INTERVIEWING COMPONENTS & STRATEGIES TO GET THE JOB
Remember that when you are interviewing, it’s not a one-way street.
It’s equally important that you are interviewing them as well for your consideration of companies to help grow and contribute your energy to.
Question Methodology
(Feel free to ask any questions you like. Below are just a sample of questions)
- Uncover Why they are hiring?
- When they need to hire?
- What (skills, experience, mindset) are they looking for?
- Who will you be working with and what will you be working on?
- What is their decision-making process and timeline?
- What action they will take if both sides agree the role is a fit?
Interviewing Strategy/Framework
Intro
- A little small talk and get rapport (find a common interest, make a comment about something in their office)
- Thank them for taking the time to speak with you & ask them to tell you about the company, the group, & why they are hiring
If they ask you about yourself
- Thank them for meeting with you & Provide them with an overview and
- Let them that you are happy to provide specific information as it relates to role, responsibilities, and expectations.
Body
- Ask what are the main responsibilities & goals of this role?
- Find out if there is room for growth, who’ll work with, you’ll report to, who’ll you’ll oversee
- Make sure you’ve done your homework about the company and have 3-5 questions prepared
- Tailor sharing your experience as it relates
Conclusion
- When the end of the interview is in 3-5 minutes, thank them for their time, let them know you this is a great fit/are interested/can immediately add value & ask if they feel comfortable recommending you move forward (i.e. Call with the team, final interview, in-person, start date & offer, etc.)
- Then find out Next Steps and Time Frame. “Great, what are the next steps and time frame”
Sharing About Yourself in a Structured, Linear & Easy-to-Follow Format
Interviewer: “Hi, please tell me about yourself”
You: “Sure. Please feel free to stop me at any point or ask any additional questions.”
Give the Table of Contents
- Education, (GPA if it’s 3.5 or higher and relevant, Scholarships if of interest)
- Years of experience
- Progressive experience
- Number of years in current role
- Title and Position
- Managing/Reporting Relationships
- Accomplishments/Results
- Job Responsibilities
- Experience as it relates to the role or attributes that match the role
- Certifications
- SME Thought-leadership (Published, Speaker, Author, etc.) – That is interest
- Reason seeking a new role (always say growth, the experience you are seeking, or working with a thought-leader, never say compensation as that’s commensurate on the responsibilities and results)
Tell what makes your story unique, you interesting and unique while giving the information asked:
- I grew up in ______.
- I went to school at ______ where I majored in ______.
- I have ______ amount of years of progressive experience.
- I am passionate about ______ (as it relates to the role),
- My experience and expertise is in ______, ______, ______.
- I’ve worked at for X amount of years and months.
- I’ve directly managed X number of employees, indirectly X, and mentored X employees,
- I currently report to X.
- I am responsible for X, Y, Z.
- I support this amount of people, X number of application.
- On a regular basis I use these technologies/platforms/programming languages/methodologies/am responsible for X, I am also familiar with X, and have a strong knowledge base of Y from Y.
- I’ve had to learn a lot of new industry information, do self-learning, and get caught up to speed on ______.
- I’ve faced similar situations before and was able to succeed.
- I’ve face ______ and was able to overcome it.
- Other pertinent information includes ________.
- Lastly, my motivation for a new opportunity is _______.
You: “That’s a pretty comprehensive overview, if you could share with me area more about the company, the opportunity, and what specifically you would like or need this person to do, I can speak to these points.”
End of Interview Closing Strategy
- Below is a strategy for sharing with the interviewer that you are interested in the job, finding out where you stand, and asking to move forward.
- Feel free to use your own words or modify.
With a few minutes left in the interview:
- Once you have asked your last question or the end or your time deadline is near, I would ask if they feel comfortable recommending you move forward in the interviewing process.
- If the interviewer isn’t winding down the interview, read the situation, thank them for their time, let them know you are interested and confident you can add value to the team, and ask if they feel comfortable recommending you move forward.
Interviewer:
Do you have any more questions?
Candidate:
“At this time I do not have any more questions, but would like to thank you for your time.
This role sounds like a great fit and I am confident I can my experience to add value the team.
In making your decision, do you feel comfortable recommending I move forward OR
what additional information can I provide you with and to help make that decision?”
Interviewer:
If they say “Yes”
(they feels comfortable recommending you move forward)
Candidate:
“Great! What are the next steps and what’s the timeline?
Interviewer:
The next steps are X, the next interview is with the hiring manager and we’ll reach out to you by X.
Candidate:
Great! I look forward to the opportunity of working together (or at the company) and have a great day!
Interviewer:
Thank you, you too.
—
Interviewer (Alternate):
If they says “No”
Candidate (No Alternative):
Where can I provide you additional information about to help you make this decision?
(Address it and then ask if they now feel comfortable recommending you move forward)
Character Building
It’s equally important to share your character traits so the company knows WHO YOU ARE and HOW YOU BEHAVE in addition to being a Subject Matter Expertise (SME).
Therefore, it’s recommended to make subtle statements that tells the interviewer:
- You directly add value to their function and can do the work
- You take into consideration the bigger picture and micro when making decisions
- You are a self-starter without supervision
- Also can also interact well with a team, make a positive impact, lead and mentor (if applicable)
- Remain calm under pressure
- Fit the personality and ideals of the company
7 points to directly mention or subtly state:
(1)
I am familiar with the company, what the company does, and have a real interest in this space (or doing this function)
I am familiar with the company, what the company does, and have a real interest in this space (or doing this function)
(i.e. I was looking at your website, I googled x and read your read the white paper on x, I saw in the news x )
(2)
I am energetic and have a positive attitude
I am energetic and have a positive attitude
(i.e. Tell me about yourself – “I am positive person, have a strong work ethic, was raised to see things through to completion, etc.”)
(3)
I am an SME in x and have a great deal of experience (share specifics) OR I have these core strengths, am a quick learner, and am interested in industry x
I am an SME in x and have a great deal of experience (share specifics) OR I have these core strengths, am a quick learner, and am interested in industry x
This will you share in the interview
(4)
I am a self-starter and also a team player
I am a self-starter and also a team player
(5)
I am organized and adaptable to change (as changes in consulting and this industry can occur quickly)
I am organized and adaptable to change (as changes in consulting and this industry can occur quickly)
i.e. “I am organized, methodical, and adaptable”
(6)
I am very interested in this space and am striving to become an expert in this field
I am very interested in this space and am striving to become an expert in this field
i.e. “I am passionate about the x space, know how integral it is for x. I continuously monitor blogs and the latest industry and standard developments, etc.”
(7)
I am highly motivated and dependable
I am highly motivated and dependable
i.e. Tell me about yourself – “I am motivated and dependable”
