You got the interview, congratulations! Now what do you do...?

2015-07-10T12:06:06-04:00

Getting an interview in the private sector is the first hurdle to cross, and is a big one, don't forget to pat yourself on the back for crossing that line and getting a chance to meet the hiring manager in person. This usually means that your cover letter was on point, your resume was well presented and caught their attention but how do you prepare for the interview? What should you talk about? What should you wear? How should you sit? Look no further, the RallyPoint Civilian Careers Team has put together a guide for you.

http://blog.rallypoint.com/2015/07/4-tips-for-job-interviews-for-veterans.html

What are your experiences with interviews? Any tips to share with the community?

RallyPoint.com: 4 Tips for Job Interviews for Veterans

Response by SGT Joseph Goldman made Jul 10 at 2015 12:17 PM

2015-07-10T12:17:12-04:00

When you prepare for an interview, have your "elevator pitch" ready and be proud of who you are! Nobody at any company is any better than you, they simply got there before you did because you were busy! Stand with pride, confidence and humility all in one. Present yourself firmly but with a gentle touch. Sit upright, don't hesitate on your answers and always be ready for a joke. It is a good way to realize that the employer may actually have a sense of humor. Be careful though, as soldiers we tend to use common language that is not always received by civilians as we intend it so I advise caution. If you address them as Sir or Ma'am and they ask you to call them something else, just do so. Attire is a must! If you do not own a suit...GO BUY ONE! Not all jobs require it but let me tell you this, once you make management you will need it. More later...Have a great weekend all and to all of you pending an interview with specific questions either message myself or Elizabeth Malkin and I'm sure we can help! Thank you for your service and God speed!

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Jul 10 at 2015 12:34 PM

2015-07-10T12:34:40-04:00

A promotion board is an interview for the next higher position in pay and responsibility. You wouldn't go into a promotion board unprepared, you shouldn't go into an interview unprepared either. You should at the very minimum research the company and department you are applying for and re-read the job posting to ensure you know what they are looking for.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jul 10 at 2015 12:40 PM

2015-07-10T12:40:11-04:00

Elizabeth Malkin I would have to say that SGT Joseph Goldman nailed it with his response. Here are few more suggestions to add to the list. Research the company's Internet prior to the Interview and know as much about their history and "about" portion of their website! Know them, better then they know you. Introduce yourself and be ready to be introduced to more than one individual in some cases. Politely ask them, when you address them for the first time, if you can call them by their first name. Sit forward in your chair when you are sitting upright. Show them you have a level of motivation. Smile once in while, so they know you are human - project a comfortable yet happy image of yourself. Take that "stand at attention" look off your face. Make eye contact when responding and when listening to their questions. Be ready to translate your military skills in everyday practice business (civilian) skills. Be ready to highlight some of your significant achievements when the time is right. Don't sound desperate, but do project confidence (not cockiness). Establish a dialogue for follow-up and show interest in the next steps. Have questions mentally prepared, so when they ask if you have any other questions be ready to ask some (good and pertinent ones). I have always taken a nice folder and paper to right down information and answers to my questions. Shows you are organized and really interested. Not all jobs will require this, but many interviews are conducted in boardrooms now. Ask them for their business card before you leave and ask them if you can follow-up (shows you are really interested in the position). Hope these additional points help as well.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jul 10 at 2015 12:50 PM

2015-07-10T12:50:48-04:00

There are no Atheists in a foxhole or the HR lounge - PRAY!!!

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 10 at 2015 1:18 PM

2015-07-10T13:18:32-04:00

Men - WEAR A SUIT!!! Pin stripes are best.
Women - Also wear a suit (female style of course)

Bring extra copies of your resume and any other paperwork you think you may need. Keep them in a plain leather (faux is fine) portfolio.

Prepare a list of questions you want to ask (make sure the questions aren't already covered in the job description or the company's website).

Do your research about the company and the position.

DON'T BE NERVOUS!!!

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 4:02 PM

2015-07-10T16:02:57-04:00

Once again the RP team has provided a good guide to follow as you head out on that job hunting path. I only got one interview and as they say the rest is history so. Be confident and honest and hopefully things will work out as well for you. At the end of my interview the senior guy (who just stopped buy my office after lunch) turned to me and said "you never done this type of stuff before in your life" to which I agreed but pointed out I was a quick learner and could manage a project. Not going to pat myself on the back but I think we both gained from his decision that day.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jul 10 at 2015 4:34 PM

2015-07-10T16:34:45-04:00

More excellent information. I think a couple of things I would add or highlight, be early. BE POLITE to the receptionist. (The first thing I would do when 'You' left the interview, was talk to our receptionist...because they often were not 'on' and would show some true colors. When it came to dress, fail on the side of being over dressed. No interviewer...or at least that I have ever talked to...is going to say, "Man, I really don't like how they were dressed to professionally." Dress conservatively. If you want to add flash to your wardrobe...do it when you are hired. Turn your phone off before you walk in the building. Jewelry is fine, if it is the same as if you were in uniform...see conservatively and flash above. Do not be afraid to brag a bit about what you have done. Don't lie, but civilian needs to know you are able to work more than eight hour days, accomplish the mission...or them being successful...and you can lead, regardless or in addition to your MOS. One thing I recommend, rephrase any question you do not have a prepared answer, to make sure you first understand what the question is and to give yourself time to come up with an answer. Try not to be long winded. ASK QUESTION of them...you are interested in working here right? Even if no, pretend that you are. (Good practice is all those insurance and sales jobs that a lot of us want to avoid...not to mention is boost your spirits to turn some of them down) HAVE FUN...yes, have fun. Don't be silly. Admit that you are nervous...chances are, the interviewer will respect your honesty and they are probably a bit nervous too.

Well that is a start.

Response by PVT William Bresch made Jul 22 at 2015 6:24 PM

2015-07-22T18:24:18-04:00

Be yourself and don't expect anything in return...

Response by CW3 Dylan E. Raymond, PHR made Apr 15 at 2016 11:25 PM

2016-04-15T23:25:21-04:00

Now its time to prepare for the interview. Visit the website to learn as much about the company as possible their locations, how they make money, CEO philosophy of the company. See if you can learn something about the culture. Thinks of some scenarios that you can use when answering the behavioral based interview. Be sure to print off extra copies of your resume to take along with. Map out the directions and perhaps do a dry run to see how long it take you to get to the site. The interview starts when you get on the property so consider any and everybody as part of the interview. Lastly write a few good thought provoking questions that you can ask the interviewers because they sure will ask you some tough ones. I always have one question that is my ace in the hole. If there was one thing that you would change about the company what would it be?

The last thing you do is close the interview by asking what is the next step in the process?