I’m dismayed by how frequently totally qualified job candidates mess up the basics of interviewing. While playing ‘recruiter’ for my friends is quite fulfilling, seeing qualified candidates shoot themselves in the foot is equally disheartening.
Based on real-life mistakes I’ve observed on multiple occasions, here’s an interviewing checklist for anyone I help find a job moving forward:
1. Keep Me Updated
If I refer you for a role, update me when you hear back from the employer about an interview. Why? If you hear back, I can help you prep for the interview. If you don’t hear back, I can follow-up with the interviewer. Also, once the interview is over let me know so I can check in with the employer to see how you did.
2. Show Up Early To Your Interview
I can’t believe how many people arrive at interviews late. Early is on time. On time is late. Late is embarrassing. Leave two trains early. Double expected commute time if you’re driving. Get there on time.
3. Bring copies of your resume (and make sure they aren’t creased or coffee stained)
The printer doesn’t work. She just ran over from another meeting. He just didn’t even bother. There are so many reasons why the person interviewing you won’t have a copy of your resume, so bring a handful of copies so you can give one to each person you interview with.
4. During the interview . . .
A. Explain exactly why you’re super passionate about the job and why you’re the best person in the world for the role
B. Ask one ridiculously good question
C. Ask: “Now that we’ve talked, do you have any concerns about hiring me that I could address now while we’re still sitting together?”
5. Ask for a business card from each person who you meet
You need to know how to contact the person interviewing you. See step #5
6. Send a thank you email immediately after the interview
As soon as possible, and no later than that same day, send a personalized email to each person you interviewed with. Yes, each person should get their own email. Here’s what to write:
- Line about your enthusiasm for the role
- Line about one thing you learned while interviewing
- Line about why you believe, now more than ever, you’re a perfect fit
- Thank you for the opportunity
That’s it. More than 50% of people I personally interview don’t even do that.
7. Send a hand-written thank you note within a day
Thank the person who referred you to the job and thank everyone you interviewed with. Send this in the mail the same day or the next morning. Write it on nice stationary. Make it personal. I’m serious. It works!!
8. Do something nice for the person who referred you once you get the job
For me this isn’t required, but I do highly recommend it in general! Take them to lunch, send their family flowers, or something else fun. They just risked their reputation and time to get you a job. The least you could do is send a nice bottle of scotch. I once got someone a big consulting job, and he donated 50% of the first month’s retainer to the charity of my choice. That’s BALLER. Who does that?
9. If the job isn’t a fit, continue to stay in touch
If you’re looking for a job, let me know occasionally how the process is going and certainly let me know one you’ve landed a job.
Does this really work?
1. Doing the opposite certainly doesn’t help.
2. I can’t tell you how many people missed one of these steps and didn’t get the job
3. Everyone I’ve helped who followed this advice has landed an awesome job they love
I don’t work in recruiting and honestly used to think these steps were interviewing 101, but I’m regularly shocked by how few candidates actually follow through so hopefully this guide will help you interview like a boss next time around.