Interviews: A two way street

by Matt Muller

Good morning sunshine! Today's a big day. Today's the day that all of that Monster.com and newspaper searches come to fruition because today's the day that you have finally landed that "real" interview for that "real" job. Now this isn't a shot at Mini-golf customer relations rep. or Micky D's drop cook technician, this is an interview for not just a job, but a potential career. This is a chance for salary, benefits, and (perhaps most importantly and if you're lucky) to use what you have studied for the last 4(+) years. So you need to add an extra level of preparation in order to distinguish yourself from the dozen other applicants interviewing for YOUR spot.

Research:

Hopefully by now you have done some research on your potential position and new employer. There are two big reasons for this:

1)      For starters the interviewer is looking to gauge interest level of the interviewee as well as overall competence. Don't be surprised to hear questions that don't pertain exactly to the position for which you're interviewing. "What are your thoughts on our company's efforts to become more "green"?" or "How would you handle the rising fuel prices on our distribution mechanisms?" The interviewer is not looking for a right answer here, just that you took the time to educate yourself on some of the company's happenings and goings on.

2)      Also you should have questions for your interviewer. Is there room for advancement? How many people will I be working with? Who would be my direct supervisor? Etc. This is another opportunity to show that you will go above and beyond the call of duty.

Before the Interview:

You should go through the following items before you head off to your interview:

1)      Know the name(s) of the person or people conducting the interview and use it throughout the process. Remember people love hearing their own name and it could make a difference.

2)      Make sure you have the proper attire. At this point you should know what is and what isn't appropriate for the position you are trying to get. Also be sure to bring along copies of your resume, a pen and a pad of paper (legal size is usually the best).

3)      Know how to get where you're going for this interview, scout it out early if needed and if nothing else on this day BE ON TIME! The only thing worse than a bad first impression at an interview is a late one.

At the Interview:

1)      You only know what you know. It is ok to answer questions with "I don't know" (although you can mention something like "I'm willing to learn, however")  Don't BS anyone in that room. Nothing good can come from it. It can also portray honesty which can score big.

2)      So relax. There is no real reason to be nervous. But if you do, just slow down, take a second to regroup and maintain eye contact with the interviewer.

3)      When answering questions that you do know, try to relate to the company's needs in your answers (again this comes back to good research beforehand).

4)      When finished be sure to thank everyone in the room; a follow-up email or phone call is always a good idea.

So there you go. You are ready for your job interview. Think of it like a first date, all you really need to do is be yourself, if you are there is a great chance at a second. Now go get 'em tiger.