Recently at work I was asked to be part of a panel to interview final candidates for a job opening. It was my first time interviewing and I loved it! Let me share some brief notes on what I was looking for and some do and do nots for interviewees based on my experience.
What I was looking for:
- relatable experience: I wanted candidates to tell me what they did in their last job. Specifically the type of environment, number of users, how they related to V.I.P users.
- personality: Is this a person that the team can get along with? That can relate to users. Is the person confident.
- professionalism: Is the person prepared? Or does he have a care-less attitude. You’d be amazed on how unprepared some people are.
DOs
DO give a firm handshake. A handshake says alot!
DO remember names. One thing I do is ask for names and create a map of sorts on my notepad to remember who is in the room and where they are seated. If offered business cards…use that as your map and lay them out in the direction your interviewer or interviewers are sitting.
DO dress nice, but if your IT don’t overdue it. We’re actually turned off by suits and ties.
DO come with a binder or notepad. Write down questions to ask.
DO make conversation. Let the interviewers in on your personality. Make simple jokes, smile, be yourself.
DO give specifics. Give examples and not just a “yes” or “no” answer.
DO make eye contact. Be human for goodness sake!
DO NOTs
DO NOT come late! Do I need to expound?
DO NOT wear jeans. Again you’d be surprised
DO NOT lie or BS! Interviews can tell when your lying. We want to know what you don’t know…we’ll train you. There is no perfect candidate that knows everything. But, there is always a liar who will never get the job.
DO NOT look down and write when people are talking to you.
DO NOT sway or rock in your chair. It shows off your nerves
DO NOT talk with your hands. Its just annoying and distracting.
DO NOT flatter the interviewer. Brown nosing is for moving up the ladder, not to get in the door.
Interviewing gave some unique insight to the hiring process. Its amazing how much you can learn about someone in a few short minutes. The interviewing panel at work was asked to rank the final candidates to the hiring manager today. It’ll be interesting to see who he hires. Regardless of his choice, I feel like I’ve gained another notch on the resume and another unique perspective into a all so important part of work life.
