Preparing For An Interview
July 14, 2006 – 23:33 pm
I recently had an inquiry from an officer who is preparing for a promotional interview and he was looking for some resources to help him prepare. Of course anyone who has been through a promotional panel interviews knows that it is a high stress experience. However, you can help minimize the stress if you prepare yourself properly. Your preparation should begin shortly after you decide to throw your hat in the ring for a promotion and continue until your interview actually begins.
Your first step should be to update your resume. Gather up all of those training certificates and make sure that your resume paints a full color picture of you and your qualifications. I am not going to address the process of writing a good resume in this article but Microsoft Word has templates that will help you get started. Remember, a resume is supposed to be a brief, written account of personal, educational, and professional qualifications and experience, not “The Great American Novel.” In addition to the content of your resume, put some thought, and money, into its appearance. If you are going to print your own resume, spend a couple of bucks to buy some high quality linen paper. As an alternative, take your completed resume file to a commercial printer and have them make your copies. Make sure that you choose a professional looking color like ivory or cream. Obviously, you need to ask several different people to edit your resume for spelling, grammar and content. Nothing will kill your chances more quickly than a poorly prepared resume or application.
If you are required to complete a formal application, see if you can get your hands on an electronic version of the application. The state application for Virginia is available on line which makes editing much easier. One mistake many people make when completing an application is trying to fit job descriptions in the little blocks that are available on the application. If the application form does not provide you with adequate room to properly provide the required information, attach addendums. Simply refer the reader to the appropriate addendum (i.e. See Addendum C). Remember to keep your employment information brief and succinct. Human resource officers do not have time to read through reams of paper to assess your qualifications. Again, make sure that you use high quality paper to give your application a more professional appearance.
Once you’ve gotten your resume and application in order, spend some time considering your qualifications and career goals. Certain questions tend to pop up over and over again, regardless of the position for which the interview is being conducted. For example, don’t be surprised if you encounter some of the following questions during your interview:
1. Could you tell me a little about yourself?
The interviewer doesn’t want to hear your life story. Be prepared to provide a brief overview of yourself with an emphasis on those areas that help qualify you for the position.
2. What do you know about our [company, the city/county, etc.]?
Do your homework and find out something about the company or community for whom you desire to work. Your local librarian can assist you with this research.
3. Why do you think you are the best person for this job?
This is a free opportunity to blow your own horn. Practice your response so that you are certain to mention all of your strengths.
4. What is your greatest professional shortcoming or weakness and what are you doing to improve yourself in this area?
You will need to figure this one out for yourself but try to use a weakness that, if properly managed, might also be viewed as a strength.
I am sure you can think up several more likely questions on your own. Better yet talk to other people who have been through the employment or promotional process to get ideas from them.
Here are some other general tips that might help you do well. Remember, everyone gets nervous when they face an interview panel. The key is to control your anxiety by reducing external stressors.
– Be sure you are well rested and your appearance is clean and neat. If you haven’t read Dress for Success, get it from the library and read it. Casual dress doesn’t cut it for an interview. Whether you are male or female, leave your blazer at home and invest in a business suit that projects a conservative image. White or pastel colored shirts or blouses are the order of the day.
– Be sure you make it to the interview location a minimum of 20 minutes before your scheduled meeting. Find a restroom to check your appearance one last time before reporting to the interview site.
– Know where you are going and how long it will take you to make the trip at the specific time of the day required. If you are unsure, take time to go to the interview site once before your interview.
– Try to find out in advance how long the interview is expected to last. Be sure not to make appointments immediately following your expected completion time. You are going to need some time to wind down before you go back to work.
– Bring along a few extra copies of your resume to distribute to interviewers if necessary.
– If your references are not listed on your resume or application, prepare a list of references and specific contact information.
– Know about the job. Take time to review the advertisement/posting information and visit the agency’s/company’s website. The content of most job announcements comes directly from the position description.
– Know why you want the position for which you are applying or why you want to work for the agency/company. If you are not already employed with the agency/company, gather as much information as possible about the company and if necessary, prepare a few specific questions for clarification during the interview.
– Know how your experience, training, education and skills can be applied and be valuable in the position being offered. Be prepared to convince your interviewers that you are the best person for the job.
Oftentimes, an interviewer will ask you if you have any questions. Some reasonable questions you may want answered during your interview are:
– What is the exact position description?
– Why is the position available?
– What is the selection process going to include?
– Is there an orientation and/or training program?
– Why and when did the interviewer go to work for the agency/company?
– When can you expect to hear back from the agency/company after the interview.
Here are a few more helpful tips:
– Be sure your handshake is firm. A good trick is to sprinkle a little powder inside a folded handkerchief and use it to absorb the moisture on hands before you enter the interview.
– Wait until you are offered a chair before sitting, be sure to sit upright and be attentive but don’t sit like a robot. You may want to review my previous blog posting entitled Reading People so you don’t unconsciously communicate a negative message to your interviewers.
– Be a good listener as well as a good talker. Don’t forget to smile! Provided they are neatly organized, there is nothing unacceptable about bringing along some notes, a pen and a tablet to use during your interview.
– If you are being interviewed by more than one person, look at the person who is asking the question but use a sweeping eye movement when you are answering the question. Make eye contact with all of the panel members. Each panelist should have the impression that you were speaking directly to him/her at some point during your answer.
– Try to record your interviewers’ names and titles so that you can follow-up with them. A quick call, email, or mailed note is sufficient.
– Be truthful! That way you don’t have to try to remember what you said.
The interview is your opportunity to convey the qualities that an employer desires. These qualities include reliability, enthusiasm, honesty, integrity, confidence, energy, drive, motivation, and communication skills. In addition, the interview may give you the chance to reveal your ability to problem solve, reach goals and exhibit sound time management skills.
Remember, you know yourself better than anyone else. Just relax and sell yourself. Good luck!