Job Search - The Dreaded Interview
Okay, so you've made your interview checklist, you've sorted through the fake job scams out there, you've met with a recruiter to help you search, and now you've finally found someone who may want to hire you. Congratulations! Now comes the part that very few people like: the interview.
But don't worry! This is not the time to be alarmed; it is instead a chance for you to really strengthen yourself in the job market. An interview isn't just your chance to convince someone to hire you--instead it's a chance for you and a potential employer to learn about each other and determine if you are the best fit for each other.
In a lot of ways it's like a relationship. Many of us may remember trying to impress the popular person in school in hopes that we could convince them that we were "worthy" enough to date. It was a status thing--trying to seem "cool" enough to get to hang out with someone you thought was of a higher social status than you were. It was a fun game, but it was based on dishonesty. Such relationships normally do not last, because they are not about compatibility--they are about dishonesty.
Make sure that your interview does not become like the old fashioned dating game. You aren't looking for a spring fling here--this is your career you're talking about. You shouldn't be trying to fool the interviewer into thinking you are a better fit than you really are--instead, you should be trying to find that position that is a very close match to your skills and qualifications.
Remember: If you have to "fake it" to get into the job you want, you weren't qualified for the job anyway. And if you aren't qualified, you aren't helping yourself and you certainly aren't helping your employer. Don't worry--the right job is out there. Just make sure that you aren't spending all your time for a job that is a bad fit and lose out on the right job in the process.
Preparing for the Interview
Okay, so now you've found a company you like, and you think you would be a good fit for them. Now comes the interview. It's natural to get nervous at this point, but remember that the person you are interviewing may be just as nervous. Remember that it is their job to find a perfect match. If they make the wrong decision then their performance will suffer. They are human just like you, and while they should be treated with respect you do not need to be afraid to be yourself with them.
In my recent run in the job market I did several types of interviews, and covered nearly every type of interview. I will cover the various types here in hopes of helping prepare you so that you will be ready when the time comes.
The Traditional Interview
This is probably the interview type you're most familiar with. Nevertheless there are some mistakes many people make during this process, so it's best to be ready ahead of time no matter what.
The traditional interview consists with you meeting with a manager, supervisor or associate of the company. This type of interview normally lasts between 20 and 45 minutes, and is fairly straightforward. The interviewer will normally have a copy of your resume, but you are urged to bring your own copy! Employers will often ask questions that could be answered simply by looking at your resume. If you don't have it in front of you, however, it may be difficult to remember what month you started working at a job five years ago, or what your average salary was at your job back in high school. If possible, bring a copy for the interviewer as well, just in case they don't have one.
The Behavioral Interview
This is a newer type of interview, and is becoming very common in various elements of the workforce. It is based on the concept that "the best way to predict future performance is based on previous experiences." Essentially, the interviewer will ask you to recall times in your life that relate to challenges you may need to face in your job.
A behavioral interview question may be something like the following:
Explain a time when you were forced to mediate a conflict between two coworkers. What actions did you take, and what was the result?
Explain a time when you were asked by a supervisor or manager to do something you did not agree with. What did you do, and what happened as a result?
Explain a time when you were forced to deal with a frustrated or angry customer. What actions did you take, and what was the end result of the conflict?
Note that these questions follow a basic format commonly referred to as the "STAR" interview format. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result.
There are thousands of pages devoted to the STAR interview process, and they are much more extensive than what I can provide here. I recommend the following Google search terms for more information to get you started: "STAR Interview Questions" and "Behavioral Interview Questions."
Remember that it is okay to pause when asked a behavioral question. Not many people can recall dozens of life stories in an instant. Don't feel bad if you must pause for a good ten to fifteen seconds to remember a situation that matches the question. Whatever you do, be honest. If you try to make up a story to fit the question, it will normally be extremely obvious. Even an "I don't know" is better than lying.
The Phone Interview
This is a strange one to be sure. A telephone interview can follow either of the previous formats, with one difference--it is on the phone. Phone interviews are generally not nearly as long. However, they are often simply a pre-screen to help the employer quickly thin out the number of potential applicants for a position.
Normally an employer will give you an opportunity to schedule a phone interview at a time that is convenient. More and more, however, employers are trying out "surprise" phone screens. This allows them to catch the candidate off guard, often in hopes of receiving more candid responses. Different candidates respond differently to the on-the-fly interview, however, so if you are busy (at the grocery store, in the middle of an assignment, or have just woken up), let the interviewer know that a phone screen will need to be rescheduled.
