I'm Brad Lucas. I enjoy figuring out how to optimize life, sometimes at the expense of poorly constructed systems. Life is a game. Play it in style.

Interview Better

Interview Better

Standing out in interviews is just a matter of preparing well and bringing / doing more than the people showing up before and after you. Of course, it is crucial that you're actually qualified. Or AT LEAST, qualified enough in the most important areas that you'd be able to train up the secondaries. Hopefully this list below gives you a few thoughts to keep in mind. They might help you - might not, but I've found them helpful over the years being on both sides of the interview countless times:

  1. Find out the schedule. Ask to be the first or last person to be interviewed. First and last people in an interview process tend to be remembered more. Obviously, make sure you show up early and still impress the hell out of them, or you'll be remembered for being the worst start or end to their day.

  2. While we're on that, when possible, I recommend first interview of the day, when you're fresh. Also, the hiring manager and anyone you're talking to is less likely to be distracted and beaten down by the day.

  3. Research the company, and stalk the people you're meeting with on LinkedIn. (in Incognito mode, of course). Take note of any interests / companies / people you share in common.

  4. Bring way more questions than you think you'll need. Also, bring some you think you know the answers to (from your notepad of research).

  5. Setup Google Alerts for the company way ahead of the interview with frequency set to Daily. See what they're doing currently to make the news if possible.

  6. Ask for the problem right off the bat. What is the biggest problem they are trying to solve in the next 3 or 6 months. How could you make an impact as immediately as possible, and what barriers might be in the way of that. This can make them visualize how you might start making things flow together more.

  7. Don't be a dick to anyone: Be the nicest to every single person you run into that day. Gas station attendant, people pulling into the parking lot (just think how bad you'll look when you cut off one of your interviewers inadvertently), the security or front desk employees, anyone on the phone, and anyone you walk by. Generally, just be somebody everyone remembers as "Oh, she was absolutely delightful and nice! I remember her. I hope you guys bring her on board."

  8. Make a Cheat Sheet: I used to do this for important tests all the time. Make a cheat sheet. Figure out two really good stories to tell about your last several roles. Write up a cheat sheet with as much detail about those accomplishments as possible. The ACT of making this makes you remember some really good stuff to share, and unlike in school where I'd toss my cheat sheet ahead of an exam, knowing that just creating it helped, you can actually bring it to the interview. You've got a notepad, right?

  9. Apple + Water + Gum > Coffee?: It pains me to say this, but some people say eating an apple has the same effect as coffee with less jittery side effects. Follow it up with some water and gum (making sure the gum is out way before the interview), and this can help you focus and recall some details from your research and cheat sheet.

 

 

WWTCD: What Would The Cartel Do?

WWTCD: What Would The Cartel Do?

Rent Every Thing You Can. And Every Place.

Rent Every Thing You Can. And Every Place.