In this post you will know the secret of people who always get job offers in any industry.I’m on the other side of the table now but when I was interviewing I’d get offers over 90% of the time. Here are some of the things I did:
Before the interview I’d do as much research on the company and position as possible. I’d research the company website, if they are a publicly traded company I’d do research on their annual reporting to their shareholders. If I knew my bosses name I’d research them on LinkedIn to see if someone in my network knew them. If someone knew them then I’d reach out to my friend or relative and I’d ask about them and ask for them to put in a good word for me. If I know someone inside the company I’d ask them about the company and about the role I was interviewing so I could ask some good questions.
On the day of the interview I’d make sure to eat something a few hours before the interview to calm down my nerves. I’d show up 30 minutes early to ensure all the things that can go wrong like a traffic accident are accounted for. I would make sure I know where to park and often times I’d do a dry run to ensure I know exactly where the building is located.
During the interview I’d give a firm handshake, I’d smile during the introduction, I’d make eye contact with everyone interviewing me, when I’d make a mistake answering a question I would apologize and be gracious. When they ask me if I had any questions I’d pull out my notes and ask them three of four questions that weren’t already answered during the course of the interview.
After the interview is completed, I’d collect their business cards or get their addresses so I could follow up with a Thank You note. I’d make eye contact and smile again and end with a strong verbal, “Thank You, I really appreciate your time and the opportunity.”
The next day I’d send the Thank you Card, I’d follow up with the recruiter or contact person that coordinated the interview with the question, “When can I expect a response, yes or no or next steps?”
I’d follow up again one week later and try to get a response “Yes” or “No”. If I receive a “No” response I’d try to ask them where my gaps were and thoughts on how I could do better next time I interview. This way I’m developing my skill of becoming a better interviewee.
Use LinkedIn and your other network methods to see if you know anyone at the company to which you are applying. Apply through the standard channel, but then see if you can also get your resume directly on the hiring manager’s desk. Some of my jobs I got by help of friends-of-friends, but some I got without knowing anyone at a company, just by being “eminently qualified” for the job.
No matter what your profession, know something about the company’s competitors, and where they stand vis-a-vis the competition, before you interview. This is especially true for sales and marketing professionals, but can be important for any professional interview. Read the company's web site and financial statements; they may report market share and competitive information there. Google their major products to see what other products and companies come up and then go to those web sites and read about those.
Let the hiring company guide the interview, but be sure to ask some questions that show you are interested and engaged. Ask about specific job duties, team structure, interactions between teams. Nothing too personal about any of the interviewers, just as you don’t want them to ask you anything too personal.
Send personalized thank you notes within 24 hours to everyone you met. These should outline why you want to work for the company, how you can add value, and alleviate any concerns the interviewer raised.
Before the interview I’d do as much research on the company and position as possible. I’d research the company website, if they are a publicly traded company I’d do research on their annual reporting to their shareholders. If I knew my bosses name I’d research them on LinkedIn to see if someone in my network knew them. If someone knew them then I’d reach out to my friend or relative and I’d ask about them and ask for them to put in a good word for me. If I know someone inside the company I’d ask them about the company and about the role I was interviewing so I could ask some good questions.
On the day of the interview I’d make sure to eat something a few hours before the interview to calm down my nerves. I’d show up 30 minutes early to ensure all the things that can go wrong like a traffic accident are accounted for. I would make sure I know where to park and often times I’d do a dry run to ensure I know exactly where the building is located.
During the interview I’d give a firm handshake, I’d smile during the introduction, I’d make eye contact with everyone interviewing me, when I’d make a mistake answering a question I would apologize and be gracious. When they ask me if I had any questions I’d pull out my notes and ask them three of four questions that weren’t already answered during the course of the interview.
After the interview is completed, I’d collect their business cards or get their addresses so I could follow up with a Thank You note. I’d make eye contact and smile again and end with a strong verbal, “Thank You, I really appreciate your time and the opportunity.”
The next day I’d send the Thank you Card, I’d follow up with the recruiter or contact person that coordinated the interview with the question, “When can I expect a response, yes or no or next steps?”
I’d follow up again one week later and try to get a response “Yes” or “No”. If I receive a “No” response I’d try to ask them where my gaps were and thoughts on how I could do better next time I interview. This way I’m developing my skill of becoming a better interviewee.
Use LinkedIn and your other network methods to see if you know anyone at the company to which you are applying. Apply through the standard channel, but then see if you can also get your resume directly on the hiring manager’s desk. Some of my jobs I got by help of friends-of-friends, but some I got without knowing anyone at a company, just by being “eminently qualified” for the job.
No matter what your profession, know something about the company’s competitors, and where they stand vis-a-vis the competition, before you interview. This is especially true for sales and marketing professionals, but can be important for any professional interview. Read the company's web site and financial statements; they may report market share and competitive information there. Google their major products to see what other products and companies come up and then go to those web sites and read about those.
Let the hiring company guide the interview, but be sure to ask some questions that show you are interested and engaged. Ask about specific job duties, team structure, interactions between teams. Nothing too personal about any of the interviewers, just as you don’t want them to ask you anything too personal.
Send personalized thank you notes within 24 hours to everyone you met. These should outline why you want to work for the company, how you can add value, and alleviate any concerns the interviewer raised.