The Lunch Interview
Now this is a strange one, and one that really frightens some candidates. Not only do you have to do a job interview with someone you've never met--you also have to eat in front of them without looking completely unprofessional. I had my first lunch interview a couple months back, and of all the interviews I've had, I must say that it was one of my favorite (and not just because of the excellent food).
The first thing to remember is that the unfamiliar element in the interview--the food--can be your best friend, or your worst enemy. Use it as the former. If the interviewer looks like he is going to ask a complicated question, feel free to take a small bite. If you need some time to think about the question, feel free to chew a couple seconds more than normal while you mull it over. With a little practice you can make the lunch element of the lunch interview your best asset.
A few things to note: In a lunch interview, the interviewer is expected to pay. Do not offer to pick up your half (or both halves) of the tab. It is customary and expected for the interviewer to pay the bill. You are expected to thank him, as he is covering the cost of your meal. Also, do not forget to tip your waiter! The last thing you want to do is seem like you do not appreciate the hard work that your server gave while waiting on you. A 15-20% tip is more than sufficient. Too little will make you seem cheap and uncaring, while too much may make you seem like you are attempting to be overly flashy. If your meal is $20 or less, feel free to leave a $5 bill. This is not the time to start counting out change.
As far as the meal itself, a few other points of advice: Make sure you order something you can eat easily and cleanly. You may enjoy crab legs more than anyone you know, but your interviewer is not going to enjoy being sprayed with misdirected butter or crab juice while you are cracking away at your meal. Do not buy the most expensive thing on the menu, and do not start scarfing down your food as soon as you get it. Eat slowly and naturally, and if possible eat about half or slightly more. Do not use your bread to soak up the juice from your meal and eat it. Do not put your elbows on the table, etc. Ask a manners coach (or your grandmother) for advice on eating in an appropriate manner if you need help.
This is a good time to skip the dessert as well. Remember that the meal is the least important part of the interview, and is simply something to help move along the conversation when used appropriately.
Interviewing the Interviewer
Regardless of the format, remember that you aren't the only one being interviewed. Your interviewer will ask if you have any questions for them. Virtually the worst thing you can ever say is "No." This often shows that you are unprepared, unorganized or simply don't care enough about the company. Before you ever go into the interview you should know about the company so you will have some natural questions to ask.
Some questions I like to ask are as follows:
What tools will I have to help me improve in my day-to-day activities at my job?
How often are performance reviews issued, and what access will I have to feedback so I know I'm doing my job right?
What would a typical day in the position consist of?
These questions show that you are interested in the company, as well as how you fit in it. If you aren't comfortable being put on the spot, it is okay to write them down. For every interview I have been on since graduating college, I printed up a piece of paper--a "cheat sheet" if you will. I carry a single-fold leather-bound folder with me to each interview (a solid burgundy color), and keep copies of my resume, my college transcript, and my "cheat sheet" in it. When the interview starts, I open my folder and bring out my company profile cheat sheet as well as a copy of my resume.
Your cheat sheet may be different somewhat, but I have provided an example format using a fictional company. Remember that this is not a hindrance--your employer will appreciate that you took the time to research and do your homework on them beforehand.
**********************************************************
But don't worry! This is not the time to be alarmed; it is instead a chance for you to really strengthen yourself in the job market. An interview isn't just your chance to convince someone to hire you--instead it's a chance for you and a potential employer to learn about each other and determine if you are the best fit for each other.
In a lot of ways it's like a relationship. Many of us may remember trying to impress the popular person in school in hopes that we could convince them that we were "worthy" enough to date. It was a status thing--trying to seem "cool" enough to get to hang out with someone you thought was of a higher social status than you were. It was a fun game, but it was based on dishonesty. Such relationships normally do not last, because they are not about compatibility--they are about dishonesty.
Make sure that your interview does not become like the old fashioned dating game. You aren't looking for a spring fling here--this is your career you're talking about. You shouldn't be trying to fool the interviewer into thinking you are a better fit than you really are--instead, you should be trying to find that position that is a very close match to your skills and qualifications.
