herself Posted August 31, 2014 Share Posted August 31, 2014 I have literally been trying for 5-6 years to get my career back. My former experience is going to become irrelevant if it doesnt happen soon. With the help of a former colleague who knew someone in the company I was able to score an interview. Its in another city Id be relocating far away. I paid out of pocket which I could barely afford to do to buy my plane ticket. I know there are probably many other candidates. I need this job desperately. I want it to just as much as I need it. I know I am right for it and a perfect fit I am just so scared I wouldn't be picked and I wanna REALLY stand out...REALLY AM a fabulous candidate but sometimes its so tough to get someone to see this. Ive had FABULOUS phone interviews several times that were awesome, I knew my answers were perfect and on point, I could feel the "chemistry" and returned enthusiasm with the interviewer and get the verbal confirmation the interview was really great and positive but they always pick a local candidate or go a different direction. There are many like me looking for the same role. I really really just need to nail this. I dont know how to stand apart. I know how to dress and wear hair, makeup etc etc. But I think the trouble is there is SO much competition. Im so scared. I cant not get this job. Link to post Share on other sites
Survivor12 Posted August 31, 2014 Share Posted August 31, 2014 Do your research. Make yourself familiar with the history of the company & their operations. Show that you are interested in the company as well as the job. Let them know specifically what benefit you can provide toward the company's growth & success. Be confident but not arrogant. Ask relevant questions. Let them know that you are willing and able to do the work--and to learn & grow--but don't grovel. Many candidates will likely focus on what they have done; stand out by talking about what you can offer. You don't have to say, "At xxx company, I managed xxx accounts." Instead, say, "I am capable of managing..." Don't hesitate to mention things you have done that were of benefit to your prior employers. For example, "I initiated a program that increased revenues by 20% in 3 months". (Be prepared to be specific.) Take notes & a copy of your resume with you for reference in case you find yourself unable to recall details. Above all, don't let them see that you are desperate or nervous. Greet interviewers with a firm handshake and when they tell you their names, repeat them, "It's very good to meet you, Mr. Smith." Don't forget to smile! One last thing...before the interview, avoid caffeine! Good luck. Link to post Share on other sites
Author herself Posted August 31, 2014 Author Share Posted August 31, 2014 Thats really wonderful feedback, I just hope its enough to set me apart. Some of the detail of my past success is even becoming foggy to me but I have so much energy, enthusiasm, alot to give. I am a workaholic when I care and in my past role (the one I will interview for is identical) I gave my whole heart and soul. It is really tough to put that into words...especially because that is HOW I suceeded, I just gave it my whole heart, worked around the clock and It paid off. Thats a tough thing to measure and put into words. Also in the field everyone wears black. Its required. But its a young fun hip company and I was considering a soft neutral pretty but chic/hip cool dress. I want to come across as different and fun, but still professional of course. Just the standard black and suit attire seems standard and predictable. Any thoughts there? Link to post Share on other sites
Survivor12 Posted August 31, 2014 Share Posted August 31, 2014 It depends on what City...but personally, I'd stick with black, red, gray or navy. Go easy on the jewelry, but a colorful bag, shoes or blouse could help you stand out. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
GemmaUK Posted August 31, 2014 Share Posted August 31, 2014 They have a uniform. We also know that looking professional for an interview is key. Quirky might not work. Stand out by standing out, not by wearing quirky clothes. Something bright is fine but not overboard. Is this a very specialised area? That you have to travel so far for it? Link to post Share on other sites
CarrieT Posted August 31, 2014 Share Posted August 31, 2014 Also in the field everyone wears black. Its required. But its a young fun hip company and I was considering a soft neutral pretty but chic/hip cool dress. Nope. You need to stay professional, NOT chic/hip/cool. Definitely not a "soft" dress at all. What Survivor said; add some color with a handbag, shoes, or an interesting brooch (not earrings). Also, the idea of doing LOTS of research about the job and company and the people will only help. The more you know going in, the better you can present yourself as being very well informed. Link to post Share on other sites
Author herself Posted August 31, 2014 Author Share Posted August 31, 2014 They have a uniform. We also know that looking professional for an interview is key. Quirky might not work. Stand out by standing out, not by wearing quirky clothes. Something bright is fine but not overboard. Is this a very specialised area? That you have to travel so far for it? Well I wasn't thinking quirky by any stretch, I was mainly referring to an updated neutral dress that would be any other color than black since I am not working, Im interviewing, so I didn't want to be too boring, standard, traditional. Just slightly outside the box I thought might be refreshing. I will follow advice to stay in black. Bright accessory is not my style, nor would I like to carry a purse to an interview so I will stick to classic accessories and just a folder with resume and tablet for notes. Also I am traveling so far because I am interveiwing where the job is and its 9 hours away from where I live...so I would relocate. Thats another fear is that they select a local candidate. Link to post Share on other sites
