Blog Post: Blah, Blah, Blah ... Taking Boredom out of the Interview Blahs

Ever find yourself tuning out during an interview? Everything's going fine, and then you think, "I wonder if that picture over there is of her daughter or her sister?"; or "Did I remember to lock my car?"; and even "I bet he doesn't know he has a stain on his shirt." And then you hear..."Blah, blah, blah... and what did you do in that situation?" All of sudden, you're caught.

It's easy to want to do all the talking and none of the listening. So easy, in fact, that there are numerous surveys, books, and even blogs on the "lost art" of listening. But, I'd be lying if I told you Hiring Managers don't face the same problem. An easy way to combat this is the good old-fashioned note pad.

Before the Interview

Before the interview, take time to visit the company's website and make a list of any questions that come to mind. The day of the interview, arrive at least 10 minutes early, settle your nerves, and jot down any last minute questions that pop into your head on your handy-dandy notebook. These before-interview questions do two things: 1)They alleviate your memory from having to remember all the questions you want to ask, and thus prevent you from dangerously teetering on the edge of "blah, blah, blah" because you're too consumed with what you want to ask next,;and 2)they show your future employer your interest in the company - after all, we want to be liked as much as you want to be hired!

During the Interview

After you take your seat, open up your portfolio or notepad and get your pen ready. Nothing says professionalism like an interviewee who means business. As your interview progresses, take time to jot down quick little thoughts that come to mind. For example: say Sally, the interviewer, is talking about the history of the company, and it reminds you to ask how she started her career there... jot it down: "Sally's start with ABC?" Or maybe Bob, the hiring manager, mentions they're the #1 widget manufacturer in town, and you think, "who's #2?". Write it down. You may decide to either ask that question or check it out on your own at home. Now, what if the interviewer is asking you questions, and you don't feel like you've sold yourself to the best of your ability. Make a note "Employee of the Month" to remember to mention such an accolade. This could prove invaluable if Billy, the Operations Manager, wasn't sure he really liked your answer to that question.

After the Interview

Simply put, check your questions. See if you made all the points you wanted to make about yourself and if you had all your questions answered. If not, include some of your thoughts in your thank you letter. What? You don't send thank-you letters? Well, that will have to be the subject of another blog.

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