Remember: If you have to "fake it" to get into the job you want, you weren't qualified for the job anyway. And if you aren't qualified, you aren't helping yourself and you certainly aren't helping your employer. Don't worry--the right job is out there. Just make sure that you aren't spending all your time for a job that is a bad fit and lose out on the right job in the process.
Preparing for the Interview
Okay, so now you've found a company you like, and you think you would be a good fit for them. Now comes the interview. It's natural to get nervous at this point, but remember that the person you are interviewing may be just as nervous. Remember that it is their job to find a perfect match. If they make the wrong decision then their performance will suffer. They are human just like you, and while they should be treated with respect you do not need to be afraid to be yourself with them.
In my recent run in the job market I did several types of interviews, and covered nearly every type of interview. I will cover the various types here in hopes of helping prepare you so that you will be ready when the time comes.
The Traditional Interview
This is probably the interview type you're most familiar with. Nevertheless there are some mistakes many people make during this process, so it's best to be ready ahead of time no matter what.
The traditional interview consists with you meeting with a manager, supervisor or associate of the company. This type of interview normally lasts between 20 and 45 minutes, and is fairly straightforward. The interviewer will normally have a copy of your resume, but you are urged to bring your own copy! Employers will often ask questions that could be answered simply by looking at your resume. If you don't have it in front of you, however, it may be difficult to remember what month you started working at a job five years ago, or what your average salary was at your job back in high school. If possible, bring a copy for the interviewer as well, just in case they don't have one.
The Behavioral Interview
This is a newer type of interview, and is becoming very common in various elements of the workforce. It is based on the concept that "the best way to predict future performance is based on previous experiences." Essentially, the interviewer will ask you to recall times in your life that relate to challenges you may need to face in your job.
A behavioral interview question may be something like the following:
Explain a time when you were forced to mediate a conflict between two coworkers. What actions did you take, and what was the result?
Explain a time when you were asked by a supervisor or manager to do something you did not agree with. What did you do, and what happened as a result?
Explain a time when you were forced to deal with a frustrated or angry customer. What actions did you take, and what was the end result of the conflict?
Note that these questions follow a basic format commonly referred to as the "STAR" interview format. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result.
There are thousands of pages devoted to the STAR interview process, and they are much more extensive than what I can provide here. I recommend the following Google search terms for more information to get you started: "STAR Interview Questions" and "Behavioral Interview Questions."
Remember that it is okay to pause when asked a behavioral question. Not many people can recall dozens of life stories in an instant. Don't feel bad if you must pause for a good ten to fifteen seconds to remember a situation that matches the question. Whatever you do, be honest. If you try to make up a story to fit the question, it will normally be extremely obvious. Even an "I don't know" is better than lying.
The Phone Interview
This is a strange one to be sure. A telephone interview can follow either of the previous formats, with one difference--it is on the phone. Phone interviews are generally not nearly as long. However, they are often simply a pre-screen to help the employer quickly thin out the number of potential applicants for a position.
Normally an employer will give you an opportunity to schedule a phone interview at a time that is convenient. More and more, however, employers are trying out "surprise" phone screens. This allows them to catch the candidate off guard, often in hopes of receiving more candid responses. Different candidates respond differently to the on-the-fly interview, however, so if you are busy (at the grocery store, in the middle of an assignment, or have just woken up), let the interviewer know that a phone screen will need to be rescheduled.
The Lunch Interview
Now this is a strange one, and one that really frightens some candidates. Not only do you have to do a job interview with someone you've never met--you also have to eat in front of them without looking completely unprofessional. I had my first lunch interview a couple months back, and of all the interviews I've had, I must say that it was one of my favorite (and not just because of the excellent food).
The first thing to remember is that the unfamiliar element in the interview--the food--can be your best friend, or your worst enemy. Use it as the former. If the interviewer looks like he is going to ask a complicated question, feel free to take a small bite. If you need some time to think about the question, feel free to chew a couple seconds more than normal while you mull it over. With a little practice you can make the lunch element of the lunch interview your best asset.
A few things to note: In a lunch interview, the interviewer is expected to pay. Do not offer to pick up your half (or both halves) of the tab. It is customary and expected for the interviewer to pay the bill. You are expected to thank him, as he is covering the cost of your meal. Also, do not forget to tip your waiter! The last thing you want to do is seem like you do not appreciate the hard work that your server gave while waiting on you. A 15-20% tip is more than sufficient. Too little will make you seem cheap and uncaring, while too much may make you seem like you are attempting to be overly flashy. If your meal is $20 or less, feel free to leave a $5 bill. This is not the time to start counting out change.
