PREPARE [Part 2]

Years ago we were working on a Manager of F,P & A role for a company relocating to Texas.  I had 3 good candidates but I was guessing that one was going to drop out.  I had another guy who had a unique background.  He was close…but not perfect.  And man….his energy level was WAY off the chart.  He wanted the job so badly and he was so energized….too energized!  However, he came prepared with a full MBA quality (written) analysis of the company and the subsidiary that was hiring ……. and a really good analysis of how his skills fit what they needed.

Yet – I didn’t want to submit him.  Finally, I said  “Jim, you are at 11 on the high energy scale.  You need to go in at a 7.  Tone it down.  Relax.  Let the interviewer lead the discussion.  You’ll get a chance to tie your background to their needs (quickly and briefly).”  He said he trusted me and he wanted the job.  He listened…..and he won.  He  held that job for years (and was subsequently promoted).  He followed the Controller to another company after that. 

He was prepard and he listened.  And I got a check.  I made a friend.  Jim and I have stayed in touch since 1996.

PREPARE [Part 1]

“I made it to the second round…..and the lady asked me: “Do you have any questions?”

“Um, uh…no.  I think you’ve explained everything pretty well.” 

She didn’t make the final cut.

We’ve seen this many times! 

Prepare.  Look at the company website.  Look up the interviewer on LinkedIn.  Have 2 – 3 good questions ready.  Look at press releases.  Know who their competitors are and know what’s going on in the industry.  Be prepared to ask questions that reflect your preparation and knowledge of the company.  Questions that show you have a work ethic.  Questions that lead to a discussion that helps you highlight your skills and show that you are the obvious choice for the role. 

Go to Half Price Books, or Barnes & Noble, or Amazon…or the internet….and research articles and books on tough interview questions and on good questions for you to ask.  There are great resources available.  Be prepared.

LISTEN.

“I appreciate what you’re trying to do but I’ve hired a lot and I know what I’m doing….”

Or so she said.  We had her interviewing for a senior level six figure finance position.  And man……her resume  F I T .  She was number one going into the 2^nd round.  It was her job to lose.  So she went in boldly and confident….and stuck her entire foot and (and part of her ankle) in her mouth.

Just a little coaching – just a glance at the simplistic interview coaching notes we send all candidates about to interview.  Here is an excerpt (email me if you want a copy of the full list):

Ways Candidates Strike out on Interviews

4.      Condemnation of past employer

5.     

Oh boy.  She spent 20 minutes badmouthing her boss and criticizing her current employer.  She eventually left her employer to join another big company.  She found a good job……just not the one we sent her on!

We have placed thousands of people and we’re pretty good at preparing people for interviews.  We want the best fit to take the job.  It’s good for everyone.  However, don’t let bad interviewing technique cost you the job that’s best for you!    Listen!  We both have the same goal - to get an offer.