Posted on Jul 10, 2015
You got the interview, congratulations! Now what do you do...?
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Getting an interview in the private sector is the first hurdle to cross, and is a big one, don't forget to pat yourself on the back for crossing that line and getting a chance to meet the hiring manager in person. This usually means that your cover letter was on point, your resume was well presented and caught their attention but how do you prepare for the interview? What should you talk about? What should you wear? How should you sit? Look no further, the RallyPoint Civilian Careers Team has put together a guide for you.
http://blog.rallypoint.com/2015/07/4-tips-for-job-interviews-for-veterans.html
What are your experiences with interviews? Any tips to share with the community?
http://blog.rallypoint.com/2015/07/4-tips-for-job-interviews-for-veterans.html
What are your experiences with interviews? Any tips to share with the community?
Jobs
Employment
Transition
Civilian Career
Job Seeker
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 9
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Elizabeth Malkin
Men - WEAR A SUIT!!! Pin stripes are best.
Women - Also wear a suit (female style of course)
Bring extra copies of your resume and any other paperwork you think you may need. Keep them in a plain leather (faux is fine) portfolio.
Prepare a list of questions you want to ask (make sure the questions aren't already covered in the job description or the company's website).
Do your research about the company and the position.
DON'T BE NERVOUS!!!
Men - WEAR A SUIT!!! Pin stripes are best.
Women - Also wear a suit (female style of course)
Bring extra copies of your resume and any other paperwork you think you may need. Keep them in a plain leather (faux is fine) portfolio.
Prepare a list of questions you want to ask (make sure the questions aren't already covered in the job description or the company's website).
Do your research about the company and the position.
DON'T BE NERVOUS!!!
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Elizabeth Malkin
PO1 John Miller, "prepare a list of questions" = HUGE! At the end of the interview there is a very high probability that the interviewer will say something along the lines of, "is there anything you would like to ask?". You need to have questions ready to show that you are interested and interesting and have something to add.
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PO1 John Miller
Elizabeth Malkin
Every interview I've had since I've been out has been like that "Do you have any questions for us?"
Every interview I've had since I've been out has been like that "Do you have any questions for us?"
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Elizabeth Malkin I would have to say that SGT Joseph Goldman nailed it with his response. Here are few more suggestions to add to the list. Research the company's Internet prior to the Interview and know as much about their history and "about" portion of their website! Know them, better then they know you. Introduce yourself and be ready to be introduced to more than one individual in some cases. Politely ask them, when you address them for the first time, if you can call them by their first name. Sit forward in your chair when you are sitting upright. Show them you have a level of motivation. Smile once in while, so they know you are human - project a comfortable yet happy image of yourself. Take that "stand at attention" look off your face. Make eye contact when responding and when listening to their questions. Be ready to translate your military skills in everyday practice business (civilian) skills. Be ready to highlight some of your significant achievements when the time is right. Don't sound desperate, but do project confidence (not cockiness). Establish a dialogue for follow-up and show interest in the next steps. Have questions mentally prepared, so when they ask if you have any other questions be ready to ask some (good and pertinent ones). I have always taken a nice folder and paper to right down information and answers to my questions. Shows you are organized and really interested. Not all jobs will require this, but many interviews are conducted in boardrooms now. Ask them for their business card before you leave and ask them if you can follow-up (shows you are really interested in the position). Hope these additional points help as well.
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SGT Joseph Goldman
Let's put a couple more out there. When the interview gets to a point of awkward silence, don't rush to say anything, be ready because they are actually considering you for the job right then and there. If you keep your mouth shut, they will not see any reason at this point not to hire you. If you open your mouth and say something, it may be the one thing that could cause you to loose the job and we don't want that! As COL Mikel Burroughs said, bring a pad of paper...on it have the second or third sheet filled with info on the staff and the company along with any questions you may have. Just having them in mind may not be enough especially when the moment comes and your mind is racing.
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Elizabeth Malkin
COL Mikel J. Burroughs and SGT Joseph Goldman, this is excellent advice!! COL Mikel J. Burroughs, you make a great point to be prepared to talk to more than one person in the interview. I was interviewing for a position two years ago and I thought that I was meeting with one person and I ended up being there all day and meeting with NINE! Try to research the people that you think will be relevant on the hiring team so that you can be sure not to miss anyone/ to have at least some elementary background on the people that you could meet.
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