Interviewing Tips

“You only get one chance to make a good first impression.”

To stand out in the competitive job market, you need to be prepared for every phase of each interview. It’s likely that you could have 3 – 4 interviews before a decision and offer is made. Each phase of your interview process should have a unique and compelling strategy.

Phase 1. Interview & Pre-Screening Process

This usually takes place by telephone, in person or by video. The individual conducting the prescreening is often a recruiter, talent acquisition manager or human resources team member. These people are not hiring decision makers, but their input and feedback are important to the hiring manager. The pre-screening interview is a series of questions that lets you learn basic qualification information about the job, including your salary expectations. The interviewer will also review your skills, experience, and level of interest for the open position. If you pass the pre-screening, you will be asked to meet additional colleagues in a second interview. These are generally executive sponsors, hiring managers and other colleagues who have a vested interest in the recruitment and hiring processes.

This pre-screening interview is a critical part of the due diligence process to get to the next level of management and closer to the hiring decision-makers. Career Exchange Coaching will share with you the kinds of questions you can expect and instruct you in ways to prepare for this important qualification stage.

Phase 2. Interview with Department Manager(s)

If you are chosen to move forward, you’ll probably meet with a department manager or employee(s) who have a vested interest in who fills the position. These individuals have a specific role in the department and are subject-matter experts. They will share their input about you to senior management based on their perceptions of your skills, experience, and personality.Cultural fit, that is whether you will fit into the culture of the company and be a contributing team member, is crucial to department managers. And your understanding of the culture lets you get a feel for kind of people you could be working with. Career Exchange Coaching will instruct you in how to get in-depth information on the company’s personality and culture so you’re well prepared.

Phase 3. Hiring Manager Interview

If you have made it this far, congratulations! At this point you have become one of 2 or 3 people on the finalist candidates list who have reached the final round of interviews. Now it’s really serious! You need to show Credibility, Competence, and Confidence that will set you apart from the other finalists. Career Exchange Coaching will conduct mock interviews with you at each stage of the interviewing process, so you’ll be more practiced, confident and ready for just about anything they’ll throw at you.

Phase 4. Senior Management Introductions

You’re just about there. Depending on organization size, meeting a Senior Executive is not always necessary. It’s often more company protocol than a mandatory requirement but nonetheless an important part of the hiring process. You could be meeting with one of the top leaders in the company. Their primary goal is to share their vision of where the company is going and what the future will hold for you as team member. It is usually the last opportunity to discuss your experience and skill sets before a decision is made to select you as the person receiving the offer to join their company.

Career Exchange Coaching will share our “SILVER BULLET STRATEGY” that will set you far apart from the other finalists. To learn more, click the button below.