, and not typically on your “abilities”, unless you are being hired for an entry level position.  Better to share the facts about your successful performance record, than to share your opinions about how good of a worker you think you are.

4.  Know How to Get to the Interview and Arrive Early!

Know exactly where the interview is taking place, where to park, and how to get there.  Do some online research with one of the maps sites, and have more than one route in case you hit unexpected traffic.  Leave in plenty of time – better to arrive early than late.  Never show up late without calling (so remember to bring and charge your cell phone) – they will probably be busy when you do get there, and it is a poor demonstration of your professionalism.

5.  Establish Rapport with the Interviewer!

A genuine smile and a firm (not bone crushing) handshake start it off.  Make eye contact, say “hello”, and let the interviewer know that you are glad to be there and looking forward to the discussion.

You don’t need to make meaningless conversation with the interviewer.  If you see pictures of their children, don’t say anything – it is too personal and may make them feel uncomfortable.  If the interviewer asks about your drive, or something else, of course, answer.  Don’t force anything.  It’s very important that you are genuine – the interviewer will sense if you are not.

To be continued … In Part II, I will discuss how to be proactive in the interview.