INTERVIEW TIPS
I know it may sound so elementary, but I send out a “Basic Tips” list to all my candidates when they interview to cover a few basics. Hopefully you will find some of the tips below helpful. No doubt some will be obvious, but just the act of restating them brings them fresh back to mind.
OBJECTIVE: The main objective of a 1:1 interview is to move to the next step in the Process! I don’t think it’s a bad idea that while there and at the appropriate time Express your interest to Work Here…. and “Ask What Action is needed next?”.
1. Have 2 copies of your resume with you just in case.
2. Think through some of your career high points and be ready to answer questions like, top 3 greatest career accomplishments, Best projects and why, Worst projects and why, Top 2-3 people on earth who you admired the most and why, Examples of good Sales, examples of bad Sales, Projects that went south and why, Projects that were success stories, etc., etc.
3. Review your thoughts on how you fit in a position like this. Without it appearing to scripted…. organize your thoughts….. anticipate the traditional questions and prepare some of your answers in advance….
4. Convey a Positive, up beat, outlook during your interview. These guys run at a relatively high pace and like to see similar high energy people. In addition, these guys like a highly positive, “can do” attitude. Not one that is “Fake” but rather a genuine Positive Outlook on the situation. This will get you a lot in the interview.
5. Have a couple of questions ready to ask if the conversation slows down. Questions serve several purposes. First, they obviously obtain answers for the issue you ask about. Second, they give a signal to the interviewers that you are interested. Remember to keep it loose and not push it to get the questioned answered because they are in control of the interview. The main objective with these questions is to SHOW YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THE POSITION.
6. SHOW YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THE POSITION. This may be hard since you don’t have enough information to truly evaluate, however, a potential employer likes a positive, highly interested candidate.
7. DON’T get into questions or issues about Compensation or Benefits. You want to exhibit an attitude of thinking of what their needs/interest are first. Compensation & Benefits are very important, but timing is everything.
8. Be Confident, but not overly confident. There are big land mines here. In general Humility (not false humility, but true humility) gets you a long ways here.
9. Be Yourself.
10. Be careful speaking negatively about your previous employer(s). Please take those things you dislike about your employer(s), position and spin them carefully to not reflect too negatively. Rather turn them to a positive.
11. Use Much (EXTRA EXTRA) Discretion…. … REMEMBER you are still in an interview. Be careful what you say. Do not get on topics of Controversial Issues, you never know the opinion of the interviewer. Steer Clear of anything that would build Walls with the client… Also be careful on sharing Strong Opinions. You are often able to share your viewpoints, but if you remember… use the term…. From My experience….. it can be received easier by the listener.
12. The client likes to see someone who is a good listener. This is really hard because on one side is the “be quite and listen perspective” and on the other side is “I’ve got to tell my story, because no one else will and I have only a few minutes to do it”. This tension is not easily solved. However, it will be very important for you to realize the tension does exist and don’t get caught at either extreme. Interviewing is like a good game of tennis! …
13. Do some homework on the client. I’ll be glad to back fill with any data I have.
14. Dress appropriately for the company culture. Research the company’s dress code to ensure your outfit is professional, but also appropriate for that specific workplace.
15. The interviewer will be interested in Your Results and the Results of Your Team. Don’t forget to refresh on your past several years of data, …. i.e….sales %, increases, # of orders, comparisons, etc. Their line of questioning often tries to center around what actions did you take to reach that results. Be ready to explain…. what your metrics were…. what ‘Actions ” you took to achieve those metrics….
Structure these examples using the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, and Result.
Also be aware of the following…. There is a TIGHTROPE between being too boastful and not boastful enough. Be careful here, it is fraught with land mines……
16. REMEMBER to build good CHEMISTRY with the interviewers. Your ability to enjoy them and learn about their story will go a long ways…. … long ways….. did I say “a long ways”…..
Again, the main objective of a 1:1 interview is to move to the next step in the Process!
Call me to discuss if you like…
Break a leg.
Dave
