How to Make or Break an Interview (Individual, Group, or Panel Interviews) - (W9:D2) Debt Free Millionaire Podcast

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Interview Process: When you find the job you like and turn in your resume, the next step to the process is waiting to be called for an interview. They may ask you questions or ask you to submit writing samples before you are called in, but at some point, you will be called in to talk to the company owner or manager or conference call, as they vet the best candidates for the position. There are two ways they may hold the first interview:

Group Interview – This is the going trend right now, because it saves time and weeds out candidates quickly. This is where all the applicants meet together and talk to the manager, all at once. This is where you get to make a name for yourself, by asking and answering questions, speaking up, and being a leader while in the group. You don’t want to be influenced by group-think, but if you want to make a name for yourself in the group, you want to make sure you speak up in front of the group. This shows initiative, that you can be part of an effective team, and that you will go out of the way to understand. Don’t be intimidated in this process; everyone is human, and the interviewer just wants to make sure they get the best person. After it is over, remember to send them a thank you card, so you stay at the top of their mind.

Individual Interview – This would normally happen after the group interview, if there are a lot of potential employees. If there are only a few candidates, then the manager in charge will meet with everyone individually. They may want the best candidate, but they do not want to scare people away with a group interview, which may be intimidating. You will set up a time that works best for both parties and come to the office to meet with your potential boss. Interviews normally happen in a closed office or conference room, but some may happen in a more public area, such as a café. Be flexible and, if you really want this position, willing to step outside of your comfort zone. They will ask you questions, and you will be able to ask them questions. When being interviewed, try these tips:

Before the Interview:

1. Start by researching the company, and talking to your potential coworkers. Research not only the company you are interested in, but their industry, competitors, and recent news. Be prepared.
2. Practice possible answers to questions they may ask. Search our site for “Common Questions.”
3. Reread the job description beforehand. You want to present yourself as the person they need.
4. Find people to role play with. This allows you to practice answering the common questions.
5. Prepare your list of references. Do not give them just anyone, make sure they are relevant to the job and remember to ask each beforehand.
6. Bring a portfolio or list of examples of your work. You want them to see you are prepared.
7. Make a list of Smart Questions you can ask, that show you did your research. Search “Smart Questions,” on our site, for examples.
8. Prepare a response to “behavior-based” questions, such as when they ask you to share an experience where you displayed behaviors that the company prioritizes and wants from you.
9. Plan your interview attire the night before. Make sure you come with the right dress code. Search “Interview Attire.” Make sure your appearance is clean and without blemish, but also matches the company culture. Don’t overdo the attire.
10. Bring many copies of your resume, a notepad, and pen. Take notes to show your attentiveness.
11. Stay calm, both before the interview and during it. Make sure your actions, answers, questions, and all interactions are intentional.
12. Practice, practice, practice - as much as possible - by yourself and with others.
13. Ask for an interview in the morning. Statistics show that interviewers are more positive early in the day.

During the Interview:

1. Arrive at the interview at least 10-15 minutes early. Be prepared to sit and wait until called.
2. Treat everyone you encounter with respect, from those you encounter in the parking lot to the assistant that tells you to sit and wait for the interviewer.
3. Show confidence in your appearance, by watching your posture, the look of your clothing, and remembering to smile. You can practice good posture beforehand, and remember good manners. Search “Body Language,” on our site.
4. Win the interviewer over with your confidence, authenticity, and positivity. Be genuine and truthful in your interaction. Everyone wants to be around people they like.
5. The first question is normally, “Tell me about yourself.” Practice a well thought out response.
6. Try to stay on the side of the interviewer. If they have a concern, make sure you have the same concern, and a way to resolve it.
7. When asked a question, use the STAR method in your response: Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Search our site for “STAR Method.” Basically, it means, give the situation, what your role was, what actions were taken, and what the results were.
8. Don’t blame others or speak negatively against a previous employee or employer. Be assertive and take responsibility. You can make sure you do not look “bad,” but don’t be petty in explaining a situation, by blaming others or speaking ill against those who aren’t there to respond. Always circle these situations back to how they were a positive influence in your development.
9. With every negative, give a resolution and how you overcame or learned from that situation. Take these questions back to skills and accomplishments you received. Be positive.
10. Anticipate your interviewer’s concerns or reservations. Answer and ask indirect questions, when appropriate, to find out what the interviewer is thinking (or assuming) about you.
11. Do not rant. Keep your answers as concise as possible. Focus on the most important issues. If you can, make the answers into conversations, so you can turn the questions back to the interviewer. They get bored of asking questions, and may want some interaction.
12. Clarify why you would be valuable for the company and reasons you want this position.
13. Don’t worry about your answers sounding practiced - everyone is nervous in an interview.
14. This is rare, but be prepared to respond to illegal or inappropriate questions. Sometimes, the interviewer isn’t thinking, or is overly curious. Search “Inappropriate Questions” on our site.
15. Close on a positive note. Make sure they have a good memory of you, so they cannot forget you.

After the interview:

1. Ask the interviewer what the next step is, or how many interviewees there are. Show your interest in the process, and sympathize with the pains they are taking to find the right candidate.
2. Send a personal letter to them thanking them for the opportunity, and mention something positive about the interview, so they can remember which candidate you were. This keeps you at the top of their minds.
3. Follow up with them about a week later, to: 1) stay at the top of their mind; and 2) show that you are still interested.

Last, but not least, don’t give up. Even if you don’t get a job offer, take this as a learning experience. Get back in and try again, with another similar position.

Read other articles about interviews at: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/top-job-interview-tips-for-college-students-2059837 https://www.newyorker.com/humor/daily-shouts/job-interview-questions-theyre-dying-to-ask-you https://www.theforage.com/blog/interview-questions/panel-interview https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/body-language-tips-video-interview/ https://www.michaelpage.ca/advice/career-advice/job-interview-tips/group-interviews-how-prepare-and-how-stand-out https://www.ach.edu/2014/09/how-to-stand-out-in-the-group-interview/