From the Other Side of the Desk-The Interview

Have you thought about what your interview looks like from the other side of the desk? One sure way to see that would be to tape yourself in an interview, but that rarely happens. Let’s think about this a moment. What does the interviewer see, and what are they watching for?

• One of the most obvious is how well you are dressed for the interview? One of the the assumptions can be, that if you have organized yourself, then possibly you could handle organization in the job setting. 
• Generally, in all cases, as an interviewee, you should be neatly dressed, but not overly so. A rule of thumb one could use is to dress at the level or one step above the attire that would be appropriate for the everyday attire in that workplace setting. If it is casual, then step up to business casual. Don’t go in over dressed and don’t go in wearing a t-shirt if business casual is the rule of thumb. The objective here is to show respect for the interviewer, but not to look out of place. 
• Go in neatly trimmed, a professional look. Ladies don’t overdo the makeup. Men, a neat trim or clean shave. The point here is that considerable attention is paid to eye contact so distractions away from eye to eye contact are a problem. 
• Attention forward. Your posture in the interview is important. Don’t slouch and lay back in the chair, and don’t get in the interviewers face. Sit forward and upright with full attention towards the interview. 
• Turn cell phones off. What’s most important here? 
• Listen carefully. The interviewer is seeking answers to his/her questions. Make sure the question is understood and answer carefully. Take your time to think about a question, but not too much. If you need clarification, ask for it. Some research on the company and the position prior to getting to the interview may help you really prepare for some of the questions and prevent answering poorly. 
• They are looking for questions as well. Prepare some of your own questions going in, but never ask what the job pays in the interview. That can be taken care of if and when the company shows interest in you.
• You must know key details of your past performance. The interviewer is really trying to translate your abilities into what kind of value you could bring to the position and company. 
• They are looking for signs not just of what you have done in the past, but just what exactly was YOUR responsibility and what leadership and performance did YOU bring to your previous jobs. This is key. They are not interested in hiring your past company, but YOU.
• They are looking for signs of what you can bring to the company in the future. Your resume shows what you have done in the past. What they really want to know is what you can do for them from today forward. You MUST project what you can do for them. This is critical to the success of the interview, not only to getting the job, but to determining also what you are worth to them, i.e. if they want to hire you, what kind of compensation package could be offered.
• They are looking for the cultural fit. Your skills and experience may be a great fit, but if you do not have the personality, the mannerisms, and values, then you may not get the nod. In other words, if the position calls for an eagle, and you are a dove, the fit may not be the correct one.
• Companies make a great investment in their people. They are looking for long term employment. If you are not indicating commitment for the position, you could be knocked out.
• Finally, you must be better than all of the other qualified applicants. It is not enough to be a good fit. You must convince the interviewer, or interview panel that you are the best. Have you prepared yourself for that? Know your competition. Go in prepared. Take the interview seriously. Be sure to thank the interviewer for taking time to meet with you, and ask for the order. That is, tell them that you want the job.

Finally, follow up with a message to them thanking them for their time. This shows respect and keeps you on top of their mind.