Post by everafter07 on Jan 7, 2015 22:39:26 GMT -5
I haven't interviewed in ages, but I do conduct interviews periodically, and one thing that really sets people apart for me is writing a thank you note after the interview to all that you spoke with. I thought that was a common knowledge thing, but it doesn't seem to be.
Read about the company, of course, and write down any questions you have, and any positives/negatives you see that you could compliment and/or improve upon in you're role (if applicable).
Don't mention your kids or anything personal, keep it friendly but professional.
This is cheesy, but try to be yourself, and show your passion for the job, whatever it is let that shine through. People can feel BS, and respond well to honest enthusiasm so let that out in your answers.
I'm not sure what type of job you're applying for, but when I worked in business it was recommended to me that at the end of the interview I directly ask the person "At this point, do you have any reservations about hiring me for this role?" It is definitely up front and assertive but it lets the interviewer know that you are serious and you want the job, but it also lets you fix any issues they have with you or explain things for fully if they are hesitant on any areas of your background etc.
Also, I would bring a bunch of extra copies of your resume to hand them in person, even if you have already sent it to them a million times. I agree with the thank you notes.
A firm handshake goes a long way.
Type your questions for them out, and bring it with you and make notes on it as you go.
Pump yourself up before you go in there--you've got this!
It's okay to pause to think of an answer. Don't be afraid of a few moments of silence.
Write down some questions ahead of time--things you really want to know about the company. Don't worry about impressing the interview with them--you'll impress them with your genuine enthusiasm and competence.
Do you have any specific concerns? I have interviewed hundreds of candidates over the years. I'm happy to help with anything I can.
It was awesome! I felt really confident and I was getting lots of smiles and nods to my answers. Thanks so much everyone. I find out next week. Fingers crossed
@starry asked and I forgot to update in both places (mm and MMM). Thank you for all your advice and support. I got the job! They called me Tuesday night and I accepted earlier today.
It's okay to pause to think of an answer. Don't be afraid of a few moments of silence.
Write down some questions ahead of time--things you really want to know about the company. Don't worry about impressing the interview with them--you'll impress them with your genuine enthusiasm and competence.
Do you have any specific concerns? I have interviewed hundreds of candidates over the years. I'm happy to help with anything I can.
Do you conduct behavioral interviews? I have an interview coming up and suspect it will be behavioral, which make me so nervous. I am not good at thinking of a time when.... right on the spot. Do you have any advice specific to behavioral interviews?
It's okay to pause to think of an answer. Don't be afraid of a few moments of silence.
Write down some questions ahead of time--things you really want to know about the company. Don't worry about impressing the interview with them--you'll impress them with your genuine enthusiasm and competence.
Do you have any specific concerns? I have interviewed hundreds of candidates over the years. I'm happy to help with anything I can.
Do you conduct behavioral interviews? I have an interview coming up and suspect it will be behavioral, which make me so nervous. I am not good at thinking of a time when.... right on the spot. Do you have any advice specific to behavioral interviews?
Yes. When I do final interviews they are behavioral
What I would suggest is making yourself a list ahead of time--what are major accomplishments in your jobs you would like to highlight and are proud of. Be able to share concisely what you did that was great
Also have in mind a few mistakes you made that you were able to overcome and learn and improve from.
The questions that are really tough for people are when asked about how they dealt with a difficult relationship with a coworker or customer. And if they are asked about an ethical challenge--so think about the professional ethics of your industry and times you've had to make sure you followed through--that can even be simple ways you don't cut corners or demonstrates you understand the ethical expectations (maintaining confidentiality in a lot of fields). Not every ethical situation involves possible prison time or someone getting fired;)
And most importantly, just google a list of behavioral questions and practice a few. Use the Situation-Action-Resolution format. And remember to be concise if possible. Rambling is one of the struggles of many interviewees I encounter.
Good luck! Don't be too nervous. Behavioral interviewing is just telling short stories about your work history:)
One last tip--be clear about your part in achievements. You want to be honest and not oversell but don't jumble what you did and the team did. A decent interviewer will be frustrated by that.
For example: "My team of 6 was charged with increasing sales by 10%". "I scheduled client meetings immediately, helped my new teammate understand the database better, followed up on old leads. My sales went up 20% personally and the team increased 12% and met our goal"
One last tip--be clear about your part in achievements. You want to be honest and not oversell but don't jumble what you did and the team did. A decent interviewer will be frustrated by that.
For example: "My team of 6 was charged with increasing sales by 10%". "I scheduled client meetings immediately, helped my new teammate understand the database better, followed up on old leads. My sales went up 20% personally and the team increased 12% and met our goal"
Thank you! I wrote down your tips and will start making notes this weekend. I really appreciate the advice.