Earlier articles focused on the basics of interview preparation—how to calm your nerves, what to wear, how to present yourself professionally, preparing CCAR stories, and planning transportation. This article discusses what happens once the interview panel has stopped talking.
A good interview is not a one-way street. While interviewers are determining whether you are a good match for the job, you should use the interview as an opportunity to learn whether or not the job is a good fit for YOU. One way to do that is to be prepared with questions for the panel.
During most interviews, you will be given an opportunity to ask questions of the panel. Never say that you don’t have any questions! You should always have 3 to 5 well-prepared questions to ask. Your questions should not be about you (how much training will I get? Will I have the opportunity for promotion? Etc.); instead, they should show your interest in meeting the employer’s needs, not yours.
Some sample questions include:
- What are the next steps in this process?
- What would you like to see the person who is selected accomplish in their first 90 days? First year?
- What challenges for the ABC program do you see over the next year or so?
- What made the prior incumbent successful in this job?
Once your questions are answered, do not simply walk out; be sure to close the interview. This should include:
- Shake hands with everyone
- Thank everyone for their time
- Ask when you might hear back, or if told they have more interviews, ask if you might follow up by a particular date if you haven’t heard from them
- Make a short closing statement that includes asking for the job. For example:
Thank you so much for taking the time to discuss the position today. This interview has made me even more interested in the position and I’m looking forward to joining your team!
There are two final steps for your interview. First, write and send thank you notes to those who interviewed you. Send them within 48 hours of your interview. Given the difficulties of sending snail mail to federal agencies, email is appropriate. Second, assess your interview for lessons learned. When you assess your interview performance, consider the following:
- What questions were you asked? Write down as many as you can remember.
- What answers seemed to resonate with the interviewers? What answers did not work as well?
- Were there things you wished you had said? What were they?
- Did the interviewers (or you) commit to specific follow-up dates or activities? If so, what were they? Be sure to write them down.
- Identify areas for improvement.
