[This article is Part 2 of a 2-part series. Click here to view Part 1.]
You’ve researched and prepared for this all-important job interview. What do you do now?
Before the Interview
- Arrive 10 minutes early at the interview location.
- Review your resume and the job description and be ready to sell yourself.
- Develop a rapport with your interviewer right away by making eye contact and shaking hands with a firm but not bone-breaking grip.
- Then, begin to draw out the interviewer by asking about his or her perspective on the job, what’s expected, what the challenges are, etc. With that information, you will be able to communicate your skills and abilities right into their needs.
- Remember: everyone is always tuned in to Station WIFM: What’s In It For Me?
During the Interview
In response to questions, be sure to show how your skills and experience are relevant to their needs. Let your answers reflect that you’ve done your research and are knowledgeable about the company and the position. Have your agenda — information about your skills and education — handy. You can refer to it once or twice to make sure you’ve covered all your points. You can also have some questions about the position and the job ready, in case they ask.
As the interview is coming to a close, you can ask if they have any concerns they’d like to discuss. Ask if they have any further questions for you or, if you feel a little braver, ask what value they would see in your working for the organization. This is your opportunity to answer any objections they have about your “fit” for the job. Then you can tell them, if it’s true, that you are very interested in the position, think you could contribute a lot, how much you want the job etc.
Make sure that you get the business card of each person you meet with and ask what the next step is. That way, if the next step doesn’t happen in the time frame stipulated, you can follow up.
After the Interview
In the meantime, send a follow up letter, as you would after any business meeting. Send it by email so it gets there quickly — to thank each person for their time, restate the aspects of your background and experience that they found particularly relevant, and include any points you had neglected to make during the interview.
Hopefully, you will be receiving an attractive offer soon.
Need more help or practice?
If you have questions about interviewing or if you would like to schedule a practice interview, contact us at jlansky@lanskycareerconsultants.com or call Judi at (312) 285-2000.
