Tim Yandel: The Interview Triangle: How to Succeed in Your Interview

So your resume is great now and it's been pulled off the pile to bring you in for an interview. Once you get invited for the face to face interview you have to keep three things in mind: Prep, Delivery and Follow up; we'll call it the Interview Triangle. Here's how to succeed with your interview:

 The Interview Triangle: How to Succeed in Your Face to Face Interview

1) Preparation

Being prepared for an interview is not optional if you want to make a good impression. Not knowing certain information ahead of time will only portray presumption, apathy or disinterest.

Always have everything you need before going in: Job Title, required skills, preferred skills, level, responsibilities, company info, manager info. There are many sites you can use to get this information, and let's face it, if you're interviewing for a technical position and don't know where to go (LinkedIn, Google, TechCrunch, Greenhorn Connect, BostInnovation) for this info then you are in trouble.

Here are some benefits from doing this ahead of time....

• Save Time
• Knowing who the company is and what they do, how long they’ve been around and what they are currently involved in prevents the manager from having to go through this all in the interview. If you have to ask them about their company you are basically flaunting your lack of interest/ resourcefulness in getting this information.

• Flattery
• They want to know that people have heard of them and have taken an interest. It is bad form to not have looked at a company’s site prior to the interview since many web sites are a point of pride for a company. Again, if you're technical you should be resourceful. 

• Sell yourself
• Know what they’re looking for before you go in and make some mental notes on what you want to discuss that pertains to their opening. Because of the rapid pace of the interview process, you will probably only get 20-30 minutes with someone on a first round, of which they will take up 10-15 minutes themselves. Think about that and be prepared to sell yourself quickly and effectively.  Another option is to call the Recruiter, HR rep or Hiring Manager.

2) Delivery

This interview is not just for the employer. It's for you as well, and by asking compelling questions about them, you demonstrate your preparedness, attention-to-detail and discerning taste about where you take your next job. Here are some examples of what to ask.

• Financials: 
• These questions are aimed at determining company stability and should be directed to privately held smaller to medium sized companies.
  

• Market Segment:
• These questions are aimed at defining what the marketplace is for this company's products and services. Who do they consider to be their biggest competitors and how do they believe they compare in terms of market share?
  

• Technology:
• These questions are great for technology candidates specifically and are aimed at understanding if the company has a current technology infrastructure and uses cutting-edge tools. What are their intentions to remain competitive in the future? What up and coming projects are in the pipeline?
  

• Culture:
• These questions are aimed at understanding the work environment. What is it like to work there? Is there high retention? How long has the manager themselves been working there?
  

• Growth: 
• These questions are aimed at understanding whether or not the company provides growth for their employees. Is there an established corporate ladder for job advancement, career planning programs, technical and/ or management training, opportunities for upward mobility?

3) Follow Up

Keep in mind, thank you letters never convince a manager to hire you but they do separate you from the pack. After the first interview, send an email thank you note within 24 hours after the interview. Structure it in no more than three paragraphs, and format it like this:

• The 1st Paragraph
• Is the introduction and recap of the interview. What happened in the interview and why you enjoyed it so much, what was your feeling after you left the building and how you see yourself fitting in culturally at the company.
  

• The 2nd Paragraph
• Contains all of the details. What you bring to the position and explain your vision on how you can help the manager achieve what he/she is looking to achieve. Use specifics and share some stories of how you've done something similar in previous positions or projects and have excelled. If you don't have any experience in a certain crucial area – highlight it! But also explain a situation where you had to pick something up previously and done well.
  

• The Final Paragraph
• Lists what you would learn in the position and how you can see yourself growing professionally in this company. Finally list your availability for a follow up interview and extend an invitation for them to follow up with you on any outstanding questions. 

Follow these tips for the Interview Triangle and you'll be well on your way to separating yourself from the competition.

Tim Yandel has been a tech recruiter in Chicago, San Francisco and Boston. He currently heads up Workbridge Associates, a nationwide technology staffing firm located in Boston’s Back Bay. His office specifically places developers in the Boston Metro area on both a permanent and contract basis. Tim lives by the mantra that relationships truly matter in recruiting. Get in touch with Tim by emailing him at timothy.yandel@workbridgeassociates.com or on Twitter@tyandel.

Photo Credit:  billjacobus1 on Flickr.