Interviewing

Networking can find opportunities. Cover letters and resumes are to get interviews. Interviews are to develop opportunities into offers. Hence, interviews are critical and possibly the most important component of the process. Like all the other steps in the process it can and should be prepared for with care and diligence. The level of preparation is probably higher than any other step because the event is not under your complete control, is dynamic and the most important piece. Interviews occur in different forms/styles and settings. Interviews can be with one person or many (at the same time, called a panel style), and they can occur in-person with the interviewer, or over the phone, or even via video from video facility or via PC. Here are some details and perspectives around the different types:

While each will require slightly different preparation and execution, some core elements apply before and during an interview.

Preparation steps include:

Researching both the company and the position
Research the interviewers --- Why?
- To learn a little bit about them ahead of time and be able to establish a more personal rapport with them. Maybe they went to a college that has something noteworthy about it, such as winning a national championship, or a little known but famous alumnus.
- You might have something in common with them in terms of interests.
- If you get their address, you can get a sense of what kind of commute they have, or again find out something newsworthy about their hometown. Maybe they had a child that was a star on a successful local high school team, or in a dramatic production.
- Depending on how it plays out, you can demonstrate your ability to prepare and research by noting something about them they didn't mention. Maybe they were a successful athlete, or they have some public profile or role in their community.
- Many people (i.e. your competition) don't think to do this, and the info is often readily available with a little diligence online.
Developing and practicing likely Q&A, built around accomplishment stories that offer concrete examples of skills and competencies required of the job.
In general, being able to concisely articulate how your skill set can benefit the position and company.
Budgeting a little extra travel time to prevent any possible tardiness due to traffic problems.
Preparing questions that you can ask in the interview to: a) get key info to help you understand more about the role; and b) demonstrate your knowledge about the role and/or business.
Asking of the person setting up the interview for details of the interview(s) to be conducted (such as the people's names, positions, interview schedule, and types of interviews).
Making copies of your resume to bring for each person you expect to interview with.

Execution Steps Include:

Keeping focus of questions asked of and by you, and answers around the position and the skills and experiences that you have that relate to the position.
Acting in a calm, professional, personable and positive manner that is true to your style and personality
Dressing appropriately, in a manner consistent with the environment you would work in, and in a style that does not draw attention to you.
Managing all non-verbal cues in a way consistent with being friendly, interested and focused
Following up on the interview with a minimum of a courteous thank you note

Preparation around the Q&A aspect of the interview was discussed earlier here.

How-to pointers around other aspects of going on interviews are provided below.


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