So this is it – your final interview. You have been focused on what is present and what is next. You know the end point. You know that you will either get the job or you won’t get the job and you just kept going one moment to the next. After this interview, you will have a decision. So what changes do you need to make? None. Re-read the paragraph you just read and be with it.
Experienced interviewers are trained to stay in charge of the interview. The interview process is predictable. Because the hiring manager does not do this as part of their day to day work or may not be trained in interviewing, the hiring manager may not be as skilled an interviewer. They may even get uncomfortable or nervous during the interview.
Few hiring managers have had formal interview training to hire the right person. The hiring manager may ask ambiguous or obscure questions without knowing it. Sometimes questions may be so “out in left field” that there is no right answer. Many job seekers have walked out the door simply because the manager failed at interviewing – sad but true.
So how do you manage this as a job seeker? By being prepared and putting on your best presentation no matter what the hiring manager asks or says or does. This starts with having answers ready to the job interview questions you will be asked. There may be other questions that could be ask, but we have found these to be the most common.
Hiring managers want to feel, yes feel that you fit into the organization. Being prepared with answers to the questions (or most of the questions) the hiring manager will likely ask is a great first step. The hiring manager will be using their instincts. Their “gut reaction” will play a key role in their final decision. Your prepared responses should flow easily and with confidence. It is this confidence that will make the positive connection to the hiring manager. It’s no different than writing a test in school that you were well prepared for.
Some things to consider – you have to manage your emotions too. If you respond with too much confidence, you may lose the hiring manager. Just be yourself, be calm and focused when the questions are asked. Take a few seconds to consider your response too. If you rush into your answer, you may come across as over bearing and that’s not good. Remember, you are here to get the job, not win a debate or be the smartest in the room. Just be present to what is being asked of you and be present to what your goal is – to get the job.
Keep in mind that you may still get turned down, but if you present the right qualities important to that organization, you may get a surprise call in a month or two later. No need to plan for this. Just be open to this as another possible outcome.
So here we are. Your resume and cover letter got you your interview. Your first interview got you your next interviews. You may now have attended several “second interviews” of various types. And now you have completed you hiring interview. It’s a long process, so I am sure you can now see that having more than one opportunity open available is important for changing jobs or careers.
You’ve all read this before. It shouldn’t matter that the odds are stacked against you. You can still come out the winner by paying close attention to the details of interest of your prospective employer and by having more that one opportunity on the go. Hearing “no” is one step closer to “yes” – in moments of frustration, remember this. No is not that big a deal. If an organization has a requirement, someone has to get the job. It may as well be you and you now have some tools that can help you get there.
