So You Think You Can Interview?

I've been traveling now for a week, recruiting and interviewing soon-to-be college graduates. Say what you want about how different Generation Y is, but in the ten years I have been recruiting, there's one thing that never changes: everyone thinks they have great interviewing skills. Almost no one does.

International differences aside (why does no one in Europe take notes during an interview?), there are a few basic rules that are so simple, ten years after I first started in HR and recruiting, I continue to be amazed that the basics still need to be taught. But I'm not here to scold (well, maybe just a little). I'm here to help. Getting ready to interview? Brush up on a few must haves with my Beginning Interviewing Mini-Class. [Bell rings] Class in session!

1) Come prepared. You're are going to be asked about things you did in previous jobs, internships, classes and on projects. When asked for an example, if you say "uh....," I'm left wondering if you did anything to prepare.

ACTION: Create a library of "stories." Recall, write down, and review at least five stories and examples, from every job you've had about common topics like lessons learned, leadership, handling a crisis, etc. In school? Prepare some examples of teamwork from your classes, student and volunteer activities.

2) Do your research. Then use it. Especially if a company comes and does a presentation the night before--take some of the things you hear and reference them in your answers. When you talk about a role you played on a team in answer to an interview question, take it one step further and share how you would be a team player in the organization.

ACTION: After doing your research on a company (corporate site, financials, news, Googling the company, Googling the interviewer etc.), make a list of five unique things you have learned that you can use in your interview.

3) Have some questions. I don't care if the company presented for 12 hours. You should still ask at least one question, or fill the silence! When I ask "do you have any questions for me?", ask at least one question. Then when I say "any others?" tell me again why you are a good fit for the role.

ACTION: At the start of any interview process, have at least 20 questions you'd want to ask during the process. Organize them by what should be answered in what round (general to more specific). Don't ask questions about salary, benefits or the size of your office until the final rounds.

4) Follow up. Immediately. We went to dinner after some interviews at a U.S. university a few weeks ago. One student emailed his thank you -- a well-written, research-supported, polite thank you -- immediately after. My co-worker saw it on his Blackberry and read it to all of us. No other student emailed a thank you until the next day. What a way to stand out!

ACTION: I've long been a fan of handwritten notes, but regardless of the method you choose, do it fast but do it well. If you go the handwritten route, finish the interviews, walk to the lobby, write the notes, and return to the receptionist or recruiter and deliver them. If you go the email route, send them as soon as you are back online, within hours. Be creative and be different. Don't send the same note to all interviewers--take notes from what each interviewer told you and reference them.

People---interviewing isn't hard. But don't assume becasue you can talk you can interview! Start with these basics and let me know how you do. Next up? Intermediate interviewing.