How To Get The Job You Really
Really Want - And...Finally
So, you have (successfully) negotiated the interview,
and the interviewer is drawing the process to it's conclusion.
There is one vitally important thing you still need to do. It is
simply this. Providing you are interested in the job, you should do
the following;-
1. You should tell the interviewer that you have
enjoyed the interview, and that you are very interested in
the job on offer.
2. You should check with the interviewer what the
next stage of the process is.
Hopefully, the reasoning behind point one is
obvious. If you want the job, you have to
let the interviewer know that fact!
Point two is little more complex. If you are
interested, you need to know what to do next. The next step
will depend entirely at what stage of the recruitment process you
are at. Now the process itself is something you should have found
out about reasonably early in your dealings with the potential
employer. You remember I mentioned earlier that the full
recruitment process can be up to four interviews long, sometimes
longer. (I once had nine for a Managing Directors position,
and YES, I did get that one, mind you, you would hope so after nine
interviews wouldn't you?). I feel the best time to ask about the
full process is at the end of the first interview. That is, if it
has gone well, and you are definitely interested.
At this stage you should ask questions to gain all
the information you can about how the recruitment process will
work. Having confirmed that information, re-affirm your eagerness
(that word again) to carry the process forward to the next stage.
You do this by making arrangements with the interviewer to ensure
you go to the next stage of the selection process. For example, if
you ask about the next stage and the interviewer says,
"Well, we need to arrange for the Sales
Director to meet you".
You should ask "When is convenient?"
This is absolutely vital, simply because it shows the
interviewer that you are keen, eager and interested. It will
leave him with a positive impression. If the interviewer feels you
have done well, he will be keen to get you back for the next stage
if you have not already arranged it.
Another way of re-enforcing your positive attitude
towards the job, is to write a letter or send an email to the
interviewer after the interview. Re-affirm your positive
feelings, and confirm you want to be considered for the next stage.
ALSO, thank him for his time in interviewing you. Not only is
this good manners, it will be seen as a major differentiator.
Most people will not bother! This is also an opportunity to put
across, or mention anything, which you may have got wrong, or missed
at interview. Do keep it brief and to the point though.
One other thing you should do; Remember back to to
the very start of this process? I know it was a long time ago, but
the file you opened for each job you applied for? Well, write a
quick report on what went on at the interview. Why? Well, it will
help act as an aide-memoire for future interviews, and be a record
of what was said should you need to refer to it in future. It could
also prove useful if you are scheduled to attend other interviews
with company's in the same market. Act as a comparison, if you
like.
Next Page -
Ask For The Job
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