Interviewing successfully for a public-sector position — for any position in any sector frankly — requires a confluence of activities on the part of the serious job seeker.
Below are seven primary activities to help you perform well in an interview:
First: The Goal
Continually remind yourself of the goal of each and every interview: It is to win you a second interview or a job offer — nothing more, nothing less.
Second: Practicing
The most critical activity is practicing. Yes, practicing.
Contrary to what we believed as children, when we viewed homework as some form of punishment that all of the adults laughed about behind our backs, homework was simply a form of practicing and reinforcing what we learned that day.
You’ve heard of the expression “the game is won or lost even before it is played.” You better believe it is. That’s the power of practicing — It leads to mastery.
(I discuss this concept in more depth in Part II of this article, “Job Interviews, Part II of II — Practice Leads to Mastery.” Stay tuned for it.)
Third: Research
Research your potential employer thoroughly.
Understand what they do, where their footprint is, how long they have been in operation, who their leaders are, how many people they employ, and what has happened with them lately. Memorize what their mission, vision and values are — and consider how your talents and aspirations align with them.
And by consider, I mean make notes — and review those notes multiple times. And have those notes handy in the interview.
Fourth: The Role
Know the job description like you know your own name.
Be prepared to speak to each of its elements — each bullet within the scope of responsibility — and each of the minimum requirements. How do your talents and experiences align with the role? How are you a top fit for this position? What would you do to make this position a success?
And again — Make notes, review and have those notes handy in the interview.
Fifth: The Interview Format
Ask your contact at the potential employer if they can share with you what, if any, the format of the interview will be.
For example, will it be structured? That approach often utilizes the SAR or STAR method to ask behavioral/competency-based questions.
Can they share the interviewer’s names and job titles with you?
And ask if they can share any insights as to how to best prepare for the specific interview.
Sixth: Insightful Questions
Prepare a list of 10 compelling, relevant questions to ask the interviewers.
But be certain to ask what you really want to know, not what you think they want you to ask.
“Why is this role open?” “How is success defined in this role?” “Would this position be held to formal metrics/KPIs?” “Can you describe what the day-to-day looks like?” “How is the team structured?” “What are its current challenges?”
If permitted, intersperse your questions during the interview — don’t wait until the end, if possible.
Remember: Interviews are your chance to “interview” your potential future employer — it is, in fact, a two-way street.
Seventh: Essentials
- Don’t Forget to Turn off Your Cellphone
Despite what you may believe, they do turn off. Make sure.
- Never Be Late
Remember what they say in show business: “Being on time is being late.”
- Dress Appropriately
Leave the “Penzoil” T-shirts and cuddly pajama tops for some other occasion.
- Actively Listen
Ears are more important than mouths. Listen intently. Speak concisely.
- Keep Focused
Stay in the moment — your entire world is that interview, nothing else.
- Keep Calm
Keep your feet firmly on the floor — it will help your body resist movement.
- Always Answer the Question the Interviewer Asked
“Tell me, what is your favorite color?” — “Well, I enjoy toast with jam.” Fail.
- Don’t Speak Negatively About Past Employers
Be honest, but don’t bash. And don’t overshare.
- Clarify Next Steps
Before concluding the interview, ask about next steps in the hiring process.
- Follow Up
Send a thank-you email within 24 hours of your interview.
Jerry Cooney, “Jer” to his friends, has spent his career serving in various capacities within Human Resources and Talent Acquisition. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in HR from Cornell and is a Senior Certified Professional in HR (SHRM-SCP) and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW).He began his career at a small firm in Manhattan and has since gone on to work with such famous names as Amazon, Siemens, General Electric, and Amtrak. Jer is originally from Islip, New York, but now calls Philadelphia home. He is a huge baseball fan.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.