So, I've landed the interview, now how do I close the deal and get the job?

UPDATE: I didn't get this particular opportunity, but I did end up moving into a position with Charles Schwab in Phoenix. I've been on for about two weeks now, and I have to say that the work environment and benefits are some of the best I've ever received.

When I came back from Afghanistan in May 2014, I goofed around a bit on leave, like any service member probably would. I talked to a buddy of mine around June who was looking for a roommate, and said that if I could land a job, he'd be happy to split the apartment. Not more than two days later after working with Randstad Technologies and TEKSystems (two IT staffing firms), I landed an interview with Centurylink and Charles Schwab. Here is my lessons learned summary for the interviews that I went through:

1. Consistency and eagerness are key talents, and is often one of the major factors that separates military veterans from civilians. I'm not saying to bulldog your way through everything (that actually shows as aggression to people that haven't served), but being consistent in your answers and showing an inclination towards achievement will be seen as a testament to your work ability.

2. Don't be afraid to admit you don't know something, but show the willingness to learn it. I am working an IT engineer position, something that usually requires 6 to 12 years of experience, and I had little to none in terms of the architecture that I'm working with now. When I did the first interview with Schwab, I was asked about several common issues that arise during administration of the system. I made an educated guess, but also told them that this was also a new system for me. When I was scheduled for the second interview, I made darn sure to go back and research each and every one of the scenarios they presented me in the first interview. When I came into the second interview and those questions came up again, I let them know that I looked it up and that based off my studying, the answer is blah blah blah, etc.

I talked with my boss about the interview after I was offered the position. He let me know that it was obvious that I was a bit nervous, but that no one in previous interviews had taken the time to research the issues they presented in preparation for the second interview. Apparently, this was a big enough deal to warrant giving me serious consideration, and eventually the job offer.

3. Adaptability is one of the key strengths of the military, and is one of the most in-demand by civilian employers. If you can display that versatility (in my case, I was a salesman turned HUMINT Collector turned Help Desk Analyst turned Collection Manager) and show that you've excelled with nearly everything thrown at you, it'll definitely play to your favor.

4. Don't drone about your deployment. Keep to the relevant facts or parallels when answering questions, but unless if you're interviewing with a government agency or some sort of security-based position, no one likely cares what kind of cool guy stuff you did with that SEAL Team back in Iraq. They're cool stories, sure, but they need someone to fill a position, not a recollection of personal histories. Once you get the job and get to know the team, that'll come out in conversation eventually should you choose to tell those stories.

5. Show that you're a team player. Charles Schwab was *huge* on this when I interviewed. Considering that we all went through some sort of introductory training with other service members from literally every corner of the United States, we should know how to work with many people of diverse backgrounds, and it actually is a marketable skill.

This is just a quick jot-down, but I can come back to this later with better detail if anyone else that's searching wants some more input. Also would love to hear more about veterans and their experiences with moving into the civilian sector.

Attached is a recent article that I used two easy to remember frameworks for answering interview questions and the top 10 questions that will be asked.

http://taskandpurpose.com/3-communication-methods-master-next-job-interview/

Hope this helps!

Chad

This is probably too late for the job you mention, but for the future, The most important question I ask in the first round of interviews is "What do you know about our firm and why do you want to work for us?" Shockingly, only a small fraction of interviews are able to answer. Do your homework on the company and help them see you in the job.