This is one of the main topics that sparked the idea for Notes To My Sister. In my current job, I’ve had the privileged of sitting on a few interview panels for potential new hires. In real life, I’m a civil engineer working for a public agency. When I was in college I remember frequenting the career center and learning interview skills that I have since taken for granted.
After conducting several interviews for both entry-level and senior-level positions, I soon realized that some key interview tips that I picked up in school are not necessarily widely practiced. Yet, it seemed to me that a few simple changes would have really made a candidate stand out among the rest.
Here’s a few of the things I observed.
The Hand Shake –
I had no idea there is an entire etiquette around such a simple act. As an engineering student, I sat in on the interview skills classes with my fellow classmates. And, I mean “fellow” in the gender-male sense. The Boys are taught to give a firm and confident hand shake, I assumed that the same was meant for the Girls. What, you thought so too?! Well, in the land of the Laid back, where I grew up, i.e. California, that may be true. In the East and the South, there’s a slightly different version. It’s too much to get into here, so let me just say, shaking hands is a two-way action.
Ladies, unless you are expecting the other person to kiss the back of your hand, you are supposed to shake his or her hand back. Please don’t present what some folks call a limp fish letting your hand just hand out there waiting for the other person to shake it. Ick! On the other hand, “firm hand shake” should not be taken quite so literally. Particularly, if the other hand shaker is raised in the Southern Gentleman tradition. He, may be expected to receive your hand for a brief contact and gentle squeeze/shake. Since, you are interviewing to be a professional too, a light squeeze/shake in return (verses the limp fish) is appropriate.
Eye Contact -
If you are left to sit in the interview room while the interview team is gathering. Sit, catch your breath, gather your focus. But when the Interviewers enter the room, STAND UP, turn toward the people entering and expect to shake hands for introductions. In other words, don’t just sit in your chair slouching!
Nervousness -
Here’s my favorite! The interviewers may be just as nervous as the interviewee! Maybe this is only true for engineers though…relish in it and take confidence. Interviewers are people too!
Do your homework -
Learn about the company or organization you are interviewing with BEFORE the interview. More on this one later.
Interview Questions -
It’s OK not to know all of the answers. The Interviewer should expect to have to do at least some on the job training. You should, however, attempt to give some sort of an answer. “I’m not familiar with gobbely gook processes, but I enjoy new challenges.” Or, “…in my previous experience, I’ve practiced using bipitty bop procedures. Is this similar?” Also, think on some of the more typical (or cliche) interview questions like, “What are some of your strengths and weaknesses?”. “I don’t have any.” Is NOT a good answer.
Those are my high points. Have you any others?
