Hi! I’m Erica, Gracie’s room bud 🙂
Because she’s running in overdrive for the next few days, she asked if I would be willing to write a guest post….to which I said, “OF COURSE!!!”
I figured I write a post on something we’ve all done, had to do, or are maybe in the process of doing right now! THE JOB HUNT.
I’ve been working at my current job for about four months now. which is an ah-mazing recruiting firm located in Midtown Manhattan (if any of you are looking for a job in the NYC area…email Gracie!). My job as Front Office Manager is…busy. I am responsible for payroll, invoicing, parsing resumes, creating profiles, administrative office duties, answering high volume phone lines—the list could go on! But maybe most importantly, I am the first person candidates see when they walk through the door. You would be surprised by the number of people who forget that the interview starts the moment you enter the building. Like I said before, it’s only been four months. But already, I feel like I’ve seen it all!
A plethora of articles have been written on interview etiquette. What to say: “Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me today.” What not to say: “I hated my boss, so I flipped on him in front of the whole office. He totally deserved it! It was epic.” How to talk about your resume: “This role taught me how important it is in any position to pay close attention to the finer points.” What to wear: “Be polished. Suit, jacket, and button-down shirt. And remember, iron the entire outfit!” But what about the time before and after your actual interview? It is crucial. It can make or break a call back opportunity. So here are a few things I’ve observed that I’d like to share with all interviewees.
BEFORE….
The Arrival. It happens to all of us. We leave the apartment with more than enough time to get to our big interview or meeting. Then the train is running 20 minutes late, someone spills their coffee all over your white blouse, and there is not a single free taxi in a 10 block radius. Panic sets in (!!!!). We know how it feels; we’ve all been there. But don’t just show up 20 minutes late! All you have to do is give us a call and say, “I am so sorry, but the train is running late. I will be there in 15 minutes!” Our response? “Take your time! We’ll see you soon.”
The other side of this is just as important. Showing up early. For an interview, you should show up between 10 and 3 minutes early. It is actually frustrating when someone shows up 15, 20 or 30 minutes early. The person you are meeting with feels pressured to be ready sooner. The bottom line that coming in at a time that your interview was NOT scheduled, early or late, is unprofessional. Period.
The Door. I used to absolutely dread this part of any first round interview. How is it that every single door in Manhattan has a different mode of entry? Seriously. Just take a deep breath, and be observant. Is there a button? Is there a sensor that automatically opens the door? Is there a sign that says “Push” or “Pull” on the door? Try the door gently. If it doesn’t open, take a step back and look around a bit. Chances are you’ll figure it out in about 3 seconds if you just stay calm. 😉
The Receptionist. That’s me! If you want to make a good impression, say hello with a smile! Introduce yourself. Tell me what you’re here for and who you are meeting with. So many times, whether it is nerves or anxiety or pre-interview jitters, candidates will walk up to my desk with a blank face and say….nothing. Don’t freeze up. If you’re warm and personable, I will convey that to the person you are about to meet with, and your interview will be off to a great start! If you give me an attitude or are rude, I’m definitely going to tell the person you’re about to meet with.
The Paperwork. It’s a drag, we know. But it’s part of the process. So take your time, pay attention to directions, and be thorough! If someone fills out the paperwork the right way the first time, I am blown away. Sounds so basic, right? It’s true; the tax forms are complicated and have a goofy format. Mistakes happen, and we miss stuff. At Clarity (and most places I would imagine), the staff is very understanding. But if I have to point it out 4 times and ask you to date in the same place….you get what I mean. If you take your time and read it over, you will make a great impression when it’s all filled out correctly the first time.
And AFTER….
The Exit. Ending on the right note is hugely important because you want to leave a good impression. Be genuine in expressing your gratitude for the time the interviewer spent with you. If they don’t offer (which most places will), ask for a business card of the people you met during that day’s visit. Acknowledge the receptionist and other office team members that helped you earlier. Smile, thank them, and wish them a great day. Sincere friendliness is truly refreshing!
The Follow-up. After you leave, send a thank you note or an e-mail to your main point of contact. Tell them how much you enjoyed meeting them and that you look forward hearing from them. And leave it at that. If you write a thank you note, e-mail two days later “just checking in,” and then give a phone call the next three days in a row, it’s a little bit overkill. Be patient! There are a million things on that person’s desk to take care of in the next 10 minutes. If you do not hear anything back, it is appropriate to follow up ONE more time, a week later. If you still hear nothing, you can safely assume that your time and energy would be better spent pursuing other opportunities.
All in all, the most important thing to remember during the pre and post-interview time is to be personable and professional. Stay in interview mode before and after the interview, keeping in mind that you never know with whom you are interacting. It’s very simple: If you are positive and pleasant, it will go a long, long way!
When was the last time you interviewed—and how was it? What’s your “secret interview weapon?”
Awesome post, I love all of the great tips!!!
My secret interview weapons:
1. Check out the company’s website (in my case design firm) and check to see what they do, what their big projects are, and who you might be interviewing with (if they have a bio). Be prepared to be able to talk about these things.
2. Come prepared with with questions. At the end of the interview I have always been asked if I have any questions. The first few I said “Nope, I think I have everything.” They looked at me funny, I didn’t get the jobs. The second round of interviews I came prepared with questions (like, does your firm have any community volunteer opportunities?) and I got two job offers.
