iso_whiteSnow asked me to write about this a little while ago when I mentioned in a pulse that I would be interviewing people for positions at the tennis club I help manage. I have to say that an interview is a whole lot more fun when you're the one asking the questions! What a different dynamic. I'll try my best to write down how I felt being on the opposite side of the table for once.
The Importance of the InterviewHaven't gone to numerous interviews in the past year, I know how important that date felt to me. I was always thinking that this one meeting could potentially have a big impact on how I live my life over the course of the next few months, or even years if it was a big position.
On the day I did interviews, I did not get the same feelings of importance for that day. To me, it was just another task on my agenda to complete. Sure, I was excited to do it being my first time and all, but in the end I treated it like any other business task. Now I can understand how past interviewers must of have felt when they interview me. For me, this was a big event which I was extremely nervous and hopeful about. To them, I was just a 2pm appointment.
First ImpressionsPeople weren't kidding when they say how much of an impact your initial thoughts are of a person. I unconsciously judged each of the three people I interviewed that day right off the bat. What was interesting was that my initial impression didn't change much (if at all) after the interview was over. I'm not sure if that's because the initial impressions were a very good summary of that person or perhaps those initial impressions influenced the way I viewed that person there after. Whatever the case may be, the fact remains that the first impression is muy importante.
For example, Person #1 came in very laxadacical, which made me wonder how much he really cared about working here. Person #3, however, came in with a genuine smile and looked ready to go. Points go to Person #3!
Details Really MattersDuring the interview, I took notes so I could later compare with the others. The more the person said the more I was able to write down and remember. Person #1 gave very brief answers to a lot of my open-ended questions, so I wrote very little for him. On the other hand, Person #2 gave pretty thorough answers to most of my questions and thus I had plenty of stuff for me to take down. Comparing the two, Person #2 seemed like a safer bet base on the fact I just knew more about him. I still didn't have a good idea of Person #1 even after the 30 minute interview. So yes, if asked a question try your best to answer that question as fully as possible!
The Experience FactorAh yes, experience. I didn't get a lot of the past job due to this. I used to think "uhh, how can I GET experience if you don't give me a chance?!"
After interviewing these people, I realized how, as the interviewer, I wasn't thinking about that at all. From my POV, if I had two people that were more or less equal but one person had previous experiences whereas the other had none, I'm going to go with the one with experience. To me, that person would probably get a hang of things faster and would have more success seeing as he or she has done similar work before. It's nothing personal; just thinking about it through a purely business view.
Person #2 and Person #3 both had potential to do well, but in the end I picked Person #3 for several reasons, one of which had to do with her having previous experiences. Person #2 was nice and capable, but frankly it's not my problem that he hasn't done jobs like this before. I do sincerely hope things work out for him, but alas I have to think what would be best for our club. Should I take a chance on someone who may or may not do well, or should I take a chance on someone who has proven they have done well before? As you can see, the decision isn't really too hard.
I'm sure there's more I could talk about, but those were the first thoughts that popped up. I'm definitely going to use the knowledge I gained from this exprience in future interviews I go to! I hope it helps some of you guys out as well that may be looking for jobs. Try not to get too discouraged from future rejections; it's nothing personal hopefully.
Comments (53)
ahhh I shall remember these things when I go for a job interview ;]
It's nice to get some perspective from the interviewer's point of view. Good stuff.
I'll keep this in mind next time I go for an interview ;)
thanks, this is good to know! :)
Yes but at some point maybe the person with experience isn't better than the one who isn't given the chance to prove himself. We all start with no experience but even if we gain it, doesn't mean we really are good at what we do. Maybe a "beginner" has more natural talent and skills and can do a better job. Of course it's safer for the job position to hire someone who has been there before but maybe sometimes a risk is good also I like to think! Must have been fun to have all the power in your hands muahaha ;)
great advice!
TOTALLY sucks about the whole experience thing though. haha. ah well, t'is life, eh?
I'm actually going to be interviewed for a volunteer position at an elder abuse forensic center. I'll be interviewed by multiple people consisting of: police investigators, director of geriatrics, director of the forensic center, and an assistant district attorney :). If I get the volunteer position, I'll be working on the weekends. I hope I get the position because I'll be helping out an under-served community and will be gaining valuable experience.
