The PACE Program - Moving Toward a

Healthier View of the Interview Process

By Frank G. Tirelli

Principal

Stonegate Associates LLC

 

The job interview is often viewed as a frightening experience with the potential for failure and embarrassment. Almost like a trial or a test. This is natural and understandable, but it isn't the only approach. I often tell candidates that they need to change the paradigm. An interview should be viewed as a conversation between two people, both hoping that the candidate will be successful. The natural anxiety people feel should be used to engender a sense of enthusiasm. Finally, don't assume you are the only one nervous at the interview. The interviewer also wants to ask smart questions, appear knowledgeable, and not say anything foolish. Remember change the mind-set: this isn't a trial or a test; it's a conversation.

Okay. Sounds easy enough. How do you make it happen? There are four cornerstones to a successful interview: P reparation, A ppearance, C ommunication and E nd game. Otherwise known as “The PACE” program.

· Preparation - There is nothing complicated here. Know the hiring company. Whether it is through the web, journals, newspapers, networking, annual reports or by utilizing other sources of information, learn what you can about the firm. History, product, organizational structure, the firm's guiding principals, and an understanding of the internal culture can all provide reference material during the interview.

The second area to focus on is the potential questions. Think of the basics? Why do you want to work at company ABC? Why should they pick you? Strong points / weak points? There are many sources for interview questions and reviewing them could be helpful. Prior to the interview you should think about your responses and practicing with a friend.

· Appearance - Well groomed, professionally dressed, positive general demeanor and a relaxed, but correct, posture all send non-verbal signals (positive or negative) to your interviewer and will impact the successful interview.

· Communication - Speak clearly, listen attentively and smile. Never, ever, ever use off-color language and don't criticize. Be truthful, but remain focused on the positives. Finally, send an e-mail or short note to thank your interviewer for his/her time. Being polite, friendly, enthusiastic and passionate are much more critical to the successful interview, than knowledge about any specific fact. Remember that: it's critical .

· End Game - I know a manager who drops his pen on the desk when the interview is over - when in fact the interview is just beginning. Most people revert to “normal conversation” after an interview, and it is at this point that they truly divulge who they are and what they are about. In fact, they should be in “normal conversation” mode from the beginning.

That is the new paradigm: it's not a trial or test, it's a conversation.

PACE yourself, it's the only way!

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

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