Career TOOLBox #6: Your Job Interview – Time to Shine!

 You’ve just received the most critical and promising news of your job hunt: an invitation to interview with one of the companies where you applied. The first interview, whether by phone or in-person, is like a first date, so impression is everything. Human resource and hiring managers know that you are going to be nervous. But, you can also surprise them by presenting yourself as the confident, knowledgeable and passionate professional that you are. As David Hilgart, a seasoned marketing and product expert and Owner/Partner at Hilgart Enterprises, L.L.C., wisely advises, “Relax and be yourself. You are only sitting in front of me because, on paper, you have the skills I am looking for. The interview is our chance to determine if we are appropriately compatible to work together, so show off who you are.” Shining at your interview is all about preparation.

Investigate

Research the company and its competition: websites, news stories, retail stores, economic trends, product launches, community work, international presence, etc. See if you have any bridged LinkedIn connections. Talk to people who are familiar with the internal culture. Companies look for fit and that is often what weeds out skilled candidates vs. retained employees. If applicable, check the stock trend and, most of all, understand the industry: markets never rest so is this a market space that will be viable in three years or is it on its way out? Finally, determine if this environment is a place where growth is possible. If the people in charge have been so for twenty years and plan on leading for the next twenty, the ceiling will be tough to break-though. Remember, this is your time and your life.

Invest

Corporate attire has devolved into exaggerated casualness. But interviewing attire has retained a high standard. So, unless you’re applying to a high tech start-up, wear a good suit. Different surroundings drive varying levels of conservatism. Don’t fight the system. Instead, do what you have to do to get the job, and then adjust accordingly. Purchase the best quality clothes your budget affords you. If selecting existing attire, take everything to the dry cleaner. Get your shoes shined. Women, make a hair and manicure appointment and choose complimentary jewelry. Have a professional portfolio that will contain printed copies of your resume. If the interview is long distance, you may be challenged with providing your own transportation. The good news is that most interviewing expenses can be deducted at tax time. (Consult with your accountant.) Think of this as your career wedding day.

Include

Once you know the date, place and time of your interview, if driving, gather directions. You may even want to drive there in prior, to find the building, entrance, etc. Determine the amount of time your trip will take in traffic, to arrive 20 minutes in advance. Waiting in your car is better than being 15 minutes late. Plus, it’s customary to be present 10 minutes prior to the scheduled interview. The day of, eat something mild so that your stomach isn’t growling. Check yourself in the mirror one last time before heading out for the day. Take the suit jacket off and hang it in the car. Bring with you the portfolio with your resume, a notepad, pen and list of prioritized questions. If in summer, turn the air on so that you are not perspiring. Turn off your cell phone and radio and use the drive time to rehearse your opener as well as answers to anticipated inquiries. Have some emergency cash on hand in case you will need to pay for parking. And, give yourself whatever pep talk works for you so that the confidence projects itself.

Intend

As soon as you set foot inside, it’s show time! Your interview may be with one person, or five, individually or in a panel format. Be ready for any situation and stay cool and calm. Maintain eye contact. Shake hands firmly. Don’t sit down until the person conducting the interview suggests so. If asked, accept water. Your voice may need it. Listen carefully. Answer questions directly and keep result-driven stories brief. If you need extra time to reply, ask to have the question repeated and think outside the box. Adds Hilgart, “Remember your whole life is your experience. Don’t limit examples of skills to things you did ‘on the job’ or you could be hiding some of your greatest strengths!” Look for office clues like family pictures or sports memorabilia. You may find a mutual interest that can break the nervousness. When it’s your turn to ask questions, politely ask how much time the manager has so that you can focus on the most important items you need answers to in order to make a decision about your future. Finally, when the interview is wrapping up, inquire regarding next steps and, most importantly, ask for the job!

Invest, Again

Within a few days after the interview, send personalized thank you notes to every individual who was part of your interviewing process, including the administrative assistant that did the scheduling and introductions. He is the executive’s gatekeeper and needs to be respected. Your choice of communication varies and is best determined by the company and by who you are. Options include email, hand-written thank you notes or typed formal thank you letters. Which ever you select, make sure you send one per individual (vs. one card to everyone you met) and make it personal by recalling a detail from that specific meeting. Finally, if hand-written, first type on a computer document and use spell check. Everything is about the impression you make, so show why you truly are the best candidate for the position.

First written in May 2010.  

Reprinted with permission and gratitude from CoolCleveland.com.

Next CareerTOOLBOX Column: Your First 3 Months on the Job