Gordaen’s Blog

When I was in the library, I noticed that there was a rather large section on interviewing books. All these books about interviewing techniques, what could they be saying? Some of them were several hundred pages! I can’t imagine reading that much just to learn how to not sound like an idiot at an interview, so I figured I’d offer my quick tips.

Apply for a job you can reasonably do
If a job says it requires a fluency in Spanish and you don’t know how to pronounce “llamo,” don’t waste your time or the company’s time. That doesn’t mean to lie a little either. If you took two years of Spanish in high school and are proud that you know how to ask where the bathroom is, saying you are “fluent” on your application is a bad idea. When the interviewer starts talking to you in all Spanish, you’re going to look like an idiot.

Dress appropriately
This should be a no-brainer, but it’s still common to see people under-dressed for interviews, which can be insulting to the company you want to work for. If you don’t know what is appropriate (it doesn’t always have to be a full suit and tie), it’s almost always fine to ask whomever you set the appointment up with (such as the secretary or hiring division).

Be confident, not pompous
Read these three statements:

• “I think I would be good for this job.”
• “I would be good for this job because…”
• “I am the best X so I would be great at X’ing.”

The first statement is not assertive and gives no backing, which makes you a very weak candidate. Assuming the second statement ends with solid examples and not mumbling, it is a much better option. The third statement is a little too much. You aren’t the best and everyone knows it. You might be the best qualified candidate they talk to, but you should prove so with examples that don’t make you sound like you are full of yourself.

Be ready for the usual questions
There are certain questions that you should specifically be prepared for. These are the general questions that are asked at the majority of interviews (and, even if they aren’t asked, the answers you are prepared to give for them could work their way into the answers for other questions).

• “What are your strengths?”
• “What are your weaknesses?”
• “What about this job caught your eye?”
• “Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?”
• “What leadership roles have you had in the past?”

Don’t oversell yourself, but don’t sell yourself short either. You should list strengths that you know you have, not that you think you have. That’s especially true if you had to submit some samples of your work or a portfolio. Don’t use the weaknesses question to break the first rule (don’t be pompous!). Saying, “I guess my biggest weakness is that I like to work too hard,” is likely to make it hard for the interviewers to avoid rolling their eyes or groaning.

Keep the company in mind
This goes along with the above questions. Everything you say should have them in mind, not you.

• You say: “This job would be a good opportunity to become a better designer.”
  They think: “He doesn’t bring much design experience.”
• You say: “I saw this job on *insert job-hunting website*…”
  They think: “He doesn’t know anything about our company.”
• You say: “My friend *name* told me that your company was looking for a *position*. I’ve been using your company’s *product* for a few years now and it’s great. I’d really enjoy working on *product* or any of the other exciting projects this company is undertaking, because this company is on the cutting edge of *field*.”
  They think: “He might have connections; He knows and uses our products; He is excited and energetic; He makes our company sound good.”

Keep the people in mind
Try to remember at least a couple of the names of your interviewers. Normally, the interviewers are introduced and give a brief explanation of their jobs (or at least their title). If you take this knowledge and use it during the interview, they’ll see that you pay attention to details and are at least a pretty good “people person.” You don’t have to memorize all of their names, but each one helps. Simply responding to an interviewer’s question with his or her name (e.g., “Oh certainly Tim, I love…”) will make that person feel special and start building a connection with you.

Be proactive
When the interview is over, ask what the next steps are. Do you need to call for a follow-up? Do you need to talk with someone else? Are there more forms to fill out? You can also use this as a chance to piggy-back on the previous point. Asking Dave what program he uses for a specific task or asking Mark which cranes they use shows that you learn quick and pay attention.

Finally,
Don’t forget to follow-up. You would be surprised how much difference that makes. The résumé is supposed to land you an interview. The interview is supposed to put your toes in the door. The follow-up is your best chance to keep your name in the pile. Even if you don’t get the original job, conducting yourself well and following up can give you a chance at another position in the company or even another company. Word of mouth works wonders.