Post Your Best Interview Advice/Tips

[OnlyPantherFaninMaine]

Aside from wearing a Panther's polo since that is a given. (I kid)

I'm on the cusp of landing a job in the sports industry I have actively been pursuing for about two years now. For this particular position, as it is really a niche job within the industry that not many pursue, I believe my resume to be very strong as all of my internship experience and employment experience has been in the same field/department just with different teams and leagues. A couple connections I have made over the years know one of my interviewers personally and have put in a phone call or two on my behalf.

The interview consists of three 30 to 45 minute interviews each with a different executive within the company. The first with an HR Director, the second with a VP in the department I would be working in, and the third with another employee I would be working closely with in the same department. I guess my only real concern is fielding any obscure or random questions that I may struggle to answer off the top of my head. I'm prepared to discuss my resume and experiences, strengths and weaknesses, give a brief autobiography, and handle common interview questions. I just worry something may throw me off and get me flustered along the way.

I've always been a people person; able to talk to just about anyone and relate in some way. My attire will be appropriate and body language and eye contact not an issue. Would you recommend that I bring along a copy of my resume and pen and paper to take notes? Is it appropriate to have some notes already written down and bring them into the interview room with me so I don't forget anything I wish to mention?

Thanks in advance! Any insight is helpful.

[KSpan]

First and foremost, spend most of the interview listening and following up. You will have opportunities to talk and you should when necessary, but listening to your interviewer/s and actively engaging leaves a far bigger impression.

Also, prepare. Know the job and the company/team inside and out and know the industry as best you can. Come with a list of prepared questions and jot down/ask more based on what you hear.

[Doyle]

Definitely bring a copy of your resume for each individual.  If I was about to interview someone I would already have a copy in front of me when you walked in but you would be surprised how many people won't.  Half the time its as if they have never even seen a copy before.  

[KBRed]

Don't be afraid to think before you speak. Meaning, take your time to evaluate your thoughts. Silence is not awkward for a short period of time.

[pstall]

Don't be TOO early but don't ever be late.

Sit down AFTER your interviewer sits. Make eye contact but don't stare.

Try not to talk with your hands. Don't say know what I mean at the end of each thing you say.

Don't fist bump.

Wear a basic tie but not loud power broker tie.

Don't ask about vacation time in 1st interview.

[PandaPancake]

Don't show up drunk.

Can't believe it took so long for someone to say this

[Inimicus]

Don't be TOO early but don't ever be late.

 

 

^^^OMG THIS^^^

 

I wanted my interviewees there 5 to 10 minutes early.  It was a big plus.

 

 

A few I would add:

Its better to say "I don't know but I'm sure I can find the answer" than to guess.

Keep both feet flat on the ground.

Do not accept the drink (water/soda) on the first interview.

Look like this is the only interview you have today and you got dressed just for this.  Even if this is the third interview of the day don't let your clothes reflect a day of in and out of the car. Wrinkled jacket/shirt etc...

Shave.  Don't show up with some stylish 2 day fuzz even if that's the way you're going to grow it after you get the gig.

[OnlyPantherFaninMaine]

Thanks all keep them coming. I also should mention that I was was essentially recruited for this position out of the blue after meeting someone in their company and the same department I would be working win if I were to get the job. The position was never posted online which leads me to believe not many people are being interviewed. In fact, today the employee that recruited me initially got back to me and said something along the lines of "they really just want to get to know you better". Seems like they know already they want to hire me and that the interview is almost just a formality at this point. I won't approach it that way of course but the signs have pointed that way since I started the application process over a month ago.

[Towelboy]

you want to make sure your personality comes through. they aren't hiring you for what you know - they will teach you that. what they want know is if you will fit in with their team. most importantly - be honest in your responses. be likable. 

[thefuzz]

On Time.

 

Shave.

 

Nice clothes.

 

Check your teeth and breath.

 

Don't be scared to say you don't know, or you aren't sure.

 

Take a pad, pen, and an extra resume.

 

Be confident, not cocky, you already have the job based on your skills/past, you need to let them know that you will work well with others.

[TheRumGone]

def bring in multiple resumes.

 

and a pen and notepad is good.

 

good luck!

[Mr. Scot]

A job interview is where you show up early, immaculately dressed, perfectly groomed with an idealistic attitude, and then proceed to try and convince the interviewer that this is exactly how you'll be every single day if they hire you.

[h0llywood]

Study the organization and impress them with facts they wouldn't expect you to know such as weaknesses in the security.

If they ask you what animal you would want to be, tell them you're an Owl so that while everyone else is sleeping, you are awake and preparing for the next idea to be a step ahead. With the ability to fly, you will be perched above everyone and see things from an elevated perspective (I actually used this)

[Zaximus]

It's perfectly fine to have some questions written down before you go in there.  I think it shows how interested you are in the job and also avoids that awkward silence when they asks "any questions?".