Think Strategic
Contributing to an organization is more
than just "working". Everything you do has to fit into a
business strategy. To make what you do fit, you must first
know what the strategy is. You must project this image in the
interview.
Think Solutions
Every problem or challenge has a solution.
Every time you encounter a problem, you must think about a solution.
If you, personally, don't know the solution, you need to find
someone who does and ask them. Be known as someone who can get
the answers. Make sure that the interviewer thinks of you in
this way as well.
Think Planning
Everything you do must have a plan behind
it. Planning is a pain, but is necessary to demonstrate that
you are organized and in-charge. It also helps to ensure that
projects are properly carried out. In the interview, make sure
you are thought of as one who plans.
Think Attitude
This is the time to be the most positive,
upbeat, and enthusiastic person you can be! Do it even if you
don't feel like it. Think of something to say good about the
weather or your trip to the interview (don't say things like, "I had
trouble finding your company"). Compliment the facility, the
people, the company's location. Express appreciation that the
interviewer has taken the time to talk to you!
Think
Appearance
As much as we don't like to admit it,
people make value judgements based upon how you present yourself.
Be sure you're dressed appropriately for the interview. You
can rarely be over-dressed, but certainly can be under-dressed.
Get the book called "Dress for Success" by John T. Malloy and apply
what you learn! Be sure that you are neatly groomed from head
to toe, your clothes are clean, and your shoes are polished.
If you are going to an afternoon interview, watch what you have for
lunch. Things like indigestion, garlic breath, or a yawn (due
to a big lunch) don't go over very well in an interview.
Think
Preparation
Before the interview, practice answering
"mock" questions with a friend as your interviewer. If you
have the tools and the time, audio or video-tape your practice
session. You will be amazed at what you see and hear about
YOU! Practice, practice, practice!
When you meet your interviewer, give them a
firm (not "killer") handshake. Look them "square in the eye"
when talking to them, not away from them or at the floor.
At the interview, be prepared to talk 80%
of the time.
Know who you are. In one sentence, be
able to describe yourself. FacilitatorGuy's one-sentence
description is that he "takes pieces-parts that don't make any sense
and puts them all together". What is your
"one liner"?
Be familiar with any formulas that back up
claims of cost or time savings. This will help you feel more
confident with how you helped your present or previous employers and
the interviewer will pick up on it.
Never speak poorly about prior employers or
people. Never say you didn't get the advancement you
were looking for. Rather, say you are looking for greater
advancement opportunities. Even better, say you are looking
for an organization where you can contribute to their success and
that you know your advancement will follow.
Research the company you will be
interviewing with prior to the interview. Get answers to
questions like:
What is their principal
product(s)?
Who are the executives of the company?
What is the company's annual revenue?
How many locations do they have? Are they an
International company?
What is their most recent stock price (if traded
publicly)?
Where is the company based?
How old is the company?
What is the company's growth rate?
What is the company's business philosophy?
Use the questions above to help you
generate 3 business-related questions to ask the interviewer.
See also the Interview Q's section in the
FacilitatorGuy index. If you don't have questions to ask of
them or their company, they may conclude that you aren't interested.
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