anne1707 Posted August 31, 2014 Share Posted August 31, 2014 A tablet for notes? If you mean for you to take notes on during the interview, that would be very distracting for both you and the interviewers. It would break the flow of the discussion and would also mean you would have to break eye contact. If you mean for you to refer to then you should not have to do that. You should already know and remember whatever it is you may have on it. Link to post Share on other sites
Author herself Posted August 31, 2014 Author Share Posted August 31, 2014 A tablet for notes? If you mean for you to take notes on during the interview, that would be very distracting for both you and the interviewers. It would break the flow of the discussion and would also mean you would have to break eye contact. If you mean for you to refer to then you should not have to do that. You should already know and remember whatever it is you may have on it. Oh goodness, I thought I had heard it was good to look prepared with pen and paper. Im so glad I brought that up, I will nix that too. Thank you so much! Link to post Share on other sites
CarrieT Posted August 31, 2014 Share Posted August 31, 2014 Actually, I disagree with Anne - I *do* think having a tablet for your resumes WITH a pad and paper is a good idea. You don't have to take notes throughout the entire interview, but there might be a point where something really interesting or noteworthy might come up. You would look prepared to be able to note it down without claiming to be able to remember it. Example: What if the interview is going well and there is a discussion about your relocation. They might mention local services that could help with the process. At that point, you could exclaim how helpful that will be and quickly jot down the names of the companies. Or it might have to do with the scope of your job where they bring up a related firm that does similar work. You can simply say, "I want to make a note of that for further investigation." It shows preparedness and will look professional. 2 Link to post Share on other sites
Survivor12 Posted August 31, 2014 Share Posted August 31, 2014 (edited) A tablet for notes? If you mean for you to take notes on during the interview, that would be very distracting for both you and the interviewers. It would break the flow of the discussion and would also mean you would have to break eye contact. If you mean for you to refer to then you should not have to do that. You should already know and remember whatever it is you may have on it. I said to take notes & a copy of her resume for reference because she is nervous and may need them to stay on point and remind her of specifics, but I agree with Carrie--showing that you are prepared is important. I always carry a datebook & notepad with me to any business meeting--including interviews. Edited August 31, 2014 by Survivor12 Link to post Share on other sites
anne1707 Posted August 31, 2014 Share Posted August 31, 2014 I think pen and paper is ok because you can easily scribble some notes. However a tablet maybe takes a bit more effort to use. If I was interviewing somebody and they started using a tablet, I would not be impressed. For a start they would have to cut me off by looking down at the tablet whilst they typed. Link to post Share on other sites
CarrieT Posted August 31, 2014 Share Posted August 31, 2014 I guess I'm old school in that regard: I read "tablet" as its original definition! I didn't even think of bringing a COMPUTER to an interview! noun 1. a number of sheets of writing paper, business forms, etc., fastened together at the edge; pad. :laugh: 2 Link to post Share on other sites
Survivor12 Posted August 31, 2014 Share Posted August 31, 2014 Well I wasn't thinking quirky by any stretch, I was mainly referring to an updated neutral dress that would be any other color than black since I am not working, Im interviewing, so I didn't want to be too boring, standard, traditional. Just slightly outside the box I thought might be refreshing. I will follow advice to stay in black. Bright accessory is not my style, nor would I like to carry a purse to an interview so I will stick to classic accessories and just a folder with resume and tablet for notes. Also I am traveling so far because I am interveiwing where the job is and its 9 hours away from where I live...so I would relocate. Thats another fear is that they select a local candidate. Once again, we have some confusion in terms When I said "bag", I was referring to what is used to carry paperwork, not a purse. Link to post Share on other sites
CarrieT Posted August 31, 2014 Share Posted August 31, 2014 Thats another fear is that they select a local candidate. I have interviewed and moved for jobs a number of times. It will be important for you to state early in the interview process WHY you think you are good fit - and how you have already researched what it will mean for you to move and relocate and how quickly you are ready to do it. They won't want to see you as potential candidate that will then need six weeks to be able to start. Allay their potential fears immediately by stating something like, "if given the offer, I have already determined that I could start in two weeks by staying at XXXX until I have completed the move," or something like that. Link to post Share on other sites
anne1707 Posted August 31, 2014 Share Posted August 31, 2014 Slightly off topic but it always amazes me when I see how short the notice periods are in the US. If I told a future employer that I had to serve 6 weeks notice, they would be very surprised and over the moon. I actually would have to do more than double that. Link to post Share on other sites
Author herself Posted August 31, 2014 Author Share Posted August 31, 2014 I have interviewed and moved for jobs a number of times. It will be important for you to state early in the interview process WHY you think you are good fit - and how you have already researched what it will mean for you to move and relocate and how quickly you are ready to do it. They won't want to see you as potential candidate that will then need six weeks to be able to start. Allay their potential fears immediately by stating something like, "if given the offer, I have already determined that I could start in two weeks by staying at XXXX until I have completed the move," or something like that. This is really great advice and I appreciate it so much thank you so much for that! That will help me and is very smart. Link to post Share on other sites
