I really enjoy interviewing people for positions. As a people observer, it is really fun to watch how people approach and handle the interview.
What stands out for me?
More than anything, I am impressed with someone who is prepared, interested and confident. If I was going to tell you what would ace the interview for me, here are my thoughts.
- Know the company. The web is your friend. Before your interview, check the organization’s website and find out what they do, who their client is, what their strategy is, and where they are going. Take the information and think about their client and market and what they need. It blows me away when someone has actually taken time to find out about my business and thought about what we are doing.
- Ask questions. Be curious and get me talking about myself (there is an old adage that if we have a 45-minute meeting and talk the whole time about you, I don’t remember you but if we spend the meeting talking about me, I think you are brilliant). Have a template of key questions to ask me about the position and my expectations;
- What do I see as the greatest challenges in performing in this position?
- What do I see as the greatest opportunities to provide value in this position?
- What capabilities do I need most in this position?
- What are the key results or outcomes I need to see in this position to judge you a success?
- If we were sitting here one year from today looking back, what would you have had to do for me to say you had been successful in this position?
- Know yourself. I know people gag when they hear those two stupid questions, “What are your greatest strengths?” or “What are your weaknesses?” Fight back and be prepared. Rather than glazing me over with “My greatest weakness is I care too much …” provide clarity on your strengths and values. Complete assessments such as Kolbe© and the Strengthsfinder© that clearly articulate the value you bring. Summarize your strengths profile and have it with you. I love people with self-awareness!
- Have a direction. Think about what you would do to provide value in the position. From researching the website, looking at the specific position, and knowing your strengths, have a short goal plan of how you would perform and deliver results in your work. Focus on the position and don’t spend too much time about your next career move – let me know you will provide value in this position now.
Come in to the meeting ready. Take some time prior to the interview and prepare. Have specific objectives for the meeting – the questions you want to ask, the points you want to make, and the next steps you want to confirm. If you actually write these out and have a plan, you stand a much better chance of having it happen.
This is just my advice. Resumes and interviews can all seem the same after a while – stand out. Definitely have the resume blah blah ready but shift it up – get me talking and show me your value. You will be memorable.
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