Interview Nightmares

So now you have a resume that is working for you. You're getting emails and phone calls from interested recruiters and companies. Are you ready for the interview? Does the thought of "selling yourself" to the recruiter or phone screener send you into a panic? Are you having nightmares, seeing yourself in the interview room in nothing but a necktie? Do you see yourself speaking with no words being produced?

If any of these situations seem familiar, (or something just as silly or bizarre), you are one of many suffering from Interview Nightmares. Here are some simple suggestions to ease the fright.

1. Relax. (Easier said than done?) Remember, you are already a fit on paper or you wouldn't be receiving any type of communication. The person contacting you initially wants to be sure that you "are who you say you are" on paper.

2. Be yourself. (Sounds too simple?) If you are confident about who you are, you are going to portray confidence on the phone. Remember, the desired result from this initial communication is a face to face interview with the decision maker. Chances are pretty good that your initial communication is from someone who isn't the decision maker, but they are weeding out the people who will be "wasting" the decision maker's time.

3. Be in interview mode. A phone interview or face to face interview is YOUR opportunity to find out if this is an organization that YOU want to work for. It doesn't matter how much they love you if you don't think they are a fit for your personality and career goals. (Yes, in that order)

I recently spoke to a job seeker who was called in for a face to face interview with a telecommunications company. She researched the company after receiving a request for an interview. Upon doing the research, she liked what she saw and scheduled the interview. When she arrived for the interview, she was greeted by a set of drums and a Foosball table where the receptionist's desk should have been. After some debate about whether she should tap on a cymbal with the drum stick or start flipping the ball around on the Foosball table, she was greeted by an individual who made no mention of his name or position with the organization. She was then escorted to a conference room and left alone for a bit. Then, the unnamed individual returned with another individual, who conferenced in a third individual. None of the parties indicated their role within the organization, but proceeded with the interview. After a few minutes of questions, the two gentlemen seated in the room left without so much as a "Got to go" and left her with the gentleman on the telephone. She was unsure of what to do at this point, so she said "It looks like it's just me and you, kid", to which she received some laughter. Eventually, gentleman #2 returned, ended the interview, and escorted her past the Foosball table and drums to the front door.

I'm wondering if there is anyone but me that sees how insane this process was. With that said, of course there is someone that will be a great fit with this company. It just wasn't her. (Nor would it have been me) My suggestion to her, and to anyone else facing a similar (is that possible) situation, would be to say in a respectful manner to the gentleman on the phone, "I really appreciate the time and opportunity you have given me today but I don't think that your organization and I will be a good fit." i would have then proceeded past the Foosball table and drums to the front door, whistling Dixie on the way out.

All silliness aside, the point I'm making is that even though a company is hiring, and they absolutely love you, don't compromise yourself. If you accept a job that you know isn't going to be a good fit for you, you'll be looking again very quickly. Then, you'll have to explain why you had such a short term position. I understand economic conditions are really tough right now and sometimes you have to take a less than desirable position to put food on the table, but remember that if you take that position, you have now nearly eliminated the time you have to search and/or interview for the "right" position. As long as you go into every situation with your "eyes open" and understand the consequences of potentially bad decisions, you have the tools and the power to make better decisions. Turn those nightmares into "Dreams Come True"!

Kim Cyr can be contacted at kcyr@cspgroups.com or 888-831-9495