When the topic of professionalism came up for this issue of Coast Lines, the one thing I figured I knew enough about was how to be a good interviewee. Being a contractor for the last two years, I’ve had more meetings, informational interviews, and interviews than I can count and I’ve learned a few things. This article reviews some of the main things I’ve learned.
Start it off right
It goes without saying (right?) that you should always bring your resume and portfolio to an interview. A few other things I’ve learned: if possible, the portfolio should be tailored to the company that you are meeting with. Since most of my experience was with software companies, the hardware companies would ask, “Do you have some examples of hardware documentation?” As a contractor, the managers wanted to know that I could deliver on time and on budget, so I presented some previous proposals and schedules (and removed any names).
For any interview, you should have a good understanding of the company that you’re working for. This includes looking on their website and asking around for opinions, but it can also include looking at their financial statements (if they’re public) and their performance in the stock market. A friend of mine asked me about a company I interviewed with recently and if I knew how and why they cut their salary expenses in half about a year ago. “Did they go through layoffs?” was the question on his mind.
Be comfortable
Whether you’re desperate or not, try to remain calm and relaxed. If you can, change the interview from a question and answer period to a conversation by interspersing your questions about the company with their questions about you. My best interviews have been ones where I’ve been able to make a connection (for example, one manager used to work with my boyfriend’s brother - a great way to break the ice!).
People want to know about you, so show them you. When the interview starts and after introductions are over and you’ve thanked them for having you, just start talking: talk about the teenagers throwing fireworks on the Skytrain, how the November rain flooded your basement, how the timing of the interview was great because you just got back from two weeks in Europe. Normally people will respond in kind and suddenly you have a conversation instead of a Q&A hour.
Ask tough questions
If you’ve heard things about a company that aren’t positive, don’t be afraid to ask about these situations. An interview is a way for you and the company to figure out if you want to work together and the interviewer asks you tough questions, so don’t be afraid to ask some of your own tough questions. The company should answer and you can decide if you like the answer or if they were direct in answering. Some tough questions might include, “From reading your financial records, I saw that your company cut its salary expenses in half a year ago. I’m wondering how you managed to cut these expenses. Can you explain this further?”
Wrapping it up
When wrapping it up, always figure out the next move: are you supposed to send something in or will they be following up with you? What are the dates? Tell them about any other interviews or possibilities that you have so they know whether or not you’re on a timeline.
Lastly, go home and write a thank you letter or email. It helps to leave a good impression and that, after all, is what you’re after.
