Interviewing

Interviewing is the process of meeting with a perspective employer in an attempt to secure employment with his or her organization. Seems easy enough, right? There are many tools to help you with the interviewing process.

In many cases the interview is the most important part of the job search. It gives you the opportunity to not only speak with company personnel to learn more about the organization and its needs, but more importantly illustrate how you understand their business and how you can be an asset.

Interviewing Elements

What you need to know:

When you interview with an organization, you are in essence selling yourself in terms of your skills, abilities, knowledge, and ability to help that company. Your network can help you get through the front door, but you need to close the deal and the interview is where it all comes together. Your answers to their questions will be important. However, your attitude, appearance, and ability to communicate will be also key factors that determine if you have what it takes in their eyes to be a fit for their organization.

Key elements in the interview process:

Your preparation

  • Research the organization, the industry, and relevant current events.
  • Anticipate the questions they may ask you, and how you will respond.
  • Become familiar with your interviewer(s) – check out their LinkedIn profiles.
  • Research how to physically get there; don’t just plan on plugging the address into your GPS an hour before the interview. Plan for traffic, detours, and difficult to locate offices. If possible drive to the location the day before and familiarize yourself with directions and parking options.
  • If you will be interviewing via Skype or other technology, test your system the day before to make sure everything is in working order (sound and screen).
  • Make sure you are dressed properly and well-groomed.
  • Prepare questions to ask your interviewer. What do you want to know in terms of the position and company?
  • Practice! Practice things like your intro or personal branding statement (a response to tell me a little about yourself), answers to potential questions, and how you can show them that you are the best candidate for the position.

Your materials

Even thought you may have submitted them electronically, bring copies of your resume and references

Consider bringing additional items such as a portfolio (if relevant) and business cards. These items can enhance your brand and add an air of professionalism.

Your performance

  • Professionalism is important, but it’s also important to be genuine.
  • Be prepared to answer their questions (about you, current issues, company, industry, how you can add value).
  • Consider using the STAR formula (situation/task, action, result) to answer questions – this will help you illustrate what your competencies are, showcase that you have performed well in the past, and demonstrate how you can be an asset as an employee.
  • Make sure you ask intelligent questions when given the opportunity. If you don’t have any questions, it could seem as though you are either not interested in the opportunity/company or are too frightened to speak up. Great questions can definitely set you apart from other candidates.

Follow-up

  • Send thank you notes! Send a hand written note to each person involved in the interview.
  • Respond in a timely manner to requests for additional information.
  • Ask when you may hear back, and follow-up professionally as appropriate. There is a fine line between being attentive and a stalker, so try not to cross it!
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