As far as the meal itself, a few other points of advice: Make sure you order something you can eat easily and cleanly. You may enjoy crab legs more than anyone you know, but your interviewer is not going to enjoy being sprayed with misdirected butter or crab juice while you are cracking away at your meal. Do not buy the most expensive thing on the menu, and do not start scarfing down your food as soon as you get it. Eat slowly and naturally, and if possible eat about half or slightly more. Do not use your bread to soak up the juice from your meal and eat it. Do not put your elbows on the table, etc. Ask a manners coach (or your grandmother) for advice on eating in an appropriate manner if you need help.
This is a good time to skip the dessert as well. Remember that the meal is the least important part of the interview, and is simply something to help move along the conversation when used appropriately.
Interviewing the Interviewer
Regardless of the format, remember that you aren't the only one being interviewed. Your interviewer will ask if you have any questions for them. Virtually the worst thing you can ever say is "No." This often shows that you are unprepared, unorganized or simply don't care enough about the company. Before you ever go into the interview you should know about the company so you will have some natural questions to ask.
Some questions I like to ask are as follows:
What tools will I have to help me improve in my day-to-day activities at my job?
How often are performance reviews issued, and what access will I have to feedback so I know I'm doing my job right?
What would a typical day in the position consist of?
These questions show that you are interested in the company, as well as how you fit in it. If you aren't comfortable being put on the spot, it is okay to write them down. For every interview I have been on since graduating college, I printed up a piece of paper--a "cheat sheet" if you will. I carry a single-fold leather-bound folder with me to each interview (a solid burgundy color), and keep copies of my resume, my college transcript, and my "cheat sheet" in it. When the interview starts, I open my folder and bring out my company profile cheat sheet as well as a copy of my resume.
Your cheat sheet may be different somewhat, but I have provided an example format using a fictional company. Remember that this is not a hindrance--your employer will appreciate that you took the time to research and do your homework on them beforehand.
**********************************************************
123 Company Name
Company Information Sheet
Name: "123 Company Name, Incorporated"
Formed in 2002 by John Doe
Current CEO: Jane Doe
Produces cogs, sprockets and widgets for various pieces of machinery in Northeast United States
Major contributor to the Ronald McDonald House Charity
Formed by ABC Company Name, INC in 1997; became an independent entity in mid-2002
Over 2000 employees
Job Description: Widget Designer
"Employee will design widgets for our new Cog and Sprocket plant. Experience in cog design, gear ratios and computer aided drafting desired. A two year college degree is required, although relevant work experience may substitute for a degree. Some travel expected."
Interview Questions:
What would a typical day in the position look like?
The position mentioned travel; how often would I be expected to travel for my position, and to what locations?
***********************************************************
Note that I have the interview sheet divided into three important parts: the Company Information section, the Job Description section, and the Interview Questions section. Often when I am talking with an interviewer, I will refer to my sheet and make quite clear that I am doing so. Instead of holding it and reading verbatim, however, I will say something like this: "I was browsing your company's website and it seems that each division of the company handles many different things. What would a typical day in this position look like?"
Note that I was able to refer to my fact sheet (so the employer sees that I have one, and thus have taken the time to type out and print up information I want to remember about how good the company is). At the same time I have a chance to glance down to my questions and ask one without it seeming like I'm just reading to the employer. This shows the employer that you aren't just going through the motions, but that you actually care enough to be curious about the company.
Final thoughts
No matter what, the interview process will always be nervous to some. I happen to really enjoy the interview process, but I am an extreme exception. The best way to really get used to interviewing and reduce the nervousness that you feel is to simply do more interviews.
That isn't to say you should go and apply for every job you can just to do an interview, of course! Many colleges (or high schools if you are younger) will offer assistance with the job interview process. If you are a graduate, check with the administrators of your school to see if any mock interview assistance is available. This will allow you to get the practice you need in a safe environment--where doing badly does not mean losing out on a job offer.
Of course if you have any questions or need more advice about the interview process, let me know! I'm here to help, so just send me a message below; I'd love to help you with any advice I can so you can get the career you really want.
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