Week 8: Charming Your Audience
Video Time: 8 Minutes Action Time: Around 15 Minutes
Now that the interviewer is putty in your hands, we’ll teach you how to end the job interview like a rock star.
A successful interview is one in which, after you’ve sung your swan song on how amazing you are, the hiring manager thinks of you differently (and hopefully highly). As you strut down the hallway, ready to go trash a hotel room and start celebratory day drinking.
You want your interviewer to be thinking something along the lines of, “I’m in love. True, head over heels love. My marriage of 14 years? Dead. All because that fella made my heart pump faster than my pacemaker ever could!” A strong ending will strike a chord and make the interviewer humming your tune all the way home.
The job interview is where you should stand out. You’re a unicorn and never forget it. But, despite the gigantic horn jutting from your forehead and an ability to poop glitter, you’re still human, and humans tend to make mistakes.
The biggest mistake people make is not asking questions during the interview to understand what to expect after the interview is over.
After the job interview, you’ll be asked the very typical question of “do you have any questions for us?” Although you should’ve had questions throughout the interview when creating dialogue, say yes! There are still questions you should ask after the interview.
Sadly, there’s been plenty of times where people have been ghosted. It’s possible an interviewer may not get back in touch with you after the interview. They may not think you’re good for the position or even forgot about the interview altogether. This is why asking questions is important. By asking these questions after the interview, you limit your chances of being ghosted.
Now that the interviewer is putty in your hands, we’ll teach you how to end the job interview like a rock star.
A successful interview is one in which, after you’ve sung your swan song on how amazing you are, the hiring manager thinks of you differently (and hopefully highly). As you strut down the hallway, ready to go trash a hotel room and start celebratory day drinking.
You want your interviewer to be thinking something along the lines of, “I’m in love. True, head over heels love. My marriage of 14 years? Dead. All because that fella made my heart pump faster than my pacemaker ever could!” A strong ending will strike a chord and make the interviewer humming your tune all the way home.
The job interview is where you should stand out. You’re a unicorn and never forget it. But, despite the gigantic horn jutting from your forehead and an ability to poop glitter, you’re still human, and humans tend to make mistakes.
The biggest mistake people make is not asking questions during the interview to understand what to expect after the interview is over.
After the job interview, you’ll be asked the very typical question of “do you have any questions for us?” Although you should’ve had questions throughout the interview when creating dialogue, say yes! There are still questions you should ask after the interview.
Sadly, there’s been plenty of times where people have been ghosted. It’s possible an interviewer may not get back in touch with you after the interview. They may not think you’re good for the position or even forgot about the interview altogether. This is why asking questions is important. By asking these questions after the interview, you limit your chances of being ghosted.
After-Interview Questions
1What are the next hiring process steps?
2
How many other people should I expect to meet?
A follow-up question could be asking for their names and positions. By knowing this information, you can do more research on the company. Remember, Google is your best friend and stalking is only a misdemeanor!
3When and where will that happen?
4What is your final target decision date and time?
5Is there any reason why you wouldn’t offer me the job?
Friendly Faces Save the Day
Make sure you don’t rush through your questions or intimidate the interviewer. Pump the brakes, Die Hard, you’re not interrogating them. This is Microsoft, not Guantanamo. Instead, have a warm and welcoming smile on your face and simply say what’s on your mind.
Remember the Golden Rule! Don’t forget to take everyone’s business cards, shake all the hands, smile, and thank them. Even in the bathroom (though wait until they wash their hands). This includes both the people you met with and the receptionist.
What Not To Do When Asking Questions
- Rush through your questions. Take a moment to breathe after each question.
- Ask too many questions. You don’t want your interviewer to think you’re trying to keep them away from their job!
- Interrogate the interviewer. This isn’t an investigation, it’s an interview!
Make sure you don’t rush through your questions or intimidate the interviewer. Pump the brakes, Die Hard, you’re not interrogating them. This is Microsoft, not Guantanamo. Instead, have a warm and welcoming smile on your face and simply say what’s on your mind.
Remember the Golden Rule! Don’t forget to take everyone’s business cards, shake all the hands, smile, and thank them. Even in the bathroom (though wait until they wash their hands). This includes both the people you met with and the receptionist.
What Not To Do When Asking Questions
- Rush through your questions. Take a moment to breathe after each question.
- Ask too many questions. You don’t want your interviewer to think you’re trying to keep them away from their job!
- Interrogate the interviewer. This isn’t an investigation, it’s an interview!
When you leave, speak to the receptionist, “Thank you, Bob! I really appreciate your help in setting up my interview (or whatever you think they did).” And remember to smile!
That’s the end of our Week 8 – see you next week for “Interviewing Afterglow.” Have a Super Day!