You have seen the articles about Smart Answers to Interview Questions, the questions to ask the employer, when to interview to be selected, and what to wear.
But, if you are like many transitioning military, you are still worried about interviewing well.
Get past your fears and nerves by thinking about an interview at its best.
View this interview as a conversation between two or more people about a possible shared future. Each side has something the other might value, and each has to decide if it is a good match.
Getting Started for Successful Interviews
Start by practicing interviews with friends or mentors.
Try some informational interviews in your desired career field — there are many similarities with real interviews (but don’t bring your resume!).
Move into actual interviews at job fairs or with new connections and grow your comfort level.
Employer Job Interview SOP
Understand that civilian employers have Standard Operating Procedures, although very few call it that (or recognize it).
The standard corporate hiring SOP:
- Companies commonly interview anywhere from 3 to 10 people for a single opening.
- You cannot expect each interview to result in a job offer.
- Not every hiring manager is trained in how to do an effective interview; some will be better than others.
- You may face one person — or several — in each interview.
- Many things can interrupt the proces — from changes in the budget or plans to hiring a current employee.
A company located in location different from your location may want to interview you via Skype or other web connection before bringing you in.
So What Do You Control?
You certainly don’t control the whole interview process, but you do control key elements.
Focus on them to increase your probability of success
1. Your Preparation
Review what you know about the job, the organization, and what your research shows about the workplace and culture. Update your research.
Ask who you will interview with and what role each person plays and then check them out online. This helps your comfort level and can give you insight into any common points with the person or mutual acquaintances.
2. Your Focus
You want to be there fully in mind and spirit. When you are really engaged, you will perform far better and make it easier for your brain to work well.
Listening fully before answering questions is a rare, but very important, skill.
Many of us are too busy starting to prepare our answer before the speaker has finished talking. That leads to poor answers.
When you don’t listen, you miss the opportunity to effectively “connect” with each interviewer.
Your brain forgets the success story details that flesh out why you would be a great hire.
You may blab too much or clam up – neither is helpful. You omit questions that are important to your assessment of the actual opportunity.
Think of the interview as an interesting conversation, and focus on paying attention throughout.
3. Your Presentation
People hire people they like. Of course they want qualifications for the job, but most research shows that it is the initial minute or two that makes the connection or not.
How do you deal with that?
- Give yourself time to get there, and wear appropriate clothes to reduce extra stress.
- Go in ready to show how you solve problems, deal with others, and grow your own skills — using specific terms and examples.Talking about past successes in ways that are relevant to the work you seek gives you confidence that subtly speaks to the interviewer about what a top quality candidate you are.
- Be positive. Know what you want as well as what you offer.
- Remember your manners.
Demonstrate by your behavior and words that you are interested, excited, and pleased to be there.
4. Your Reactions
Interviews are stressful to both sides. The interviewer needs to make a smart hire in a cost-effective manner. You want the job but need to assess if it really matches your goals.
Do not let small matters upset or overwhelm you.
I have seen too many candidates who let one minor thing get to them and ruin the rest of the time.
Sometimes hiring managers make mistakes or are running late. This is not the time to berate the receptionist or the interviewer.
Bring a book or, better yet, an industry publication, electronically or in print — you look prepared and interested and will get less antsy.
Be friendly and interested in talking with each person, even the receptionist.
Be prepared to add more detail to your answers if asked. Don’t take offense or wonder why they don’t understand.
If a question makes you uncomfortable, ask calmly what the business issue is that they are trying to discuss.
Don’t assume there is some discriminatory or anti-veterans intent unless there is a strong pattern.
Bottom Line on Job Interviews
Interviews are an important part of most hiring. A realistic attitude, basic manners, and an interest in other people pave the way to success. These, plus solid preparation, help ensure you present your best self and get the information you need to make a good decision.
More Information About Successful Job Interviews
- Job-Hunt’s free Guide to Successful Job Interviews
- Smart Answers to Interview Questions with sample answers
- Guide to Writing Thank You Notes After a Job Interview including Sample Thank You Notes (and Emails)
- What to Wear to a Job Interview: Choosing the Right Interview Outfit
About the author…
Patra Frame has extensive experience in human capital management and career issues in large and small corporations. She is an Air Force vet and charter member of The Women In Military Service for America Memorial. Patra speaks and writes regularly on job search and career issues through her company Strategies for Human Resources (SHRInsight) and PatraFrame.com where she blogs advice for veterans and other job seekers. Watch Patra’s ClearedJobs.net job search tips videos on YouTube, and follow her on Twitter @2Patra.
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