There are no guarantees in the job search, there are ways we can stand out and get ourselves closer to the job search finish line.
Hey... So How Did The Interview Go?
As hard as it can be to secure a job interview, it can be even more challenging to evaluate how it went! Oftentimes, we think we did well…but we don’t really know. Or we think we failed miserably… then get a call for a follow-up meeting.
Every interview is unique, because each of us is unique. The interview process can be very challenging, employing one or more of the concepts below may help you respond to this question more confidently.
- The proper amount of research is important. Today’s job seeker should be well-informed about the organization and the position before walking into an interview. Go into an interview showing that you studied beyond the job description, perhaps even having developed your own plan of action if you find a good time to insert it into the interview. However, talking too far beyond where the company is, or what the position entails, can come across as presumptuous. It is important to follow the interviewer’s lead.
- Find balance between confidence and humility. An interview is a two-way street; you are assessing the company just as the company is assessing you. Do you enter a room as a know-it-all? Or like a deer caught in headlights? Neither extreme will secure a job for you! It’s important to do your research, intertwine it into conversation, and allow the other party to respond. Show your interest as well as your level of knowledge. Be careful not to take over the interview. At that point, the interview will be “over,” even if it is not.
- Those “little” things, like dressing the part, arriving early, taking notes, and looking prepared…really do matter. The interviewer will assess you before the conversation even begins. When it comes to the smaller pragmatics of the job search, don’t skimp! You can find professional clothing at your local thrift store or a non-profit organization such as Clothes That Work. Wearing a suit with understated accessories is important. Arriving early ensures you will feel prepared and make a good impression on the interviewer. Taking notes shows the other party how interested you are (even if you realize five minutes into it that you aren’t as interested as you thought you would be). An interview can lead to new prospects even beyond the job you are currently seeking; it pays to do your best! You may be surprised at how attention to detail moves you along in the process.
- It really boils down to “fit.” You know the job inside and out, you are the consumate professional, and you have done your research. Guess what…you are going to be judged mostly on fit. What do we mean by “fit?” Fit is the culture of the company. You can learn a lot about a company’s culture before the interview: How do employees interact? What is the mission of the organization? How are employees treated? What are the company’s expectations? Of course, you will learn a lot about the culture once you are in the interview. The interviewer is going to be measuring your words, watching your nonverbal responses, and listening closely to your answers. In fact, he/she may throw in some “trick” questions just to see how well you would fit into the organization. The more real you are, the better chance you both have of discovering whether you are the right fit or not.
- Follow-up is key. When the interviewer asks, “Do you have any questions for me?” be prepared with quality questions. The more specific the questions, the more genuine your interest. Be sure to smile and say thank you, referring to them by name. Mail a thank-you note the same day and insert one or more interesting pieces of information; it will be eye-catching.
While there are no guarantees in the job search, there are ways we can stand out and get ourselves closer to the job search finish line.
Now…start thinking about a way to incorporate one of the above ideas to see if it changes your results!
