Monday, June 28, 2010

More Interview Prep

Here's a few more suggestions for prepping for an interview.

Have a really solid answer for the question of "what drew you to this organization" and its variations. Incorporate specific goals and missions of the company/organization/department. Statements like "I like you because you're really comprehensive" fall a little flat. That's not memorable or a very accurate portrayal of our knowledge of our hoped-for employer. Not that I speak from experience or anything.

Over-preparation is good. Think of it as free therapy. We really get to know ourselves if we have to dredge up and then succinctly remember real-life stories which answer questions like "what is your greatest weakness?" Even if I'm never asked about my work habits, self-reflection can't hurt right?

A good night's sleep is a must. If you have to ship off the resident cats/dogs/children for the night to ensure rest, let me recommend you do this. They always know when you have something important to do in the morning.

Send thank you emails. And real thank yous, if appropriate. They make you look like you care (which you do, right?), plus thank yous give you an opportunity to share the perfect response to the question you couldn't/didn't answer in the interview.

Let our references know they may be contacted. Send them the interview resume you used and let them know what they should talk about (ex. for your advisor be sure to tell him/her to emphasize your grant writing success vs. your teaching awards if that's what is needed for the job). Prepare the referee as much as you can. On our reference list we might list our relationship to the referee and why we have included them, especially if it isn't immediately obvious or if you are a multi-talented kinda of person. Be sure to let that referee know.

I'm sure there's 1000 more ways to prep for and recover from an interview....but these seem like some more basics we shouldn't forget.


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