Interview Etiquette Coaching

You've sent out those cover letters and resumes.  You wait patiently for a call. Finally, the moment you've been waiting for - the interview!  The excitement runs through you, until the realization hits..."Oh my, I have an interview!" While it is most likely your cover letter and resume that earned you an invitation to the interview, it will be your personality, articulation, non-verbal communication, confidence, enthusiasm, and skills that determine whether or not you go any further in that particular company - knowing this can be half the battle.

Many people realize that they only have one shot at making a first impression, yet many people do not prepare for it as they should. Those first defining moments are crucial.  From the time you pull in the parking lot to the time you leave the parking lot, you are on stage. Now we're not saying we want you to become paranoid, yet we do want you to realize that every employee of the company you encounter may have a part in the screening process since you never know who they are and who they know. 

Even when you enter the door and sign in, the receptionist may be asked to 'screen' you and give an opinion while you are waiting - remember that 80% of communication is unspoken! As for the other 20%, that's surely taken into account as well.  Many interviewers have ways of stating things; however, before you answer take into account the translation and what elusions are being implied.  Here are some examples:

Scenerio 1

Interviewer: What led you to apply for this position?

Translation: Why do you think you would be a good match to this position, company, and industry?

Best Answer: Be honest. What are the reasons that motivated you to send your resume to this particular company? How do you think a career with this company will benefit you? What are you hoping to accomplish?

Scenerio 2

Phone Interviewer: We will begin interviewing candidates here at the company next week. Are you interested in coming in and speaking with us a little more in detail?

Translation: You've passed our phone screening. Now it's time for the real test - a face-to-face interview so we can truly get to know the real you.

Best Answer: Absolutely! What day and time next week would work best for you?

Even though these examples are not rocket science, sometimes knowing when to look a little deeper into what an interviewer may be saying can help you 'survive' the interview and possibly get the job. The team members of A Write Impression have been on both sides of the desk and can help you with many of the questions and concerns you may have.

Regardless if you are trying to excel with your current company, seeking employment with a new company, changing careers/industries, hiring us to work with your employees, or maybe just practicing your interviewing skills for possible future opportunities, allow us to coach and mentor you to be the best candidate for the job.