Show me the money!

Most professionals I come across say the same thing when I ask, “so are you prepared for the interview tomorrow?” Yes, is the standard reply I receive every time. I always follow this up with “ok perfect, do you mind if I run you through some of my tips or the ‘winning formula’ to conduct an interview.” Every single one states at the end of the chat how beneficial it was and most took something away they never thought about before.

So, I thought I would share some TIPS I give out to every candidate I have secured interviews for over the last 5 years (+-2000 professionals)

Dress Code:

I don’t see the need to under dress, this goes for Developers too whom like the shorts and slops style. Nothing wrong with a firm that allows for casual, comfy clothes but if you are going for an interview, ‘first impressions’ count, so dust off that blazer or suit/pantsuit and let’s look sharp. From my point of view, if you are applying for a client facing role, consulting or in the financial sector perhaps that tie is an obvious choice. But a smart shirt, open collar with a blazer and chinos (Gents) and shirt/blouse, smart jacket, knee-high skirt (Ladies) is a good look regardless of industry sector -so why not pull out all the stops. Think about taking out someone for a first date, do you wear slops and a shirt with a Heineken logo printed on the front? If you do and you got a second date, you probably met at a beach bar. Remember that humans judge someone within the first 7 seconds after initial introduction. Make that first 7 seconds COUNT.

Preparation:

Make sure you research the company, go through the history, what is their mission statement and vision, who founded them, whom are their competitors, your insights and thoughts during an interview show that you have taken time to review their organization. Remember they have taken time to review your profile / CV / Resume, why not do the same? A bonus is to jump on LinkedIn and review the profiles of each panel member (wonderful way to connect – I normally add with note stating, “Hi I’m meeting you on Friday, so thought we should connect here prior to our meeting”). On that note you get to see the faces of each member and make life a lot easier when you are sitting in the panel, trying to remember each name.

Questions:

Is this not the standard thing at the end of every interview? The Interviewer will ask “Do you have any questions?” If you haven’t prepared for this, then the standard response is “Not at this time”. This is the WORST answer ever, yes nerves can get the best of everyone and we might be nervous and just want to get out the building after a 30-minute grilling session but personally, this is the crucial time to ask those questions that you NEED to know to make a suitable career move. My suggestion is make a list of minimum 3 and maximum 5 questions beforehand. Now if they answer some of those questions during the meeting, I got you covered, just say “Well, I have 5 questions, but you did answer a few of them already so let me ask the remaining” and ask something that is still on your notepad or dive a bit deeper on the responsibilities, team dynamics, projects, career progression, vision for 2020 etc.

Don’t:

Bring up salary, leave, perks, flexi hours. Look, these are important, I get it! but its recommended to first get the company interested in you and your skillset. Remember everything is negotiable and rather get invited back to a second interview than blow your chance because someone in the panel feels you ONLY looking for more money, more leave or that fuel card. The point I’m trying to make is, unless the client brings this up – don’t ask those questions, it’s all in the contract, anyway right? If you are dealing with a Professional Recruiter, then they would have made sure that everything is in your favor otherwise they would have walked your through normal benefits offered (if they don’t correlate with your current package). If not – ask them to get you that info upfront if you feel you don’t want to waste everyone’s time prior to meeting.

The Cherry on the cake:

Ok, I’m not going to disclose the cherry at the end, there are a few key tips I have left out, but come on I can’t share all my secrets, right? If you would like to get some more of the ‘Winning Formula’ – feel free to drop a message and I will be happy to share some more tips with you.

Follow @CloudstreamGlobal and add me linkedin.com/in/jeron-van-the-talent-man