The Job Search of An Exec: The Interview Process!

Dear friends,

After covering the importance of taking action in the first episode (click here ) and the value of both a personal and business network (click here ) last week, we will be dedicating today’s newsletter to probably the most important moment of any job search, the interview process.

PART 3: A GUIDE TO SUCCEEDING AT JOB INTERVIEWS

Ah, the interview. I have tried, failed and sometimes fixed the practice of interviews over the years. Although there is no guarantee, the following recommendations will put you in the best possible condition to succeed.

Interviews are when it gets really sticky. They are the moment you leave the safety associated with being behind a screen to be put on the spot, have your thoughts challenged and your personality and brain picked (no wonder there are countless articles about how to avoid excessive sweating during an interview…).

As a general note, in today’s hybrid workplace, I still definitely advocate for meeting in person. That feeling, that vibe, that emotional connection you can get with someone face-to-face is difficult to replicate through a screen.

First, let’s delve into the preparation required to succeed. You cannot just show up to an interview relying on luck and charisma, thinking “it’s good to stay natural” – that will definitely set you up for failure. ?

1) HOW TO PREPARE

Please note that you can never be overly prepared. It’s having this base preparation that enables you to then improvise and be precise and astute in your observations.

This learning applies to anyone, whether you are applying for an exec role or an entry-level position. ?

The journey I went through has also shed light on other tools and methods. It’s one thing to prepare and another to prepare effectively.

Concretely, any preparation entails extensive and thorough research into:

• The interviewers: Have the name of each person who will be in the room, look them up on Google and social media, watch videos of them speaking (they’ll be impressed when you bring up an idea they’ve once expressed), reach out to common connections, notably on LinkedIn, for inside information.
• The company: Understand the who, the what, the why of the company. The yearly financial reporting, which has very often been made public, always holds the most valuable information about its strategies.
• The role: Research the background and insights of people with similar roles, whether in the company you are applying to or another and including job ads.

Beyond this, making a list of five questions is possibly one of the most indispensable aspects of interview prep. Getting ready for my interviews, it was apparent that the more research I conducted, the more relevant my questions became.??

? Questions often result from researching the company’s latest news. In addition, you can also refer to a quote or statement made by the interviewer in the past, an emerging trend, or ask for advice.

Okay, let’s pause.

You are now very well prepared for your interview but … WHAT DO YOU WEAR? ??

First things first, you can NEVER be overdressed and you don’t want to look boring.

Say you’re interviewing at a start-up in the entertainment industry, you can, by all means, wear a suit. Being overdressed won’t be an issue as long as the suit is unique, with some sort of detail or design.

When unsure, I find out how the interviewers usually dress by just googling them and match their outfit.

Other rules regarding interview attire include: no shorts, no sneakers, no t-shirts. Unless you’re applying for Baywatch. In this case, wear your best and most glorious red swim-suit :)

Also, there’s nothing worse than to speak with someone wearing a very strong perfume that causes the interviewer to be uncomfortable and sneeze.

2) THE INTERVIEW

I am very particular about the interview ritual. ?

? Get there half an hour early. End of story. Get in the mental headspace. Pinpoint and visualise the interview location. Then get a coffee nearby, relax, go to the loo (very important), review notes.

FYI, if you smoke, do not touch a cigarette in the two hours leading to your interview.

?? Phone turned off as I enter the building – no distractions.

?? My personal choice is to only carry a notebook and a pen as I feel it is efficient and shows perspicacity. I’m not a fan of carrying a briefcase to an interview nor bringing luggage - just leave it at reception.?

Other non-verbal cues include:

• To avoid the feeling of being interrogated, try not to sit facing the window of a bright room or right in front of the interviewer, especially when there are several of them.

• If asked what you’d like to drink, by all means, request a glass of water, but you’re not there for an iced latte, a coca cola, or a glass of wine.
• Silence can be powerful & be comfortable with being uncomfortable. As an example, a few weeks ago, I sat waiting for all the interviewers to enter the room and be ready. While some started speaking about the weather, I chose to stay silent for three long uncomfortable minutes without participating in small talk.

Similarly, in case they engage in filler conversation with you, have an interesting topic other than the weather to discuss. “I just tried the latest ChatGPT update on the tube” is more exciting that “I forgot my umbrella”.

Then, as soon as I sit down, I like to open my notebook and look at the five things I have listed to mention during the interview.

i. The opening

They will always ask you to present yourself. Your introduction should be snappy, engaging, and intriguing.

As a rule of thumb, aim for it to last between 30 and 45 seconds, covering:

·?????Your personal background: where you’re from

·?????Your best assets: your professional experience

·?????Why you’re here

People lose interest in too much detail; if they want to know more about your previous roles or experience, they will ask.

Note that interviewers have pre-made opinions about you before you have even entered the room, having read your resume: tackle such judgements immediately as part of your intro.

ii. The questions

These naturally follow your introduction.

Typically, in light of the fact many interviewers lack proper training, you will find yourself answering the same standard albeit boring questions everyone always asks:

What are your strengths? Your weaknesses? Your most significant setback/success? Why did you choose this company? and yata yata yata ?? [click here for more examples ]

Sadly, they will come to you more often than one would hope. Come up with some really well thought-out, ready-made answers for each and single one of them.

Occasionally, when being challenged and unsure of the answer to a question, don’t hesitate to admit you don’t know but will find out and let them know next time.

iii. The conversation

Your main objective of an interview is for it to transform into a genuine discussion.

And the way to do so is to listen closely to interviewers, ask questions and react accordingly – make it an exchange between two or more people.

Sometimes, when there are several interviewers, I also like to find an “ally” - the one who’s the most encouraging – to engage in the conversation.

It is also okay to question the interviewers’ opinions; mentioning another way to think about a topic helps open the conversation even further.

iv. The end of the interview

The dreaded “Do you have any questions for us?” part.

YES, YES I DO.

And, tough fact, but I will not hire someone who doesn’t have any. The end of the interview is the opportunity for applicants to ask the questions they have prepared beforehand.

In addition, it’s important to leave an interview with some visibility. Hence, the interview should end with you asking about:

-??????How far the company has gotten in the selection process

-??????The next steps

-??????Anything else they may need from you

I send a thank you note the next day, not the day of. In this message, I like to reference one or two elements of our discussion that I enjoyed and confirm my interest in the role.

Timing wise, it’s normal not to hear back immediately, it can take up to triple the time you thought was normal. Being patient is a lot to ask yet sadly people have other things to do.

Of course, when you haven’t heard back after seven working days, do chase.

Key takeaways:

1. Prepare, prepare, prepare. Even if you don’t mention everything you have identified, being prepared gives you leeway to improvise.
2. A successful interview is an engaging conversation. Cut to the chase when selling yourself, instead carry out a genuine discussion driven by your ideas and experience.
3. Have your questions ready. Test them with others before. ?
4. Don’t fidget with your hands nor shake your leg and ban verbal tics (avoid basically, like…). Not easy, do practice!
5. Do follow-up with a thank-you note.

After several interview rounds for several roles, I was lucky and relieved to receive a few offers. ?? Next week, it will be decision time and we will talk about the factors I weigh in, the negotiation process, and some good news.

In the meantime, have a great week.

ORM