Yeah, I know what it's like to be on the "interviewer" end of the process. However, there are times when you think you've found a good candidate, only to realize your mistake in judgment. First impressions are difficult to get rid of. Once someone perceives you in a certain way, it is very difficult to change his/her perspective.
@Dylan_Disast3r - you got any interviews coming up soon?
@fLiPgUy31O - I figure it might be a little helpful. In a way the stuff I wrote feels kinda obvious, but we just don't think about it when we're the one being interviewed.
@JetaimeMing - Have you ever been to one before?
@suuperstar - No problemo!
@missedout_onlife - Yes, I LOVE power mwahahahahaha...um but yes, I see what you mean. Maybe if I do a few more interviews and get more experienced in that I will know when I should just go for it and pick someone that might be able to shine.
@bamzilicious26 - Ah yes, the experience conundrum. I hate it.
@ladyofthesilk - Whoa, that's a lot of people that need to interview you! Is this position a very hard job to get or something?
I definately agree with you on the first impression thing. It came to light for me several years ago that people WILL judge you by your first impression whether they are consciously doing it or not. Not just by how you come off at first, but by your physical appearance as well. Sure, in the ideal world everyone would take the time to "see the person on the inside," but in real life that's not how it goes. So it is important that your outside appearance matches your inner personality. And it's important that you look presentable every time you step out the door.
Makes me wonder why the interviewers I had thought of me. ><!
I have had a lot of friends say their interviewers showed up late to theirs, or spent most of the time doing the talking. XD.
@Roadlesstaken - I would be working with highly confidential information, so they need someone they can trust and has some experience (although, formal training will be provided). I need to be interviewed by multiple people because most likely they will be the ones I'd be working with if I am picked.
@Roadlesstaken - Yes, its scary sometimes lol
@Lynn1013 - Exactly. Same can be said about that first handshake. If it's a limp one then that's a no-no.
@loves_mud - Come to think about it, I did do a lot of talking, but just so the person understands what he's getting into. I wasn't late for any of the people though!
@ladyofthesilk - OMG that sounds like an awesome volunteer position! Something I would totally do!
I knew you were gonna pick the girl :p
You gave some pretty good tips. I took a marketing class in high school and my teacher said no matter what, always ask the interviewer questions and stuff like that. Even if you don't have a question, still ask something so they can see you're pretty interested. That class taught me a lot :D
I don't think I've interviewed someone for a position but I have trained nurses and nursing assistants.
I have been on plenty of interviews. I'm stuck at my current job so no need to leave anytime soon. One of the nurses recommended me to work for this company and within a month, they asked me to go full-time. Been with them ever since. But right now.. I dunno if I'm bored or burnt out.. I dunno if I need to take some time off or look for another job...
I should be so lucky to have a job, right?
@strawberries_and_honey - haha you know I actually did think of you when I read her comment.
If you feel a little burnt out you should take a vacation! that's what I do to stay sane. I still need to plan my trip to CA again.
@B1ANCACACA - Ah yes very true. Interviewers love answering questions . And yeah I picked her because she was the most qualified, not because of some, um, other factor haha.
Great post!
Haha. Thanks.
What serious question(s) did you ask that you really wanted to know? Were all of your questions casual?
@Roadlesstaken - nahh I'm not ready for the commitment and responsibility :]
@ivorygem - Thanks!
@iso_whiteSnow - Hmm I'll just tell you most of the questions I asked:
Tell me a little about yourself (general question)
How did you hear about us? What makes you want to work here?
Tell me about your tennis/fitness experiences.
Tell me about your customer service experiences.
What would you say is your biggest weakness?
What are your plans for the rest of this year?
Besides those questions, I also gave them a few hypothetical scenarios to see how they would deal. Fun stuff huh?
This will be helpful once I start getting interviewed. :D
- John
@strawberries_and_honey - I know it does sound awesome. I'm suppose to call the director from the Institute on Aging to schedule a meeting and discuss further about the position. I hope I get the volunteer job. *cross fingers*
Does hotness ever factor into the process?