I just finished up the third job interview for a gig I really want. Even if they turn around and say they don’t like me, getting to level three is a major big deal. I wanted to share a couple of things I believe helped me get noticed.
Learn About the Business
You know how I’m always telling you to learn as much as you can about your potential employer? I already knew about this particular business, but after learning I was a candidate, I did a lot more research. When it came down to interview time, I was able to offer input and suggestions. I even followed the CEO on Twitter.
Don’t get me wrong. My qualifications are perfect for this job. I have everything the employer is looking for and it’s almost as if it’s tailor made for someone with my skills, but I believe taking the time to do learn more gave me a jump on the competition and helped me to stand out a bit more.
Don’t be a stalker, but do investigate. Ask questions and offer suggestions and ideas for how you would want to handle particular situations. It may be just the thing to get them to sit up and take notice.
This is great advice, Deb!
More and more, I find employers are asking questions that lead back to their own company. I’ve been asked slews of questions about what I think of company websites and literature, I think not only because they consider my professional opinion to be of interest, but also to test to see if I’ve taken the time to research them.
From their perspective, it totally makes sense in that they’d sooner hire someone they thought to be the right match for the position, and they’re not just another item on a freelancer’s list of job applications to get through. Great post!
funny…I just had my third job interview also and can say that’s excellent advice. I asked the president about the company’s future, their philosophy and so on.
I’m amused. I was invited by someone from an online business networking group to meet in person for a cup of tea. I was planning to slouch off to chit chat in my jeans and sneakers when I looked the person up on LinkedIn and nearly choked — she is well-known venture capitalist involved in an about-to-launch web business. I quickly upgraded to dress pants and blouse before I went out the door! (And was later very glad that I did…she was vetting me for contract work.)