Whether you are climbing the ladder of success or just starting out in your selected profession to gain experience, you will be interviewing with a plethora of executives and decision-makers. The competition is the unknown, so it will be up to you to be prepared. As a director over the last three decades, I have been interviewed by several executives and also have interviewed a significant number of potential candidates. In this article, I will discuss preparation and presentation, the actual interview, and the post-interview follow up.
Preparation and Presentation
The resume is the first step in the interview process. I recommend that it be no longer than two pages and be relevant to the position you are trying to obtain. Address a cover letter to the decision-maker and upon sending or personally delivering, follow up with a phone call within 24 hours. In this call, ask for an interview time and give the executive two available time frames to select from at his or her earliest convenience. For example,: “Ms. Taylor, I would like to meet with you for a few minutes today. Would either 11:30 a.m. or 3 p.m. work for you?” This method will give you a better chance of making an appointment.
Research the company prior to calling or meeting with the interviewer. Know as much as you possibly can about the company and the decision-maker you are meeting. View their linkedin.com profile or Google their name.
The Interview
Always arrive at your interview at least five minutes ahead of the scheduled time frame. Bring a portfolio, which includes a pen, paper, two to three copies of your current resume (optional iPad), and your printed list of questions to ask the interviewer. There are times when you will be meeting with several directors during the interview process. That’s why a few more resumes are helpful. Your prepared list of questions is based upon your research of the company and the factors you feel are important to make you stand out from the competition. I usually bring eight to 12 questions and may not ask them all on this first interview. Also, remember the old adage: Dress for success is critical because first impressions do mean a lot.
Never mention salary expectations or benefits in this stage of the process. It is not advisable to discuss your family obligations or personal information. Never discuss religion or your political viewpoints. If you are invited to interview over a meal period and the executive suggests you join him or her for lunch, I suggest you eat light and watch your etiquette because they are watching you in this scenario to observe how you would represent the company while dining with clients or associates. If they hand you a business card upon introduction, never place it in your pocket or purse right away. Always leave it out on the table or desk as a reference and out of respect to the interviewer. This is especially true when meeting with decision-makers of Asian descent.
Know your resume inside and out, so you are able to recite it verbatim. Be prepared to explain any gaps between jobs and why you may have left each position. Too many times, interviewees embellishes their resume or are not accurate with dates of employment. When I have called for references either suggested by the candidate or uncovered through my own research, it has been brought to my attention the resume is an inaccurate portrayal of their historical experience such as dates of employment or job description. This is certainly not a good way to beat the competition for the desired position.
It is important to remember to speak positively about your previous employers and have a plan for what you are able to offer to this prospective company. A well-organized and thoughtful presentation will bring you to the next level of consideration and possibly the next interview. I have been subjected to panel interviews, four-hour interviews by one regional director in an office, a set of 30-minute interviews with several executives, and a battery of psychological tests. You never know what the next interview scenario will be like, so be prepared for the unexpected.
Post-Interview
Upon completion of the first interview, follow up with a handwritten thank you or a Word document letter stating you appreciated the time allocated for the interview and reinforcing what you are able to offer the company based upon its specific employment needs and your desire to be a part of the team as they strive to surpass their budgeted revenue goals or production goals, as an example. I also recommend a follow-up call within 48 hours to express your interest, etc.
In conclusion, do your homework, research, be prepared, and look professional. During the interview, exude energy and knowledge of the company, plus insert a fact or two you learned about the interviewer regarding his or her education, tenure with the company or hobbies, as an example. If you practice these suggestions, I believe you will increase your chances of capturing the next position you desire.
Richard B. Secord is a sales consultant and trainer. He can be reached at Liveforsuccess@aol.com.