These are just my little suggestions that have helped me land my job, I hope they can help someone else too!
Leanne - those are GREAT suggestions! I couldn’t agree more. I’ve even gone as far as printing out almost the entire company website so I coul read it while at the gym, haha!
Jess@atasteofconfidence says
I have an interview next week, so thank you! I just try to stay calm. Being nervous is the worst! And following up is great, too.
My best interview tip is asking the interviewee about how they ended up at the current position they are at and what motivates them!
Ashley @fromashleywithlove.com says
Wow! I wish I lived in NYC to interview at you and Gracie’s job 😉 Anyways! I justttt landed a job at Prudential and the interview was SO intense.. the most intense one I’ve ever experienced. I was early.. too early so I stayed in my car until 5 min before and smiled a lot, was very warm, and gave relate-able experiences. Luckily, I was interviewing for a job that I had almost 2 years of experience with, so I dropped a lot of terminology and stories that showed that I knew my stuff but that I was also passionate about it!
I thought I did SO well but then I found out how many people they were interviewing.. between 50-60 candidates. I knew for a fact I didn’t get it. I sent my main contact a thank you e-mail immediately after, but then it was 2 weeks and I didn’t hear anything. Fortunately, I had a recruiter contact outside the main office and when I checked in with her, she told me they still were interviewing since people were on vaca during the interview process, so we’ll know in a few days. Well, to make a long story short, I got the job! I was 1 of 7 people that got hired! I feel so blessed & I know my confidence is what killed it!
This was so helpful Erica! Sorry for the novel Gracie 😉
Woooo, congrats girl!! 🙂
WOkie Passawe says
Gracie,
May i have your email address to forward my resume?
carrie says
Hi Erica! This post is so helpful, you are a great writer and your tips for job hunting are spot-on. One thing i would add is that when interviewing you should ask questions-makes you look interested in the position. I moved to new york city recently…. if i don’t find a job soon i may take u up on your offer and i’ll forward my resume to gracie 🙂 LOL
Lauren says
Thanks Erica! This is such a helpful post. Bookmarking it now so that I can read it as a reminder next time I’m interviewing.
This post makes me smile! I just finished interviewing candidates two weeks ago and I would share all the same tips. At the same time I’ve been interviewing for positions in a whole new field. Today was an epic day because I received two offers!
All your tips go a long way at landing a job!
I love this post—> such great tips and some that we take for granted (ie showing up too early)! My advice is to do your research about the company and its competitors just so you have something to add to the discussion! Also, go armed with 1-2 quality questions about the company, whenever I’ve interviewed, I have been asked whether I have any questions and saying ‘no’ is a major overkill! Asking questions conveys a level of interest. Just make sure the questions aren’t lame like ‘How many days off a year do we get’!
Ashley says
This post came at a great time for me- as in I learned yesterday I might need to move on to another job. Great tips! I’ve been out of the loop for a bit so this was a great refresher.
Allison says
GREAT advice! I am a recruiter and have recruited for various industries over the past six years. When I teach an interview class, one of my main points is BE NICE TO THE RECEPTIONIST!!! I have had people that interviewed great, but were rude and unprofessional to the receptionist… Needless to say, they were not even considered. Customer Service is #1 priority in any job - because we all have customers… so if you can’t be nice, then I don’t want you to be on my team! Thanks for doing this - so many people don’t understand that an interview is SO MUCH more than answering questions!
Great post! I think we can all relate to interview stress and you make some really good points! I wouldn’t have necessarily thought that the receptionist is someone to also make a good impression with but you are so right!
For internships I had to interview at a bunch of places. It definitely is good advice to just take a deep breath and try to calm down. I know for me if I am too wound up I will end up either talking too fast or saying something completely nonsensical. Remembering that the interviewer knows that you are nervous helps, too. They expect that so don’t get too worried about that.
this is such a helpful post!!! thank you =) When I graduate I fully intend on job hunting in NYC so I will be sure to email Gracie!!
Great advice! The last time I interviewed was in July, when I landed my first full-time job out of college!
My advice is to relax..and follow your heart. I went to several interviews where I knew the company would not be a good fit for me. I even turned down a second interview at one place because of it. It sounds so cliche, but when the job is right, it will feel right!
Marie says
Great advice!
I’m a resume and interview specialist and I totally agree with all these points 🙂 Check out my business website http://www.wisoresumes.com
Dirty Pink Cardigan
😀
O'Really says
I like the picture looking down your top. Surely that was a deliberate provocation, you are trying to get the guys on board aren’t you?
A picture of you in your underwear will do it, instead of all this make up and comfort food nonsense.
This is such a great post! I got stuck in traffic on the way to the interview for my current job, was running about 40 minutes late and was totally stressing out. So I called ahead and the woman was so lovely about it, told me to drive safely etc, and it made me feel so much better when I eventually arrived!
Laura says
Thanks so much for the interview tips. I just submitted my resume to Clarity. Pray for me.
Esther says
I’m in the process of relocating from Los Angeles to New York. Stumbled across your page on Google. Thanks for sharing! I’ve since applied to Clarity.