Recently we have been interviewing for a number of positions and I have seen a few mistakes that seem to be happening more than normal. Since there are a lot of people who are still in transition, I thought I would share 5 interviewing tips that might help:
- Show up on time. I understand there can be traffic, construction, an accident or sometimes people get lost, but perhaps planning ahead for one of those things might be in the candidate’s best interest. Recently a number of candidates have shown up 20 minutes late. Yes, you can overcome it, but it makes it much more difficult because you start things off on the wrong foot.
- Be prepared. I am still shocked by the number of candidates who don’t show up with a list of questions to ask. It shows you have done some research and thought about the position. If you do this it will separate you from some of the competition.
- Know something about your interviewer. Before you show up for an interview hopefully you are aware of the person you are interviewing with. Once you get their name, Google it. Go find them on LinkedIn, know who they are, their background and where they went to school. Information is like gold – the more you have, the better off you are. Understanding the people you are interviewing with can only help you establish a rapport during the process.
- Your experience vs. the position. Strategically think about the position and how your experience makes you a great fit! I promise drawing a link between those two things will help you a tremendous amount!
- Follow up. Regardless if you want the position or not, follow up and say thank you. Send an email or a letter – it doesn’t matter as long as you do something.
Ok now your turn:
- What do you think of my list?
- If you are looking for a job, does this list help?
- Hiring managers – what other tips do you have?
I look forward to reading your comments.
Fee says:
Hi Merrrill,
Yes. All great points which I practice, religiously.
I am seeking a job and in addition to what you expressed, I would add to bring digital and hard copies of my updates resume.
Also, take a practice run, to the interview location, the day before at the same time as my interview. Alleviates a great deal of anxiety, the day of.
Matt O'Mara says:
Great list Merrill… especially the ‘be on time’ part. I’d add to be on time, but don’t be too early. Circle the block, wait in your car, or wait at the coffee shop next door, then arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your interview (you’ll want to have a few minutes in the lobby to settle in and fill out any necessary paperwork).
I would add to the list my biggest recommendation (which is contrary to the advice one might get from Alan Iverson)… PRACTICE! Do all the research on the firm and the interviewer… then practice interviewing with your spouse or friend playing the role of the interviewer. Your answers to questions such as ‘tell me about a time when you had to overcome objections to accomplish a task’ will sound better and more convincing if you’ve told the story recently (in practice) and don’t hem and haw while providing the details. Actually practicing interviewing will make you a more confident candidate… hiring managers are human and humans find confidence appealing (or at least that what Jack Palance says!).
Ed Sugar says:
To underscore what you have said, I would recommend trying to know as much if not more about the company and the industry it serves as the person who is conducting the interview. Google is a powerful tool and all information about one’s prospective employer should be sought before stepping foot in their front door. Along with all the traditional media, news and trade related web sites, Google the company’s name and “sucks” to see if there is any ill will towards them from former employees.
Christine Cook says:
All good points!
My Top 11,
I believe when someone is hiring they are in pain. You are more apt to land the gig if you can relieve that. In other words, tailor your resume, interview and follow up to specifically answer to their needs and wants.
Here are a few more:
1-Tailor your resume to the job. I can’t stand the resume “want a long term place to grow at a top agency.” I’m a research company people!
2-Oh, yes you better know the company, the website, and the peeps and by all means find a connection point(s) and pay complements. One typically does not get to a management hiring level without some ego intact. “I love that you are the first to be in a home, this is so innovative.” You just told me you went to my website and you also stroked my ego. “Ah, my best friend went to Nova (Villanova).”
3-DO NOT put a picture and or what you like to do in your free time on a resume. I’m sorry but they don’t care. They are in pain and don’t want to hear you like and have time for racket ball. I once did not hire a very smart girl who made this mistake. Shared this with her, she was so receptive, took it off, I helped her and she landed a great gig and is still there today and this was about four years ago. She’s crushing it! We work together today in a different capacity.
4-For me personally, I love creative smart resumes vs. the blah, blah, blah. We look at a lot of these. Stand out! I have seen resumes in 3rd person, I have seen a resume that was set up and laid out like a newspaper, I have seen humorous one, etc. They all got my attention. Be careful of your use of color. Personally, I like some color but not much. Maybe one other and not Hot Pink! Remember they have meaning. Don’t burn any retinas and/or further kill an entire print cartridge if they are not tree huggers.
5-Have a website/blog with samples of your work. Bring sample with you to the interview as well. I love the person who has a creative resume, the boring text and website and/or blog to go along with it. This shows me they are overachievers and working hard at it.
6-I love the question, what is the culture here? This is a big one! Your knowledge and experience is equally as important many times as your fitting the company culture. Must love dogs! True fact, we are a dog friendly company. We employ dogs. True fact! Security and Ambience! The ability to expense food and grooming for four Bernese Mt. Dogs is huge! WOOF!
7-Again, this is a personal thing for me, but I go right to the bottom and look for what extra activities a person is doing? Sitting on boards and committees in the industry, college newspaper, community, etc. kind of things. I want over achievers! This says to me this person is doing more than just enough to get by. This also relates back to fitting company culture. At least for me, if you are a punch in and out and it’s just a means to an end you will be eaten alive at my place because you will be so exposed. Smaller company, larger exposure!
8-Watch anything religious or political. I know the laws. This said; if someone graduated from a Christian College and all their extra activities are Christian bases and they have a Minster for one of their references this could scare some off. Me personally, I actually hired this person. She has moved on but she did a great job here for a year until she landed her dream job of being able to in a Christian based company and use her Spanish language skills. She just got married to a guy from home town! Way to go CA!
9-We will not discuss the social media, appropriate voicemail and prompt response. I think everyone knows these things. At least I hope so!
10-Of course there is showing up on time, 10 minutes early is about right for me. Dressings professionally, have copies of your resume on nice paper, take notes, have your questions, etc.
11-When asked about salary, be honest! I heard from a head hunter friend of mine that they are asking this and people are not comfortable and this typically comes at the end. So many people do the “Well, I made $58K last year.” On the second interview they asked her to bring her W-2 and she only made $48K. ARG! Be honest! The head hunter shared this was equally about honesty.
Bob Graham says:
Don’t just practice your interviews, offer to help other job seekers practice their interviews. When I was unemployed, I served on a volunteer committee that helped job seekers practice their interviews, so not only did I practice interviewing, I practiced being the one giving the interview. This gave me excellent insight into how to answer tough questions and present myself in the interview.
Lynn Stalone says:
One of the most critical things is to research the company you are interviewing with. This will put you above the competition immediately by showing your genuine interest and willingness to do work up front to be prepared. Here’s a great example I heard about last week: a friend of a colleague is interviewing for a job which is a bit out of town. He’s researched the brand, but never been inside the units, so he arrived in town very early. On his way from the airport, he went into every unit location on the way to HQ. He walked them, talked to customers and observed. When he interviewed, he already had constructive comments on strengths and weaknesses. He was one of 3 candidates and he got the job offer hands-down.
Being prepared is invaluable. Going the extra mile will give you the edge over your competitors.