First, Put the Interview in Perspective
Too many job seekers perceive this meeting as a kind of target practice in which they're the target. Just thinking about it gives them sweaty palms. After all, employers hold all the cards, don't they? Not all. This meeting is an exchange of information between you and them. It's a dialogue, a conversation between equals. If you happen to be unemployed right now, don't let that diminish you in any way. There's no longer any stigma to being unemployed. So many good people have been restructured out of their jobs that it's almost a badge of honor.
Their Perspective
The decision maker, like everyone else, wants to know what's in it for him, and his organization. Hiring decisions are among the most important judgments a manager makes and they're never easy. He's trying to figure you out why you're applying for this job. Are you too young? Too old? Will you fit in with the others? Are you independent enough, or would you have to be directed all the time? Lots of questions, and risk! If he makes a poor choice, he not only has an inadequate employee to deal with. But his own career suffers because he's evaluated on his ability to make good decisions. Mistakes are costly both financially and emotionally, is for everyone.
Even in a buyer's market, the employer doesn't hold all the cards. First of all, most hiring authorities are not good interviewers. Very few have been trained in interviewing techniques. Once you've, planned, prepared, and practiced for your meeting, you'll probably be better equipped than they are. Just knowing that should give you an advantage.
Your Perspective
Your purpose at this meeting is clear, a job offer? Not necessarily a job. That's your ultimate goal, of course. But your immediate objective is an offer. When you have several offers, you're in an enviable position. You have choices. There are several other benefits also:
- It will make you feel good. Someone wants you!
- You will be able to tell others about your offer. That's not only a confidence booster, but could give you some leverage with another employer. (The fact that someone else wants you makes you a more desirable candidate to others.)
- You may be weary of looking and decide that something is better than nothing right now.
- You may be able to sweeten the deal, negotiate better compensation, etc.
- This is an excellent opportunity to practice asking for the job. Take advantage of it, even if you are not totally thrilled with this opportunity.
Your secondary purpose:
Make them glad they met you. Focus on them, their needs and their primary buying motive. Most companies don't hire on the basis of one meeting. It usually takes two or three. Be sure you're invited back.
You are most persuasive when you say: I know I can do the job because I've done it before and I've done it well? If that's not the case, stress your compensating assets and your potential. By being interested and enthusiastic, focusing on them and communicating that you're results oriented, capable, flexible, trustworthy, and trainable, you'll create enough interest so that they'll want to see you again.
What do you think of them? Your visit to their office is, of course, a chance to assess them - the organization, its culture, the people you'd be working with, as well as the job and the opportunity it represents. What are your impressions? What do you see and hear that make you enthusiastic? or wary? If you're a button-down type, do you think you would be happy in a rather chaotic atmosphere?
Every organization has a certain style and it's important for you to determine how well you would fit in. If you think this culture is perfect for you, tell them. That will help all of you feel comfortable with each other.
Preparation: Key to Your Success
Being prepared about the company, the hiring authority, etc., as well as about yourself will give you the confidence you need to convince them to make you an offer.
More Preparation about Yourself
Review the reasons why they should hire you. Since you know what you can offer and can communicate that well, you'll need only a brief review of your worksheets, accomplishments, and mini-stories. Review your list of the five most attractive things about you from an employer's perspective. Do they fit this employer? Are these good reasons why they should hire you? If not, revise your list.
