Congratulations! You got the call you've been waiting for and you've scheduled an inperson interview. But that doesn't mean you can relax. Even though you've been in the business a while and have a wealth of supply chain and logistics expertise to offer, you can't expect that to carry you through. You still have to sell yourself to the interviewer.
So don't take this interview lightly. Your resume may have gotten you in the door, but it's the interview that will get you the job. As always, preparation is the key. Here are some tips for preparing for an inperson interview:
- Start Googling. If you haven't done so already, research the company. Look at both its consumer and its investor Web pages. Visit the Web sites of trade publications and check their archives for articles that might provide some insight into its inner workings and business challenges. Your objective is to walk into the interview ready with a detailed and compelling explanation of how you can solve the company's problems or improve its operations.
- Don't overstate. It's important to come across as enthusiastic and confident during the interview. But don't promise more than you can deliver.
- Look the part. No matter how unbuttoned the operation may appear or how casual the employee dress code, you, as an interviewee, must show up in formal business attire. This means a dark suite, collared shirt and tie for men, and a business suit for women. Fair or not, the impression you make in the first five minutes is the impression that lasts. Be conscious of your body language during the interview. If you appear too stiff, people may assume you're not approachable. If you seem too relaxed, they might decide you lack energy and motivation.
- Don't leave home without your resume. Bring several crisp, clean copies of your resume with you, especially if you e-mailed or faxed the first one. If you have samples of your work or documentation of your accomplishments, bring them as well—as long as they're relevant to the position you're seeking.
- Do a dry run. Before you go, prepare your responses to standard interview questions and practice answering them. It's much easier to formulate responses in the privacy of your own home than on the spot at an interview. Be ready to answer questions like: What are your strengths and weaknesses? and Where do you see yourself in five years? If you have gaps in your resume, rehearse your explanation. Exercise discretion when it comes to answering the inevitable questions about why you left your last position. Resist the urge to engage in boss bashing or provide a long-winded critique of your former employer's business plan or operations. Be professional, be terse, and be polite.
- Prepare some questions of your own. Asking questions will demonstrate your interest in the company and the position. But choose your questions carefully. Keep them focused on the job's responsibilities; the hierarchy of the department and/or company; and expectations related to budgets, productivity and other aspects of the department. While it is acceptable to ask about the job's salary range, don't dwell on money or benefits. You risk giving the impression that you're just looking for the highest bidder. A better strategy is to use the interview to convince the interviewer that you're the best person for the job. Once the company has decided you're the person it must have, you'll be in a stronger position to negotiate salary and benefits anyway.
Editor's note: This is the fourth of a multi-part series on job hunting. Next month: preparing for the telephone interview. Read part one: landing your dream job | Read part two: writing a killer resume | Read part three: you've sent off your resume, now what?
