The Southwestern Company Alumni Blog
An article titled “The Key to good interviews: practice” was recently posted in the Boston Globe. The article centers around answering the question,
What can I do to improve my interview skills? After months of networking, I am finally getting interviews and I can’t afford to mess up these chances to get a job. I’ve been told that though I am likable, I ramble and give too much detail without getting to the point. What tips do you have to straighten out my presentation?.
The answer reminded me how grateful I am for the Southwestern experience. If I were answering this question, it would have a very simple answer: spend a summer selling books with Southwestern! As someone who prepares people daily for interviews, I know of no better practice for interviewing than a summer on the bookfield.
The interview essentially is a sales cycle that Southwestern salespeople truly know and understand. Since I only work with candidates that have sold books, it makes preparing a candidate for an interview so much easier!! Check out the following excepts from the article to see how closely their suggestions parallel the cycle of selling.
Imagine the interview is 30 minutes long. Within those 30 minutes, you will have specific time frames, each with a purpose. The first few moments are considered an icebreaker. These minutes may happen as you walk to or sit in someone’s office. Perhaps they will ask you about traffic or weather. Now is not the time to be negative, respond in short positive statements.
Ahem…Rapport!
At this point, a transition to the more formal interview will take place. The opening question is often something such as, “Tell me about yourself.’’ This is not the time to offer your life history, so prepare a written answer that shows professional progression, the strength of your work experience, and highlights aspects of your personality like dedication, commitment to learning, leadership, and willingness to work hard. You might also prepare a brief personal statement describing your education and places you have lived (particularly if you are willing to relocate)….
Sounds like an Introduction to me! And, by the way, think as a Southwestern alumnus might be able to prove your willingness to relocate?!
If interviewers want additional information, they will ask follow-up questions. Try to remember that interviews are conversations with give and take on both sides.
The next part of the interview is where you can showcase how well suited you are for the position. Study the job description and prepare statements that speak directly to the job’s responsibilities and challenges. Your research should extend into the company’s culture and environment. Examples that you give should align with what you know about the work style of the organization.
Can you say Demonstration?
The next section of the interview is focused on questions you may have. You must have at least 10 questions ready to ask. These questions demonstrate your interest in the opportunity and that you have prepared for the interview. You will not use all 10 questions and you don’t need to save them for this section. If a pertinent topic comes up during the interview, ask the question then, don’t wait until the end of the interview.
Asking Questions to Fit the Need?
Your last question should be something like: “Thank you. I really appreciated the opportunity to meet with you. Can you tell me what the next step in the process will be?’’ This gives you information about the appropriate time to follow up, and the person you need to contact
Summary, and CLOSE!!
If you are a Southwestern alumnus who has put your interview skills to the test, I’d love to hear your success story. Let us know how your practice on the bookfield and the skills you gained helped you ace your interviews.
Be sure to check out the full article at http://www.boston.com/jobs/news/articles/2010/03/21/the_key_to_good_interviews_practice/
Shayne sold books with the Southwestern Company from 2001-2006. He is a member of Southwestern’s Wall of Greats and is currently a Career Counselor with Southwestern Career Services.
Thanks for the tips and the confidence boost!
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Thank you! This article was informative, helpful, and applicable! It came at just the right time, I cannot wait to use it!
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Thanks. This helps get me ready for tomorrow.
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Shayne –
This is a great example of something I was articulating to some of my work colleagues. When people have asked me to explain how Southwestern has helped me in the work world, there are so many things to discuss. Aside from the learned life-skills (attitude, work ethic), I would say that it was skill in my first and only job interview that ultimately led to my hire.
The quality of my interview was a direct result of my time on the bookfield. Sure, a SW resume looks great, but having a great interview validates the resume and gets you the job you want.
Regards,
Davis
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GREAT blog, Shayne…….& SO TRUE! A career interview is nothing more than a sales presentation right down to the close.
I recall hitting the career interview circuit in Washington, DC after my 6th summer. I went on 5 interviews and received 5 offers, choosing what was at the time my “dream job”.
Each interview told me that if I could sell books door-to-door, I could do what they do. Southwestern on the resume got me the interview (every time), but it was the SKILLS that I learned and eventually mastered that got me the job(s). I just kept closing…….early……..& often!
Thanks for putting this out, Shayne!
Most sincerely,
Van Davenport
Director of Sales
Protect 1 Family, Inc.
A Family Heritage provider
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Good insight Shayne. I have yet to interview for a job but will keep this in mind. Keep up the good work!
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