Let’s be honest, interviewing for a new job can be a nerve-wracking and intimidating experience. You’re nervous, anxious, vulnerable and one step away from running for the door. On the other hand, if you are prepared and confident it can be a positive encounter with a potential new boss or co-worker. These tips can take some of the anxiety out of the interview process and make the experience suck a little bit less.
1. Congrats on that third quarter growth!
Know as much as you can about the prospective company, including past work, major awards or recognitions they’ve won recently. Look at their website, read their annual report or talk to past/present employees. Don’t go over the top with the flattery -- no one likes a suck-up.
2. Practice, practice, practice!
Have a session with a coach, recruiter or anyone familiar with hiring prior to the interview to make sure you cover all the bases. Collect a list of key interview questions and determine your answers ahead of time so you feel at ease with them. Make the answers about you and your abilities and not just the answers you think they expect from everyone. Know the job description and tailor your qualifications to them. If this fails carry a $20 and slip it discreetly into their hand as you leave.
3. Google Maps sent me to a casino!
Know how to get there, where to park, and the telephone number of your interviewer in case you need to call en route. Have change if you’re at a meter or cash if you’re in a parking garage. It never hurts to do a drive-by ahead of time just in case Maple Avenue crosses Maple Way at Maple Drive. Or if the water department has felt the need to tear up the street in front of the building.
4. Relax. Don’t be afraid. But don’t picture the hiring manager in his underwear.
Your interviewer wants you to succeed; his job will be easier if you’re good. Tip: People who mirror the body language or pace of their interviewer tend to make the best impressions. Never interrupt, keep your answers short and to the point, and avoid waxing on about your personal life. Make eye contact, have a good handshake, and stand/sit with good posture. The “golden moment” of an interview comes not at the end, but at the very beginning when you’re introducing yourself. A surprising percentage of the impressions made in the first three minutes carry over into the final decision. Always be engaging and an active listener. Also not the morning for the onion bagel.
5. If you can’t say something nice...
Be aware that saying negative things about a former job, co-worker, boss or teacher may cause your interviewer to have concerns about your ability to be a positive team player. No one likes a negative Nancy. Or even worse, the former boss you've just called a moron is the brother-in-law of your interviewer. This happens more than you’d think.
6. Yeah, that’s great, but how much money do I get?
Don’t talk salary until the prospective employer brings it up. Tell the truth about your salary history. Calculate all of your living expenses and decide in advance what you’re going to say about your salary needs. Check salary websites, making sure you’re looking at the correct part of the country. And be realistic; if you overreach or are inflexible you may harm your chances. And seriously, do NOT ask them how much they make.
7. Hey toots, can you validate my parking ticket?
Don’t think that if you’re rude to the receptionist the hiring manager won’t hear about it. Many of them make a point of asking the front desk about your demeanor.
8. What's in it for me?
Always ask questions of your interviewer. You're taking stock of them and their company as much as they're examining you. What will you learn, what's the growth potential, what do they like about working there, where is the person who previously had this position, are they incarcerated? Now married to the CEO?
9. So, can I call you?
At the end of the interview, ask if there are any next steps that you should take or when to follow up. This is also the time to ask for the job, show the same level of enthusiasm you had when you walked in. If you’re asked for any additional material or information provide it as soon as possible, but also make sure it’s presented professionally. Dropping it by in a cardboard box isn’t the best idea.
10. Merci, gracias, thanks a million.
Always send a thank-you note or letter. The jury’s still out on whether or not email is sufficient. I say, who doesn’t like to get mail that doesn’t ask for money? Just make triple-sure it’s error-free. Re-state your enthusiasm and ability to do the job. Don't bring up any embarrassing moments, just assume she didn't see your open fly.
11. And ok, this is eleven but who cares?
Immediately after each interview add your notes to your contact database. (You have a contact database, don’t you?) Making note of the informal conversation you had is as important as the job information. It’s a great way to re-connect if and when you encounter that person again. If you learned that the hiring manager raises prize rabbits you can send her a recipe for stew. You know I'm kidding, right? But you could send her an article you find about the world's largest bunny.
Interviewing doesn't have to be a totally negative experience. If you're prepared, honest, receptive, attentive and can speak about yourself in a positive way you're already miles above other candidates. Actually, that's a pretty good way to travel everyday.
