Interviewing is tough. It's high stakes. You feel like you are being examined. However,
there are concrete things you can do to up your chances of success and feel less anxious.
In this video we are going to talk about best practices for the entire interview cycle.
Before, during, and after.
Let's start with before.
People always tell me, "Anne, I don't know what to do.
I don't know where to start in terms of the prep."
So here's the thing:
There is now way around it, you got to do some homework. Part of the homework is researching
the company. Looking up the company values. Thinking about stories that show that you
demonstrate those company values. Talking with people who work there or have interviewed there.
These are all good things that you can do. But the most important thing you want
to do to prepare is ask yourself this:
Connect the dots for them. How does this past experience that you have
directly relate to the role you are interviewing for.
So those are some
of the things you want to think about the weeks and days leading up and there are some
things you can do right before the interview to get yourself in a good state of mind.
Right before you walk in, do some deep breathing. Get Positive. Think about all the
great things you have to offer. And also put it into perspective. Realize this person who
is interviewing you is just another person and your life truly does not depend on the
outcome of this interview. Also, I suggest putting your cell phone away. You don't need
to be taking in new information. Just go Zen. Get Zen. Get Positive.
Now let's talk about what you can do during the interview.
As the interview starts, you can pretty much expect
that they are going to ask you some iteration of some of the most common interview questions, such as...
That's never a fun one but that might happen.
These are all common interview questions that you should be prepared to answer, in addition to specific, more technical
questions for your role. Now, as you're answering these common questions, you want to think
about using a framework to organize your answers. Now I'm a big fan of frameworks because when
people are nervous, they ramble. And you don't want to ramble in an interview. So, two frameworks
you can use in an interview. The first one is PSR. It stands for...
So, let's say somebody asks you: Tell me about a problem you've solved. Use that to answer the question.
SO, TELL ME A PROBLEM THAT YOU'VE WORKED ON.
Well, a common problem that I see in communication coaching is that people tend to ramble.
So one solution that I use is frameworks. So, for example, the one that we are doing right now:
Problem, Solution, Result.
And, I have found that when people use that, they are much more concise
and they can really focus on being in the moment,
instead of remembering all these random ideas.
Another framework that I like for interviews is ADD.
So, for example, let's say I'm interviewing at a company that is wanting to grow in China.
SO, WHY SHOULD WE HIRE YOU?
You should hire me because of my extensive experience working in China.
As I mention, in my previous job, I was in China once a month. I speak Chinese.
I know how to navigate cultural differences. I understand how business works there.
As I understand as well, you guys' top priority is growing your business in China.
I can help you do that.
Okay. {PHEW} The hardest part is over. You have finished answering their
questions. Now, let's talk about post-interview. The after. They are going to ask you: What
questions do you have for us? And you really really want to make sure you have questions.
Now, in terms of what the types of questions that are good, you want to avoid questions like...
How many hours a week am I expected to work.
Instead, ask for something a little more thoughtful.
This shows that you really care about doing a good job.
The final thing you want to do after the interview
is send a nice follow up email within 24 hours.
Mention something specific, from the interview, from the conversation, that you are enthusiastic about.
Good luck in your upcoming interviews. If you need any help, contact us as Lighthouse Communications.
And we can definitely help you ace that interview.
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