The Intro, the Screen and the Interview - what to expect during the interview process

The Intro, The Screen and The Interview

Every candidate has to go through some sort of selection process before they are awarded a job offer. Some processes may be more arduous than others. Some may involve a separate phone screen, test and  multiple interviews. Others may involve just pone round of interviews but regardless each interview process will follow the same basic principle. The principle involves three parts:

• The Intro
• The Screen
• The Interview

The Intro

Your introduction may come in a variety of formats and becomes more complex the further removed from the decision maker. 

     1. via an Agency recruiter

With an Agency recruiter you would have to pass their own internal screening process which will undoubtedly involve a screening of your resume, communication, presentation and technical skills. You may have to meet this recruiter in their offices, which will take time out of your day, but this step is important because you will be in better position to present yourself in the strongest light. By giving a face to your name, it encourages the recruiter to be more of your advocate and not consider you as just another resume.  

   

2. Corporate Recruiter

The corporate recruiter would be looking for areas of weakness and place emphasis on your level of interest. Their mentality may be more of " why should you work for us" rather than sharing what the organization may offer you. The key is to "turn the interviewer" and make them interested in more than your job history and skill set. Ask relevant questions that will prompt the interviewer to share more on the company, its culture and mission. Turn your interviewer into a conversation partner. When they enjoy the conversation with you then they will be your advocate and champion your candidacy through the process

     3. Hiring Manager

If you are dealing directly with the hiring the manager then they have already, at least on paper, determined that you have the skillset to do the job. In this situation, the hiring manager is looking to see if you have the personality fit to gel with the team and add value to his offerings to the rest of the company. Are you going to make him/her successful? It is important that you share value points that will make the hiring manager comfortable and confident in selecting you for the role.

     4. Referral

If you were introduced through a referral, (someone working or connected to the company recommended you) then this will be the strongest positioning you could have. Someone has already vouched for your abilities which is enormously beneficial. In this instance, it is important that you meet the criteria for which you were recommended. Connect with the person who referred you and learn why they believe you are a good fit for the role. 

The Screen

During this part of the process, it will be determined if you have the basic qualifications to do the job. Do you meet the minimum requirements?
What previous experiences match the needs of the employer? Do you have the required technical education and certification? Make sure you understand what the company does, that you know basic information on the organization and that you understand the job description provided to you. If you have not already received a job description prior to the Screen then make sure you request one. This will help shape answers which have context and are relevant to the needs of the role.

The Interview

This should truly be a conversation. You are sharing your story with an engaged and participating listener. Remember, this is an opportunity to show that you are more than just a resume or,something equally as detrimental, just a "butt in a seat".  This is also the time you learn about the organization and determine if there is chemistry between you and your future team. Turn a your interviewer into a conversation partner.

First impressions last: How to look, dress and present yourself for an interview.

Presentation

First impressions are forever. It is almost impossible to get around a poor initial meeting. The wrong look, a poorly said greeting, a careless handshake and even the color of your socks can kill an interview before you have even started. Prior to your interview ask about the workplace attire and dress appropriately. If it's business casual or stricter then wear a suit. If it's a casual environment with jeans then be fashionably professional. If it's dress down......definitely ask.

I touched on the aspect of Presentation in my blog, "How to ace your interview" and I would like to expand on that and share what I consider best practice.

As I had mentioned before, first impressions mean everything. This is your launching pad to a great conversation. Remember, stop thinking that you are sitting for an interview but, instead, believe that you are having a conversation.

Would you be comfortable conversing with someone who's dress, manner of speaking or even etiquette is not to your liking? How involved would you be in that discussion? You would probably be so focused on what is making you uncomfortable that you would be turned off and done before you'd even begun the conversation. Don't let your future employer be in that position.

Grooming

Before someone even notices your clothes, how you speak or how you think, they are noticing how clean or well groomed you are. Check the mirror before you leave the house, your car and before you walk into that office. I am not saying be flawless like in a fashion magazine but be well put together. Look and smell clean.

Speech

When we talk about speech we must keep in mind the audience. Diction, Delivery and
Deliberation are the three things you must ace to stand out.

Your speech will encompass grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary. Even if English is a second language you will be expected to speak as well as a native speaker. Don't let that be an excuse. Now, I am not saying that you change your accent or, worse still, fake it. I am recommending that you understand how people in that industry and at that level communicate with each other in a formal ( and sometimes informal)  way. Attend industry related networking events, seminars or even watch YouTube videos to gather a measure of how people in that industry speak. Pay attention to how the message is delivered.

Record yourself speaking and compare. Having an accent is not the end of the world and sometimes it can be a plus. Focus on using proper vocabulary, enunciate and pace your speech to sound thoughtful and deliberate.

Attire

This also depends on your audience and company culture. Are you meeting off-site or in the office? Ask if you are unsure. If the corporate culture is business casual or stricter then wear a suit and, preferrably, a dark one at that. Make sure the suit fits well and wear a tie. Keep your ties simple and don't wear razzle dazzle or multi-colored ones. If the company culture has a relaxed dress code then be professionally fashionable.

Mannerisms

Politeness goes a long way but, at the same time, don't overdo it. Use words such as 'Please' and 'Thank you' more as ways to acknowledge considerations given by the interviewer than a response to every action or statement. If you use hand gestures as you speak, be mindful and don't over-gesticulate because that may be a distraction.

Do NOT wear light socks with a dark suit and wear stockings under a skirt if the dress is business casual or stricter.

Etiquette

Always greet with a handshake unless your interviewer says otherwise. If you do have a cold, say so and excuse yourself from offering a handshake. If you have sweaty palms then carry a handkerchief and wipe them discreetly before shaking hands. Wait to be offered a seat or sit after the interviewer has taken his or her seat. Never speak poorly of a previous employer or co-worker. If the interviewer seems to be taking you down a very negative path, and revels in hearing how bad your last employee was, then offer something else and steer away from the negative topic.

Closing

At the end of the conversation let it be known that you appreciated the interviewer taking the time to speak with you and that you look forward to next steps.