Interview tips?

[Revalos]

I've got a pretty major interview coming up next Tuesday, so I'm all ears for any tips folks might have.

The details: I'm competing against 6 other people for the same job, we all have similar qualifications and were selected out of an original pool of several hundred. The interview will be "structured," which I'm assuming means all the applicants will be asked the same questions, and I've got a 20 minute timeslot. I am assuming that there will be about 5 or 6 senior executives in the room, but I do not know any more about how my 20 minutes will be spent.

I consider myself to be a fairly extemporaneous person, I rarely study for stuff like this or really even prepare. The past few interviews that I've done quite well on I didn't do a damn thing for. Should I make an exception this time? This job is a pretty prestigious position that could really enhance my long term career prospects in my field.

[Back]

Shower, put on your best clothes... wait, buy a suit and wear that with a tie that matches the shirt. A girl at the shopping mall can help you with that. Brush your teeth and comb your hair. Trim those funky old nails too.

Do not offer anything more than a nod or a smile. For God sake smile at some point thats not awkward.

Do not touch yourself at any time no matter what.

[Kuyuk]

The past few interviews that I've done quite well on I didn't do a damn thing for. Should I make an exception this time? This job is a pretty prestigious position that could really enhance my long term career prospects in my field.

I think you answered yourself.


Lookup who the senior people are at whatever company you are interviewing for, look at their background (google them yo), so you have an idea where they're coming from.

Also: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQLIU9OiW7U

[Gelston]

Don't forget to let them know you are applying for the position. It sounds stupid and obvious, but you'd be surprised. Also, send thank you cards to the interviewers afterwards. Bring extra resumes, incase its a panel or some shit and/or they decide to have more interviewers.

[waywardgs]

Interview THEM.

By that I mean- ask questions. Lots. The worst thing is when an interviewer says 'So, do you have any questions for us?' and they get a blank stare in return.

Also, depending on the job, some places use stupid standard questions like "why is a manhole cover round?"... I know one guy who got hired for a prestigious wall street investment banking position because he answered this boilerplate nonsense quickly and confidently- "because a square would fall through the hole." It's stupid, it's a game, there's a million answers, but be prepared for this sort of bs. You can look them up.

[Back]

Also, send thank you cards to the interviewers afterwards.

You’ve got to be fucking kidding me. How does sending a thank you card to someone who has not hired you fucking help other than make you look more like a loser?

[Gelston]

You’ve got to be fucking kidding me. How does sending a thank you card to someone who has not hired you fucking help other than make you look more like a loser?

You are thanking them for their time. A kind word goes a long way.

[Gelston]

Also, don't be the first to mention money in the interview.

[EasternBrand]

If they ask you, "Do you have any questions?" you should not say, "I think I got it all, thanks!"

Edit: Goddamit, waywardgs!

[Anebriated]

You’ve got to be fucking kidding me. How does sending a thank you card to someone who has not hired you fucking help other than make you look more like a loser?

Somehow Im not surprised that comment came from you. Sending thank you cards after interviews is pretty much the norm for any job where you arent flipping burgers or delivering pizza's.

[waywardgs]

You’ve got to be fucking kidding me. How does sending a thank you card to someone who has not hired you fucking help other than make you look more like a loser?

That's retarded. Thank you notes get you a long way.

[Gelston]

Shit, another stupid thing I remembered. Some employers will give you tests, which if its narrowed down to 7 of you they probably won't do... If they do, make sure you read the entire thing before you do it. Its another process to drop people for not paying attention to detail.

[Back]

That's retarded. Thank you notes get you a long way.

Sorry. In today’s world thank you notes are a waste of your jobless asses income.

[Gelston]

$1.50 isn't really a big investment.

[Back]

$1.50 isn't really a big investment.

Dude thats three ramen noodles.

[waywardgs]

The last time I was employed by someone other than myself, the interview process was lengthy- the position called for 7 interviews of various types, tests, group discussion, a session where I had to be a "teacher" and show them how to do something- it was all about them getting to know me. Be smart, be witty, but be prepared. If you think there's something you could do ahead of time that would make them think you understand their company and who they are, do it- preparation is good in these sorts of engagements. Showing that you know the company and the position ahead of time is key.

[waywardgs]

Sorry. In today’s world thank you notes are a waste of your jobless asses income.

Absolutely not. Follow-up can be the difference between getting a job and not getting one. It's not a christmas card, it's a gesture of good faith that brings you to mind after the interview is over and during their deliberation.

[Back]

Just trying to help a bro out...

Good luck with that thank you card approach.

[Anebriated]

Just trying to help a bro out...

Good luck with that thank you card approach.

When we want help picking out what scarf to wear with what jacket we will come find you. Thank you cards are a solid way to go especially if its a "prestigious" job opening. Anything that brings your name back into conversation after the interview is a good thing.

[waywardgs]

Just trying to help a bro out...

Good luck with that thank you card approach.

Do you honestly think it's dumb to thank someone for their time, particularly when you want something from them?

Edit: In fact, it's a good idea to give them a thank you even if you DON'T get the job. You never know.

[Back]

Who here has gotten a job because they sent out a Thank You card after the interview?

Raise your hands.

[S.S.D.Year]

Good luck in your interview! I hope none of your competition is from within the company and up for the job as an internal as we found in our home they can be the hardest to outshine.

I'm in agreement about reading about the existing VPs in the company you're looking to go to, as well as about the company's history.

A thank you note can go a long way, especially if the other 5 applicants fail to go that extra step. Make sure to send it ASAP, like the following day.

