Part 3 on Interviewing

I came across this on Monster and have to say the "what you can do" advice is pretty good. Essentially you have the ability to take control of the interview process, specifically if the interviewer isn't prepared and asks very general questions. The better you are at doing this, the more likely it is you'll be seen as a stronger candidate over your competition.

Bottom line. If you have only a precious 30-45 minutes with a hiring manager or co-interviewer you should be in the driver seat - not the interviewer. Watch the clock - make sure you have a space near the end to ask questions of your own. And critique yourself as you move from one individual to the next. Have I got my key strengths across? Have I left the interviewer with a good idea of what it is I will bring to the role and the organization? What didn't go well, or did I stumble on? How would I answer that same question if asked again with a better response?

I can think of one such interview in my recent past where I wish I would have read this previously and had time to prepare.

Put the time in preparing for the interview:

• Understand the job description (JD) and prepare questions ahead of time where you want more clarity.
• Using the JD prepare examples from experience of how you are a good fit for the responsibilities. Rehearse your examples.
• Using the JD understand where you might be perceived as weak in experience or skills and think ahead on how to answer questions - be honest though! Being honest about your lack of experience in a particular area should be viewed positively. If it's not you might be better off not being in that organization.
• Research ahead of time the firm and it's past and future direction from news outlets, blogs and investment websites - I find reviewing Tax statements, 10-K's and other financials insightful. If you have limited time focus on the 10-K and the sections where Business and Risk are discussed.
• If you're fortunate enough to know the names of the individuals you'll be meeting with look them up on LinkedIn and Google. Be careful about how you use what you find - exploring personal details of an interviewer in discussion might be alarming to the interviewer.

Want more? Consider reading a few of my previous posts on this topic. Are you an effective interviewer and the 2-Way of the Interview Process.