Article 6 – The Successful Career Transition Series
Individuals often fear a first interview, and many times that fear stops one from providing a good first impression. It is vital that you be at the top of your game for the first interview.
Key elements to remember to “stay on top”
1- Be prepared!
- Have you gone through an extensive self-assessment process and know what it is you really want?
- Have you researched the interviewing company, the market, and the opportunity thoroughly?
- Have you effectively dealt with the issue causing a career transition? Too often, this is where a candidate trips up and looses an opportunity by being negative or on the defense. Position the transition professionally and properly.
- Do you know what you are bringing to the table, in comparison to other candidates?
- Have you practiced key interview questions, so you can quickly communicate the value that you’ll bring to the organization? You have to show how you are going to solve their problems, not how they will address yours.
- Focus on the company’s goals, vision and how you can help the company succeed. Stay away from asking questions that focus on your needs, such as salary, vacation, benefits, etc. Your specific needs will be addressed at a later time.
- Do you know why you want to work for the interviewing company?
2- Turn the interview into a two-way conversation. To often individuals approach an interview as an interrogation and answers come across as defensive or stressful. Relax and realize that this is your time to interview them and for them to interview you. It’s a two-way conversation and is only the first of potentially many interviews.
3- Remember that the employer is taking time away from their regular scheduled responsibilities. Be prepared, on time, keep your conversation on point, and most important, express your appreciation for their consideration.
4- Be truthful. Interviewers have great abilities to trip candidates up in exaggerations and partial truths. This is the biggest guarantee that you will not move on in the process.
5- The last question I advise all my candidates to ask is the following; is there anything that would preclude me from moving forward in the process? This question is incredibly important. You may have missed an opportunity or answered a question slightly different that the interviewer wanted to hear. This question allows you to address any concerns that may have come up or that you have not addressed. If the interviewer gives you a reason, thank them for telling you and address the issue if you can. If you can’t address the issue raised, learn from the experience to be better prepared for your next interview.
6- Express interest in the company! Just remember, interviewing is like dating. You never ask someone to get married on a first date. It is the same for the interview process; make sure you’ve asked the right questions and express interest in moving forward in the process.
If at the end of the conversation, the interviewer says you just aren’t a fit and won’t give you specifics on why, express interest in the company and ask if you can stay in touch for future opportunities. Then thank them for their time and efforts.
During the interview, make sure you have figured out what the top two or three criteria are, that the successful candidate will have to be selected for the job.
After your interview is over, ALWAYS follow-up with a thank you email and hand written letter. In the follow-up letter, make sure you clearly articulate how you have the two or three criteria to be selected for the job. The effort and time you take to complete these two follow-up items will always benefit you in the long run.
Additional basic tips for interviewing:
- If possible, find out information about the individual who you will be talking with.
- Try to identify the interviewers communication style and adapt yours to best communicate with that style.
- Walk in with confidence.
- Maintain eye contact, without staring at the interviewer.
- Give a firm handshake.
- Speak clearly and enthusiastically, but don’t rush your words. If you rush, you will appear flustered or stressed.
- Ask for business cards.
- Accept a glass of water, if you are asked. It’s a great tool to stop and calm down.
- Be respectful.
- Make a good impression with your physical appearance. Don’t over do it and don’t wear too much cologne.
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