After years of trying to find the perfect job, getting experience, and moving up the ‘corporate ladder’, I got really good at interviewing.
This came with a lot of work perfecting my answers, watching a lot of YT videos from professional recruiters on what to answer and how to answer. My favorite is Don Georgevich.
He is an interview coach and hiring consultant. Not only is he a native of my hometown, Cleveland, Ohio, but he is a ‘matter of fact’ no frills coach that helped me tremendously each time I had an interview. (He really doesn’t know I exist!)
Years ago, I interviewed for a City Manager position in Ohio. I totally aced the interview. However, did not get the job because I did not have utility management experienced. The mayor was so impressed that he said if I did have that experience, it would have been a very difficult decision.
During my research, one of the tips I heard over and over again to practice interviewing, was to apply for a job and accept the interview. Using this interview as practice will only help in the long run with confidence, people skills, answering the questions succinctly.
I do not agree with this tip. Here’s why. It takes a really long time to apply for the job. Employment applications forms are no longer 1 page. They now require a login, are fillable PDFs, require lots of background, school data, copies of high school and college transcripts and degrees, references, etc. Don’t forget the cover letter.
To get an interview all this has to be completed perfectly. Years ago, applying for a job meant the HR Director actually read the application. Now, it automatically goes through an applicant tracking system or ATS. The ATS decides (yes, a computer decides) whether or not your qualifications match the company’s requirements for the job.
If your application makes it to phase 2, then the HR Director and the hiring manager are provided a copy of application and actually read it. They will decide if you get a phone call or email for an interview.
Here is what happens next
Company time: Calendars are blocked off for an interview lasting at least 1 hour.
Your time: You take time off of work or out of your busy day to conduct a video call or drive to the company.
All this just for practice. Why would you want to waste all this time? This online tip should never be taken.
Here is what you should do to ace the interview
Step 1
Research a company and people, places, and things (salary and fringe benefits): Ask yourself: do you really want to work there? Is it the job you really want?
Research the top 25 interview questions. Find your favorite ‘social media star’ or seek out a mentor for advice.
Don’t forget to add in the “tell me about yourself” question. Add in behavioral questions. Write out each question. Answer each one generically.
Save your document. This will come in handy for each of your job interviews since later on you have to answer each one based on the company’s goals and missions.
Questions don’t change that much over the years. Your answers will. Don’t make the answers longwinded. Be succinct.
Step 2
Save your document again, but save it under the company name and title of the job you want to apply for.
Take the research of your company from Step 1.
Edit your answers, but add in the research of the company. Always make sure your answers further the mission and goals of the company and the department.
Save your document!
Step 3
Have someone ask you these questions or ask them in front of a mirror. Do not ask anyone at your current job to help you. The word will get around that you are looking for a job. Your boss will know. That never turns out well.
Ask a family member, your friends or neighbor or find a mentor through your professional organization.
Interviewing is not easy. It is tiring and it is frustrating.
Keep practicing and you will be ready, overall, for all interviews coming your way.
All this time and effort will be worth it when you get the job you want!
