Everyone likes a Cinderella story, but when it comes to your job search and interviewing process you want to make sure you're favored to win it all. Sure, you'll be tested and some other prime candidates will see their road to the final interview stop short, but if you want to shake your bosses hand and say "I accept the offer", then it's time to get down to business. As millions watch the frenzy of the NCAA March Madness unfold, let's breakdown five key interview strategies that will advance you from the Round of 64 all the way to the National Title game.
1. Eye Contact
Didn't your little league coaches always say "Keep your eyes on the ball"? No different here. Just make sure it's not in a creepy, staring kind of way. Good eye contact during an interview can really make or break someone's first impression of you. Strong eye contact can show your genuine interest in the position and the person interviewing you. It also demonstrates your confidence and eagerness to step up and take the game-winning shot, if asked. Looking away or hardly making eye contact while speaking with an interviewer is a sure fire way to bust your bracket early on. Congratulations, you passed the 1st round. Still a long way to go.
2. Provide Examples
Stop the quick pull-up jump shots. Although they might go in a small fraction of the time, usually they end up leading to fast break points for your opponent and added fatigue for you. When providing answers to an interviewer's questions, don't simply give the short answer. Dig deep and explain your passion. Lay it all on the floor. If you say one of your strengths is organization, discuss your methods and provide examples of your organization aiding in your success like keeping you on time for meetings and appointments. When asked about an organization you were a part of, don't just sit back and say you were a member and enjoyed the experience. That's like sitting on the bench and never wanting to play. Drive into the hoop and take some contact. Use the shot clock and create the best shot possible. Say hello to the Sweet 16.
3. Take Your Time
The final two minutes of a close game certainly create a lot of tension. The same goes for an interview. It's easy to feel that sense of urgency and heave three-pointers when there is actually plenty of time to develop a deliberate plan of attack. You might find your team down 2 with 1:15 to play, but that doesn't mean a three pointer is needed right away. Interview situations can provide similar stress, especially if there is a question that stumps you. It's okay to breathe and take a few seconds to formulate a response. Don't feel as if you need to answer immediately. Take a moment to gather your thoughts and think. Keep your veins ice cold and stay calm. Clear your mind and think. Soon enough you'll be headed to the Elite 8.
4. Ask Questions
One of the biggest mistakes you can make in an interview is leaving without asking the interviewer a single question. That's basically equivalent to not taking the floor in the second half. The interview process is just as much them getting to know you as it is you getting to know them. Obviously, you're not expected to grill them with the same questions posed to you, but in order to be a champion, both offense and defense are needed. Here are some examples of questions to ask interviewers:
Never be afraid to ask questions. A balanced attack wins championships. Welcome to the Final Four.
- How has the company/organization evolved since you began your time here?
- Why do you enjoy working here? What keeps you coming back each day?
- Where do you see the company/organization in five years?
- What has been your biggest achievement/proudest moment as an employee here?
Never be afraid to ask questions. A balanced attack wins championships. Welcome to the Final Four.
5. Thank You Note
It's the game-clinching shot. The ball is in your court with the National Title on the line. A personal, hand-written thank you note is something most people never think about. In a world where online communication is king, the handwritten note has become somewhat of a gem. If you take five minutes to handwrite a note, guess who will be cutting down the nets? Not only is this a great way to show your appreciation to the interviewer for his or her consideration, but it shows that you care about the position enough to take time, sit down, and handwrite a note instead of sitting behind your computer and zipping off a quick email saying "thanks". Congratulations on being Number 1.
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