What to Expect on a Typical Interview

When it comes to interviewing, the small things count! The small details that one would not normally pay attention to are what matters the most. You can be the best at interviewing but at the end of the day its how well you MATCH the company.

Interviewing has never been a problem for me. I always believe if you are prepared there is nothing to worry about, and I’m a social butterfly so holding conversation is not a problem. My biggest challenge was presenting myself to fit the mold. 

I look at it like this.... you are the BRAND! What does your brand say about you. What ethics do you hold yourself to,  and what is your mission!?

After being on multiple interviews, they all ask the same basic questions. They look over your resume, and then the first thing out of their mouth is “Tell me about yourself?” Then they go through your resume and finish the interview by asking you if you have any questions....Sounds easy right!? Well, not really.

Some of the most basic questions, are the hardest. You might think that the question “tell me about yourself?” is an easy one to answer, but there are multiple key things that most people don’t address in their response. They include: 

1. Introduce yourself 
2. Current Status
3. Describe one or two treats about yourself 
4. Why you applied for this job
5. Future Career goals

Sounds like a lot for one question, but you have to be straight to the point! This question sets the tone for the rest of your meeting. Also these answers always change depending on the culture of the company you are applying for. REMEMBER its how YOU fit into THEIR MOLD! 

NEXT: They go over your resume, asking you to explain in more detail about your experiences. 

This is the time to really be detailed and confident in your answers and where your research of the company and the position is put to the test.

 Of course, you know your experiences at these different positions but how does your background/ work experience fit the position you are applying for now? What tasks/responsibilities did you do in the past that would pertain to this position and create value? Those are the ones you want to really elaborate on and discuss. 

Its very important while your talking to get a mental read on how the discussion is going. If you see the interview looks interested in one of your answers, then discuss it even further and if he/she doesn’t seem interested move on to the next one.

If you think about it, interviewing is a bullshitters best game, but you have to be careful and keep the conversation as honest as possible. The worst thing you can do is say you know how to do something and when you get hired have no idea what your doing. You want to be their shinning star but as realistically as possible. 

After the resume review they usually ask why this company and why this position? Which are THE most important questions, that you better know without hesitation. 

Then there is a gap where interviews change up and ask different questions. Most commonly I’ve been asked:

1. If someone was to say something about you, what would be the top 3 things?
2. What are your strengths/weaknesses?
3. How do you work in a team setting?
4. Where do you want to be in your future?

After this part its your turn to ask the questions. Majority of people mess this part up. It really can set you apart from the other candidates because it shows how much interest you have. 

Majority of people ask:

• What do you like about this company?
• Whats your work experience?
• What sets you apart from your competitors? 

Which are good questions, but make sure you at least have the ONE question that will demonstrate your dedication. Whether it has to do with a recent merger or project that you read in a case study or in the interviewers bio. Just make it a question that they will remember. 

After the interview process is done, the next day is to follow up with thank you emails. So make sure you get their business cards. If you did more then 1 interview at the company make sure your emails are different! Trust they do compare. This will be the icing on the cake. Cause these people are busy and its important that you acknowledge them on it. 

Other key Tips:

1. Stand up and shake their hand firmly, while looking them in their eyes during introduction and completion
2. Clean nails, hair, business attire 
3. Don’t wear heavy scents 
4. Bring multiple copies of your resume

Remember you are the BRAND, and who better to be selling themselves then you!   

Next Post: Dos and Don’ts of interviewing