Interviewing Like you mean it!
We coach and prep all of our candidate while working with them (we prep our clients too but that’s a separate blog post). We know some interview better than others and we learned to not leave it to chance – why risk a great candidate with poor interview technique from getting hired, right?
Can the candidate articulate their background spontaneously without having to read from their resume? Is their delivery the right length and engaging and plausible? Do they talk too much? Do they talk too little, too softly or meander off point? Do they show a sense of humor, of humanness in their conversation (they should). Are they a good listener? Do they interrupt? Do they take constructive feedback well or are they resistant or offended by it?
The old adage “You only get one chance to make a first impression” is really so very true. The best resumes can’t overcome a candidate who blows their interview by talking too much, not listening, rambling or boring their interviewer to death- it’s usually not salvageable. Neither is talking badly about previous employers nor is rattling off a well rehearsed story about why you’ve had 12 jobs in ten years- it strains credulity no matter how well crafted the explanations.
Before getting into an interview the candidate needs to do their homework. Research the company (Google is your friend here); learn about their history, competitors, their funding status if they’re high growth. Look up their execs on Linkedin and try to connect the dots- how did they all come together – did they work together previously? Are the relatives? Are they from competitors, are they inside agents from the PE firm that’s backing them- do they look like logical fits for the positions they hold? Do they have credible backgrounds listed in their profiles?
Research competitors – Competitors are easy to find using- you guessed it- Google. Go to the company web site, read their press releases, look for new products, initiatives, partnerships, key hires etc. All of this adds context to your interview and makes you more credible. Going into an interview blind having done no research shows us and the client you’re not taking the oppty seriously and can’t be bothered to do basic homework.
Be prepared with good questions – about competitors, about new initiatives, new products, possible business challenges, emerging markets, key hires, their culture, the types of personalities that do well at the company etc. When asked if you have any questions you want to be ask a few thoughtful ones rather than tell the interviewer “Nope, thanks, I’m all set”.
When wrapping up make sure to thank the interviewer, express interest in the position and ask about next steps and timing. If you don’t already have their email now’s the time to get it (rather than asking the recruiter for it later). Send the interviewer a short thank you note the same day of the interview too.