Author herself Posted August 31, 2014 Author Share Posted August 31, 2014 Anyone on the boards regularly interview candidates. There could be upwards of 50 candidates likely narrowed down to maybe 10. Many will be younger than myself. The interviewer is younger, maybe 30's, male. Im still desperately wondering how to stand out. It has been over 5 years since Ive done the job but I stayed in the field no job gaps. I CANNOT lose this opportunity it wont happen twice in all probability. I do think I am the best candidate. So afraid I wont sell myself. Link to post Share on other sites
CarrieT Posted August 31, 2014 Share Posted August 31, 2014 It has been over 5 years since Ive done the job but I stayed in the field no job gaps. Depending on the field, you might be able to use this to your advantage, explaining how your five years in *this other field* will give you an advantage that those who have staid in the job might not have. I am a really good interviewer and am pretty good at talking myself into almost every job I've applied for; the key is to pre-determine any disadvantage you think you might have and turn it into an advantage. Similarly, you should work to anticipate any objection they might come up with (like the fact that you don't live nearby or the five years in another field) and come up with an argument why it makes you a better candidate. A good example are the scores of animators that exist in the Bay Area which routinely job-hunt between Pixar and Lucasfilm. Consequently, it has become rather incestuous so someone with great skills coming from outside the area can frequently have an advantage by not having already drunk the local Kool-Aid. See what I mean? You need to tell them why the fact that you haven't done the job in five years makes you a better candidate... Link to post Share on other sites
Author herself Posted September 1, 2014 Author Share Posted September 1, 2014 Thats awesome Carrie. Thank you! I used to think the same of myself, always able to sell myself but the last few interviews I really felt were perfect...my answers seemed flawless. The interviewer always gave the best feedback, very positive and confirmed I was definately a top candidate. I got off these phone interviews knowing deep down I nailed them. But the offers never came. This has considerably lowered my self confidence and heightened my fears. I was perfectly qualified for the jobs I was interviewing for. This upcoming interview at least will be in person. Link to post Share on other sites
Got it Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 I would absolutely come with pen and pad (and depending on the company an electronic tablet would be expected). I would come with questions to ask them when you get to that point of the interview. Have researched the company and come with questions what they want for this position/employee. Link to post Share on other sites
Author herself Posted September 2, 2014 Author Share Posted September 2, 2014 No electronic pad (laptop) just pen and paper. Its funny I alwats freeze when it comes to my questions. I really dont have any...I know the job well so I know what to expect. But I will come up with some. I really just want to stand out, I know I will look the part and all...but so will the other candidates. Its so scary to think of the vast competition and think anyone could get MY role. It happens over and over. I want this job as much as I want air. Link to post Share on other sites
Thruster Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 herself: want to nail the job and get past an easy interview the norm is talk about yourself nope -- old school who wants to hear about you -- just think I want to talk to you about myself ask - -ask -- ask questions simple ones like -- what are the normal hours here at X and direct them to the interviewer (Do you like these hours?) find out about them - -get them talking about the job - the company you will find out all you need to know once they get rolling about their job and how much they like the company the bosses - the commute -- Stop talking about yourself - -they have you there because they know your school - your previous job - etc -- -they are looking to see (her / him) if you will fit in or not -- get to know them ASK - ASK - ASK! Link to post Share on other sites
CarrieT Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 What Thruster said. "What are the biggest trouble-spots you’re hoping the person in this position can help you with?" "What are your organization’s strengths and weaknesses compared to your competition?" "What gets you out of bed every day and excites you to come to work?" "How would my role affect the business in the short-, medium- and long-term?" 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Author herself Posted September 2, 2014 Author Share Posted September 2, 2014 You guys! Thruster and Carrie both of you make awesome points! I really like what you are saying so much. The interviews I have had as of late are so standard...tell me about yourself...describe a time when...but I AM different, I am a dreamer, I think outside the box and remember when I did this role before...in the field you Could put in a 5 hour day..! Not me, my sleeves were still rolled up after dusk...I would toss and turn and get up to write notes of ideas...I would try grass roots efforts all over the place creating flyers and events to build my territory. I really want to succeed and win and Ive always flown by the seat of my pants taking each day by storm. These are very tough things to Put into words. I dont have savvy strategies or boring process planning, I have energy and enthusiasm and spirit and the will to try and never give up. Thank goodness its a creative field but all I wanna say is hire me...then sit back and watch! Link to post Share on other sites
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