Handling the Face-to-Face Interview

Congratulations!  You've made it through the gauntlet so far.  You're now invited to come in for a face-to-face interview! 

This is the moment you should look forward to! 

You get the chance to meet your future team.  Naturally, you're nervous, but not scared because you think, "I'll just be me, and if they don't like me, then it's their loss."  Good thinking.  But you also think, "I really hope that they DO like me."

Interviews are a part of the process that we all wish we could skip.  But, I'll give you a little inside scoop on how to muscle your way through an interview.

"Over-Preparation" is essential! 

• In preparing for an interview (as the applicant) I would always sit down and prepare a list of all sorts of questions that the hardest interviewer would ask (of course, I have the advantage of reasonably predicting what sorts of questions will be asked because I know what ones I would ask!) 
• Then I'd map out my answers to each of the questions (including those dreadful, "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" questions...) 
• And then, of course, I would come up with specific examples that support my answers. 

This, by the way, is an excellent technique, because it allows you to already have the answers, and you're not completely talking off the cuff (and rambling on and on unnecessarily).  You're prepared!

The Hot Seat

As an applicant, when you're sitting down in the "hot seat" across the desk, you're stomach has butterflies swarming around in there.  Try to realize that the interviewer is just trying to get a chance to "read" you to see if he likes you and feels comfortable with you. 

EVERYTHING COUNTS! 

EVERYTHING COMMUNICATES SOMETHING... 

• Be yourself -- a professional-version of yourself.  Smile - I've covered this before, but because it's so important, it needs to be mentioned again. 

Ask For Clarification

• If you don't understand the question, or what the interviewer is really asking, then ask for clarification.  Nothing is worse than spending precious time answering a question that was never asked, and not answering the question that was asked.  Plus, (bonus points) the interviewer will realize that you are attentive to the details, and (as a good communicator) you check for understanding before proceeding.

Answer The Question - Then Stop

• Answer the question succinctly and then stop.  Don't ramble on.  Even if the interviewer is taking notes, let a breath out and stop yourself from talking and talking and talking.  Note:  If the interviewer has to interrupt you to move on to the next question, then take the hint and be more succinct on the next question.

Don't Bring Your Portfolio

• Unless you're applying for an artist-type position, don't bring your portfolio of past work in with you on an interview.  I know this sounds strange, and perhaps counter-intuitive...But, I've seen this happen too many times where someone will bring in a binder with all of their certificates, drawings/schematics, pictures of their works, etc.  To tell the truth, the interviewer is not really interested in seeing these things.  You've already proven you're qualified (afterall, you navigated through the resume screening and the phone interview!)  This is a personality/chemistry fit now.  Don't be fooled into thinking it's entirely about your credentials -- although it is the platform by which you and the Company talk in an interview, it's REALLY about assessing how comfortably you would fit in with the team.   

Have Questions to Ask

• Ask questions.  Remember, this is just as much your interview as it is their's.  You are also interviewing them for a good fit to you and your needs.  You want to know that these are the type of people you want to work with and spend time with.  So, ask good, thoughtful questions that show the interviewer that you truly want to understand what's expected and how to be successful at this company.  Also, it may be (depending on the climate) appropriate to talk about wages (hopefully it's initiated by the interviewer); certainly it should be acceptable at this point, however, to inquire about benefits, work schedules, overtime requirements, timing for filling the position, etc.  

Ask About Next Steps...

• Last step, thank the interviewer for the opportunity to interview with the Company.  Inquire how soon will the decision be made, and what are the next steps (if they were interested in moving forward with you).  This helps to manage your expectations, and shows that you are interested.  Follow-up with a thank you email or a handwritten thankyou note to everyone with whom you met. 

Kathleen Lapekas - PHR
Action HR Consultant
For Personal Attention to Personnel Matters....
http://www.actionhrconsultant.com/