Interviews

An interview is your place to shine, to show why you are the right person - if you are the right person. We've all done.. made a big selling pitch.. got an offer then gone.. well I wasn't really me in the interview and I don't really want that job..

So stage one.. do you want this job or not? If you don't .. what do you want? would this be a stepping stone.. .. etc.. But for now lets assume you do want the job.

Firstly remember there are always another job.. always other options.. that's said.. this is important.. you want this one!

So ..

1. Prepare
2. Prepare
3. Prepare
4. Prep..

Ok let's get ready for our first date..

Prepare

Research the role, the company, the people.. talk to friends, colleagues, etc.. Anything you can .. This shows two things.. one that you're interested, and too what they will want to know to hire you.. Then you can give them that in the interview.. Make is Simple ..

1. What do they do?
2. Who do they do it for?
3. Why do they do it?
4. What are there measures?
5. What levels are they now?
6. What do they want to be?
7. What are they now?

Think about how you might apply this to Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, a small hedge fund, a VC firm, etc..

Prepare

I care who I work with.. don't you.. From how they look, how they smell, how they talk, how they handle themselves. If you say it shouldn't matter, I agree but it does. The world is superficial.. that said there is no best.. but bear in mind that it matters.

So..

1. Dress appropriately - see above.. you now what they want
2. Be groomed appropriately - will the tanned surfer look wash ?
3. Clean teeth, clips fingernails.. yes mum.. you were right
4. Be how you want to be.. - nothing worse than not feeling comfortable in an interview
5. Be yourself
6. Get some sleep the night before

Prepare

1. What are they going to ask you?
2. What don't you want them to ask you? Have an answer
3. Get a friend / coach to do a mock interview.. several times
4. Read your cv before you go in..
5. Take a copy of your cv

Prepare

1. Know the place, time, etc
2. Don't be in a rush to get out of there.. it may run over
3. Make sure you get there on time.. there are second chances..sometimes.. but why risk it
4. If you can arrive early. 5-10mins
5. Relax
6. Breath
7. Be present.. everything else handles
8. Mobile phone off! Alarms off!
9. Greet the interviewer in a mirroring style
10. Make a new friend but not too friendly..