BOKF = Great Interview Experience

Don't ever turn down an opportunity to network because you never know where it might lead you. Also, make sure to optimize your LinkedIn profile to be found.

BOK Financial, The introduction:

I was contacted on LinkedIn by Roxanna Maciel, SVP, Director of Talent Acquisition/Attraction, on a Sunday, of all days. She told me she was looking to network with talent branding professionals for a role on her team. She asked if I was open to networking, not if I was interested in the job. After reading it, I ran upstairs and told my husband this is the job I am meant to do next. I agreed to speak with Roxanna. We set up a call for the following day. An initial call that most people would schedule for 30 minutes turned into an hour and forty-five minutes. At the end of the call, I told her I could introduce her to someone perfect for this role. I could tell she was excited. In a bold and vulnerable move, I said I was interested. This was not natural for me and uncomfortable. I've always believed you have to ask for what you want and put yourself out there.  

Trip to Houston to meet Roxanna:

The Senior Recruiting Coordinator handled my arrangements with grace/professionalism. The night before I had to postpone due to an illness. I called Roxanna and asked for a redo since I wanted to put my best foot forward. She was gracious and understanding, we rescheduled. We immediately hit it off. She was transparent and told me the good, bad, and ugly I would potentially face. It was such a natural conversation. She also touched on her management style and team dynamics. 

Visit with stakeholders at HQ in Tulsa:

In half a day, I met with eight team members. Lunch proved to be the most difficult because I met with three people, two who had brown hair. I had to write their names down, and what they were wearing so I could keep track of them. After meeting with everyone, I was even more inspired and energized about the role.

The offer:

My final round was on Thursday. Roxanna promised we'd talk Friday. She followed up with a verbal offer the next day. Even though Monday was a bank holiday (MLK Day), She came through as promised. I could picture myself reporting to her, working with her team members and making a difference in unchartered territory. 

Here's what made this a great interview experience:

• Prompt follow up and follow-through
• All meetings were conversational, not inquisitions
• Providing transparency and sharing the reality of the role, good, bad and ugly
• Sharing all her contact info (email, cell, work number) and she even said it was ok for me to text her if I needed to reach her right away

The process was not perfect. There will always be challenges on one side or another. When it feels natural, and it’s a fit, go for it!

One thing I realized is the value of optimizing my LinkedIn profile. Roxanna mentioned that when she did a keyword search, my profile came up every time. I'm excited for what the future holds. #LookAtBOKF