Prepare so you shine in your interview
By D.A. Hayden/ Job SearchWednesday, March 1, 2006
Every successful job search, whether conducted by someone fresh out of college or a seasoned executive, involves the same two disciplines: preparation and presentation.
You can be the most engaging, well-spoken and likeable candidate in the world but you won't get past human resources if you haven't done your homework.
Conversely, the quality of your accomplishments won't land you a job offer if everything that comes out of your mouth contradicts the impression created by your resume.
Here are some proven guidelines to make you a more persuasive and memorable interviewee.
Avoid the 'No' pile. If your resume gets past the initial screening, a member of the HR department may invite you to an interview. HR's function is to provide management with qualified candidates. How well you present yourself determines whether your resume gets put in the Yes pile or the No pile.
Approach an HR interview from the perspective that everything you do or say counts: how you look, your body language and your answers to unexpected questions. Go into this initial meeting with the understanding that nothing is off the record.
Show Initiative. If you restrict your research exclusively to the company Web site, it'll become apparent that you have done the minimum learning required. Instead, surprise with informational tidbits drawn from, say, Dow Jones Business, Hoovers and industry publications. Also, find out what's being said about the company by the press.
If the company is publicly traded, find out how their stock is performing and what analysts are saying. Read their annual reports, particularly the chairman's letter. Learn about new initiatives and study the competition. It won't take long for an interviewer to realize that you've done your homework.
Get Out in the Marketplace. Employers are justifiably proud of their products. Demonstrate your respect for what they do by doing some first-hand research.
Visit stores that sell their products and talk to the manager, observe buyers and compare price points.
If they operate retail stores, visit them. If you are interviewing at a bank, visit their branches. Ask yourself: what's the customer experience?
Be thinking of questions to ask your interviewer about what you learned. It'll set you apart and put your resume on the top of the pile.
Think Like an Interviewer. There are only four things that a potential employer wants to know: Can you do the job? Will you fit into the organization? Will hiring you reflect well on him or her? Will you be enjoyable to work with?
Don't talk about what you've done. Communicate instead what you can do for the company.
Show Your Passion. Companies, like people, love to be loved. When asked why you want to work for the company, get excited. Use examples of things that the company has done that you think are outstanding. If they make a product, talk about your own experiences with that product and its superiority to the competition. Employers love this kind of enthusiasm and they'll think better of you for it.
Be Your Best You. Always remember that everyone you meet is a potential lead or employer. Thoroughly prepare your personal brand story and be conversant with it. Then, be sure to let your personality shine through. Employers want to hire qualified candidates they will enjoy having on the team.
D.A. Hayden is a founding partner of Hayden·Wilder, a one-on-one counseling firm based in Boston that specializes in preparing recent college graduates for the real world job market.