Sometimes job seekers fail to realize how important it is for them to take an active role in job interviews, as if it is incumbent on the employer to do all the work. However, by not taking an active role you can send the message that you’re not sufficiently interested and that you’re not a proactive employee. Neither of these qualities will land you the job.
Instead of leaving all the work to the employer, it is important that job seekers take every opportunity to make each interview a proactive experience.
Turning the First Phone Call into Job Hunting Gold
You get a call for a job interview. Instead of just jotting down a time and place, take this opportunity to ask a few questions and prepare for the opportunity you have been offered.
Sometimes the individuals who set up the appointment are not actually conducting the job interview. For this reason, they may provide only minimal details. However, don’t hang up the phone without getting as much information as you can.
“Like what?” you may ask. Here are five items that you should address when you receive the initial call for a phone interview:
- Name and website of the company
- Name and job title of person conducting the interview
- The job title for which you are interviewing
- Date, time and location of job interview
- Availability of parking and any associated cost
In addition, while you should always bring additional copies of your resume to job interviews, you may want to ask if there is any other information – job references, diplomas/certificates and the all-important pen (for filling out an application) – you need to have with you. Better yet, prepare a job-interview portfolio and keep all these items with you as a matter of practice.
Conduct Research in Advance of the Job Interview
Once you have arranged a job interview, your next step should be to conduct research on the employer.
If you did as recommended above and requested the company website address, it is easy enough to begin your search there. However, don’t limit yourself. Look for information that might be contrary to the rosy picture that most websites paint about organizations. News articles and connections on LinkedIn to current or past employees of the company are great resources of information.
Some people think the purpose of doing this is so when you get to the job interview you can show you’ve done your homework. However, there is more to it than that. You want to walk into the interview with eyes wide open, knowing the good and the bad the company has to offer.
In addition, often conducting research on a company reveals information that can then provide the jump-off point for follow-up questions, another important step in how you can take an active role in the job interview process.
Keep the Process Alive Even After the Job Interview
Once you walk out the door, you may feel as if all you can do is wait. Nothing could be further from the truth. Show your continuing interest in the job through vigilant follow up. Now this doesn’t mean to go into job seeker-stalker mode. However, there are ways to stay on the employer’s mind.
First, send a follow-up thank you letter. As suggested in the article, “How to Write Job Interview Thank You Letters: Stand Out From Other Job Seekers with a Professional Note of Thanks,” the primary purpose for sending a thank you letter is to “let the interviewer know how much their time and effort was valued.” However, it goes further than that. It identifies you as a true professional.
Moreover, don’t forget to continue to keep in touch. You can do this through email or an occasional phone call. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Just a few words to stay on the employer’s radar. The whole idea is to make sure you are helping to actively push the interview process forward.
One final tip: if you are among the 96% of people who say they get job interview jitters, check out, “Four Tips to Help Job Seekers Fight Job Interview Jitters” for some pointers that can help you relax.
Deborah S. Hildebrand - Deborah S. Hildebrand is a freelance writer & HR consultant with 20+ years in human resources & a Bachelor's degree in Business.
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