Our Final Tips (for candidates) in preparation for the interview (16-18)
We've come to the end of our six week series of tips to support job seekers as they prepare for interviews. In this time of incredibly extensive, attenuated and involved hiring processes, we know that preparation is both necessary and how we manage our expectations and our time. Distinguish yourself both by your talent, expertise and credentials, and by the effective way you've prepared to shine in your interview.
16. Be able to explain the job posting in your own words. Often, the title for a position can be ambiguous, or even deliberately so. Can you clearly articulate in a few words that kind of position this is, and what you might be required to do in the role? Imagine if a friend were to ask you, “So, what is this job that you’re interviewing for?” Could you clearly articulate the mission and vision of the organization (in a basic way) and the required skills and experiences? This will help you internalize the role and feel confident in your qualifications. It also may help you feel in command of specific information that will help you master your conversation with the interviewer.
17. Grow your network. Even an interview that doesn’t result in a job offer is a chance to weave your network. Of course, you’re already getting started with the thank you note from above, so you can also take a look at your interviewer’s LinkedIn profile and extend an invite. And while it’s bold, you might want to drop a note to the person who interviewed you (or even someone who you met in the interview) at some point later (a few weeks down the line), and simply let them know that you’re thinking of them, and thank them for their time, or appreciate the ways in which you helped them to learn. Do this only once–the goal is to stay top of mind but not to get to the point at which you are annoying. You also can follow the organization on Instagram. But don’t get personal–don’t ask to follow the individual you’ve interviewed with on Facebook or Instagram. Keep to professional networks.
18. Express your thanks. We suggest sending a follow up or thank you note to your interviewer, and not just once, but at every stage of the process. This not only helps you to stand out, but enables you to comment on specific parts of the process you appreciated or learned from. And of course, know that so many of your colleagues don’t do this, so the simple fact that you do enables you to stick out from the pack and offers another opportunity to talk more about why you’re perfect for the job or continue a conversation started in the interview. This follow up email can also offer you an opportunity to ask another question or share an insight you had based on the conversation.
Want to write for our blog? This series was produced by a team of 10 Gender Equity Advocates, members of our Gender Equity Advocates Network who worked together collaboratively to write, edit and think about the issues that have affected their employement processes through an equity lens. We would love to have you join in our next shared blog project, or to write a blog post independently. Reach out to us at info@genderequityinhiringproject.org.