DUCK ALUMNI CAREER BLOG

May 26, 2015

~ A "Letters from Silicon Valley" Series ~

Having spent many years in HR, my teams and I have interviewed and hired thousands of candidates. I’ve learned things that might help you prepare for interviews.

First of all, assume that you are probably going to get some pretty standard questions, like the following:
• Tell me about yourself.
• What are your strengths?
• What are your weaknesses?
• Why are you interested in the position?
• Why should we hire you?

Make sure to anticipate these, and have answers ready for standard questions.

Once you’ve done that, try the following:
• Think about the particular company and position you are interviewing for, and anticipate unique or deeper questions.
• Practice your answers.
• Use numbers and stories to illustrate the points you make.
• Strike a power pose (think—Wonder Woman standing with hands on hips) before you meet with your interviewer(s). Studies indicate this boosts confidence and makes others think more highly of you.
• Reflect upon your intentions. Go in with a warm smile, wanting the best for the other person. People pick up on this at a subconscious level and in turn think of you positively too.
• Make sure you dress the part and make a good first impression. Research shows that interviewers typically make up their minds in the first few seconds of an interview. 
• Harness your stress. Instead of forcing yourself to be calm, remind yourself, and perhaps even vocalize to your interviewer, that you are excited to be there. Studies show that people who do this are better able to handle the pressure, and appear more persuasive, confident, and competent than those who simply told themselves to calm down. 
• Give enough information to sell yourself, but don’t drag on. Know when to stop talking.
• Show some enthusiasm. I can’t tell you the number of times hiring managers told me they didn’t hire someone because the candidate didn’t seem very interested in the job. Tell your interviewer that you want the job, and why you’re a great fit.
• Be prepared with questions of your own. It shows that you’ve done your research and demonstrates how you think.

May you crush your interviews and get the job you want.

Go Ducks!

Contact:
Humberto Chacon
humberto@chacon.us