[WRoss]

http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RlymYI_Yls0/0.jpg

Do it like this guy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apCtRg6mOVk)

[Anebriated]

Who here has gotten a job because they sent out a Thank You card after the interview?

Raise your hands.

I dont know if its because I sent it but I landed my job after sending a thank you card. Was also denied a similar job that I thought I had a better interview for but didnt send a thank you card. Not saying its definitely linked but my experience paired with those of my classmates, friends and family would lead me to believe it helps.

[waywardgs]

Who here has gotten a job because they sent out a Thank You card after the interview?

Raise your hands.

If you really want the job, everything can help. Are you suggesting that it can HURT your chances?

Also, I wouldn't recommend it be a hallmark "thank you!" card. Say something about how you're looking forward to meeting them again, something that sends the message that you go that extra step. It makes a difference.

This is not difficult stuff to comprehend.

[Kuyuk]

Dude thats three ramen noodles.

I think you mean 10 bro.

[Anebriated]

Do you honestly think it's dumb to thank someone for their time, particularly when you want something from them?

Edit: In fact, it's a good idea to give them a thank you even if you DON'T get the job. You never know.

I had a friend get a job that way. She sent the thank you after the interview but didnt get the job. They ended up calling her two weeks later saying the last guy didnt pan out and her name stuck out due to the card.

[waywardgs]

I had a friend get a job that way. She sent the thank you after the interview but didnt get the job. They ended up calling her two weeks later saying the last guy didnt pan out and her name stuck out due to the card.
http://images.icanhascheezburger.com/completestore/2009/1/5/128756451564342520.jpg

[Back]

OKOK, send a thank you card to someone who has or has not given you a job seems to be the consensus.

[Revalos]

Spent the last few hours googling some of the previous people to hold this slot. Seems...um...rather up and down. Several 0-6's, then a bunch of civilians like myself. I think all six of the current people are civvies, so at least that isn't going to be an issue.

None of the execs that are making the decision have held this position though, and I don't really know who they are going to be anyway. I can't imagine the interview will be that complicated with only 20 minutes to do each one.

Good advice about saying that I'm applying for the job, and the thank you notes (although in this particular case, since I may not ever hear the name of some of the execs, it might be hard). Money won't ever be mentioned (salary is the same as my current job, but I'll be moving to Boston and all my expenses there will be covered (no rent, food costs, etc...) for at least a year).

I'll let y'all know how it turns out. Thanks!

[4a6c1]

Go in with a from-scratch pitch that streamlines what they are already looking for but is highly original or so you think.

Basically in so many words "You need me. I have a radical idea that will change everything/give you a solution to your problem and this is how to do it."

I didnt read the rest of this thread. Good luck. I crossed my fingers for you for like 2 seconds I hope that is enough.

Edited to add that this approach only works with structured panels. I prefer the typical 'selling yourself/resume/experience' but with a structured interview process they are looking for something radical/a solution.

[Androidpk]

Depends on what fingers you crossed.

[Swami71]

Here's a link with 100 different links to interview advice ;)
http://www.hrworld.com/features/interviewing-cheat-sheet-092507/

[NocturnalRob]

Send truffles after the interview.

[Delarock]

It depends on how hard you have to sell yourself, but from what I've read and my sales experience, you want to attempt to "mirror" what your interviewers are doing. By that I mean, sit in similar postures, talk with similar language, use similar gestures, etc etc.

I know this sounds trivial, but a lot of people miss an opportunity because they think their "radical" ideas make them stand out, but they're really alienating their target audience, namely, the interviewers.

If you have a radical idea, make sure you present it in the correct fashion. It's easier to build rapport with your interviewers when they think you're like them.

[NocturnalRob]

Also, don't match your tie with your shirt...

Match your tie with your suit.

[Delarock]

I thought that it wasn't supposed to exactly match either, but was supposed to be certain power colors that stood out.

I don't know shit about power ties.

[Back]

Oh yeah, definitely listen to Rob for interview fashion tips.

[NocturnalRob]

Oh yeah, definitely listen to Rob for interview fashion tips.
Backlash, I don't know whether to pity you or just continue to laugh at you. I have more fashionable navel lint than your entire wardrobe.

Seriously, stop.

Or better yet, start another thread. Call it "Back's Fashionista Project!!"

[Back]

Backlash, I don't know whether to pity you or just continue to laugh at you. I have more fashionable navel lint than your entire wardrobe.

Seriously, stop.

Or better yet, start another thread. Call it "Back's Fashionista Project!!"

Cool story bro. Keep living up to your potential of not being original.

[Kuyuk]

http://backlashoutfitters.com/photo/albums/userpics/normal_l_452f93a537d24313af05518a83ee0e8a.jpg

[Asile]

I don't have any new tips to add, so I'm just going to say good luck. And be sure to send the thank you note just to thank them for the interview; send it to the person whose name you DO get (I'd hope one of them gives you their name!). And considering the field you're in, you SHOULDN'T have any trouble dressing for this interview, but since I used to be one of those "girls at the mall" someone mentioned in an earlier post (I worked the men's department of a major department store, and was damn good matching suits, shirts and ties), feel free to drop me a note and I'll double-check your choices to make sure they look good.

[Alfster]

Research the company that you're interviewing for and direct your answers towards their "philosophy".

[Tea & Strumpets]

Also, send thank you cards to the interviewers afterwards.

That is funny.

[Gelston]

That is funny.

How so?