There's a first for everything

"july two twenty ten" by cdsessums

I already wrote about a first job interview and I compared it to a first date. To be fair it can be compared to all first appearances, even a playdate, a presentation or an audition. 

Preparation is key

When I was young and inexperienced I would face any new situation without any preparation. I would say: "I'm resourceful, I will improvise". Was it a good idea? No, of course. Well, sometimes when I was lucky enough it would work. However I believe that if you really want to stand a chance, you have to do some groundwork. 

After all you wouldn't invite your son/daughter's best friend over, without knowing what they like and dislike. If you want to make a good impression for your son/daughter' sake, you need to think of activities to propose, tasty snacks to offer and let the best part of yourself shine. (Let your cranky usual self aside for a rainy day).

Research can be fun

Creatives often don't want to get their hands dirty. However even research can be challenging and exciting. In fact, you have to think outside the box to find some information that you can really use in your interviews and maybe stand out. If you take the time to look up information you can find articles, notes, presentations, and even videos. You can get to know your interviewer better, find out what they are looking for and makes them excited. 

You'd be surprised what makes other people gloat. Some are into gourmet food, movies or sports, some others in analytics, geeky jokes, or figures of speech. Whatever makes them thrill, feed their need.

Common and unexpected questions

Aside from that, get ready to answer some generic questions like: "Tell me a bit about yourself", "What are your main strengths and weaknesses?", "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?". You can find a very good list on Indeed. If you rehearse your answers you will look more confident when the situation comes.

As you get farther away with the selection process you'll probably get to meet people higher up in the company hierarchy: Managers and Directors, depending also on the size of the company. People who may have simply more questions about your experience and your ability to fit in the role, but who can also surprise you with tough questions you didn't think of. What would you do in this case? Select your choice:

1. ☐ a. you begin to talk and end up going in a loop, throwing in random words in the hope of confusing them so that they can move on to another question
2. ☐ you begin to stutter waiting for a sensible thought to come along
3. ☐ you take your time by commenting: "that is actually a very good question"

Yes! You did it! The correct answer is 3.

Silly question, right? However I recently reacted in all three ways in the same interview. Sometimes my inner voice helps me correcting my mistakes, some other time I imagine it saying: "Don't look at me, get your act together!"

Time to think it through

There's no need to rush an answer. It's true you have to look sure about yourself but if you don't have a clear answer in your mind, it's completely ok to take time. It's honest and solid. In my opinion being able to deal with silence is a sign of strength. Plus you're showing you're not a storyteller in the worst possible sense but actually a balanced and considerate professional.

In short remember the 5 "R" Research, Rehearse, (no) Rush, Recollect and Reply.

The right questions

If you took the time to do your groundwork you'll probably realise there is some information you couldn't get a hold of. No need to panic. This is actually good because what you cannot find out about a company makes really a good question.

At the end of the interview you'll often hear: "Do you have any questions?". I believe there's nothing worse for a candidate than having nothing to say. That's why writing down some out of the ordinary and thoughtful questions plays an important role. Try to be flexible though. If during the company's presentation the interviewer already answered some of the questions, don't ask them again just for the sake of asking or the interlocutor will think you didn't pay attention to what they said.

Just think of questions that may show your unique way of thinking and your interest in the company.

However the most important thing I've learned is being myself because there is no ready-made box I can fit in. I'd like to work for a company that chooses me for who I am and what I can give.