Amy Goley ⋅ Edmond, OK 2 Marine Holdings ⋅ 15 years experience

Hi there! I am sure this has been covered, but on the off-chance no one has mentioned it, I like to prepare those I recruit using the STAR Behavioral Interview method. Many companies use this in full or in an abbreviated way in order to assist hiring managers in comparative assessment of the candidate. Here is a great tip sheet to print out, http://careerservices.wayne.edu/behavioralinterviewinfo.pdf

The basic rule of thumb is to include each of the following in every answer you give and to reference SPECIFIC instances when possible instead of generalizing. For instance, if the question was..."I don't see a lot of management experience on your resume. Have you ever dealt with conflict resolution or employee relations?"
1-S- Situation. Give the setting of where and what. "I can see how it might appear that way, but I am glad you are asked. From 2009-2010 in the Marine Corp, although my title was officially E-4 Avionics Technician, I also held the Night Shop Manager Billet. One night, 2 of my Marines got into a physical altercation."
2-T- Task. What were you required to do? "As the senior supervisor on hand I led the initial investigation and documentation of the events"
3- A- Action. What DID you do? "I used the training I had received at NCO school and first established that all of my team was now safe and did not need medical attention. I then separated the men and asked all witnesses to immediately write their version of events and return to me...." Walk them through the evidence of your experience (briefly)
4- R- Result. Did it work? "The documentation I was able to provide assisted in the NJP hearing, leading to the disciplining of the correct party". (Hint, mix it up with a "I failed miserably with that idea" on occasion. It shows you are flexible and trainable to admit that you asked for assistance after realizing a mistake.

Take the job requirements you are applying for and come up with actual STAR stories for each of the top 5-6 requirements of the position. That should cover you for the most part in proving your skill competency. I have seen a lot of folks recommending research. Definitely, but I want to add that you should use the research to form questions of your own. You are basically trying to sell yourself to this company. No one likes a salesman to come in and act like he already knows everything there is to know. I suggest asking questions about key things you WANT in a company. For instance if you are applying for an assembly position at a company you are interested in working for as an engineer after finishing your degree, research whether they have a program for promoting internally. If so, reference the program by name and ask the interviewer a question about it. "I noticed you have a Six Sigma mentor program on the website. Is that something open to production employees as well? I am considering a degree in Process Engineering and have heard a program like that, in addition to actual production experience would really add to my knowledge base".

Hope this helps!

Brandon Knecht ⋅ Chicago, IL Allstate Insurance Company ⋅ 15 years experience

Don't be afraid to show the interviewer that you want the position by demonstrating passion and excitement. Many people think that you have to be exact and to the point during an interview and sometimes that mindset can make you appear robotic and predictable. Stand out in an interview by letting your true personality shine in your answers and excitement about the possibility of the potential job.

Peter Carruth ⋅ Sacramento, CA Strato Communications, Inc - Former USAF ⋅ 15 years experience

Shawn,

Consider your Resume and your Interviewing (opening statement) to go hand in hand.

A positioning statement is an all-purpose statement you can use for networking, interviews,
casual situations, letters, etc. It is a way to respond to the request: Tell Me About Yourself.
■ It is the basis for your summary statement on your resume; it clarifies and supports your
professional objective.
■ It shows your audience that you are a competent candidate.
■ It can be used to counter real or perceived deficits.

Keep to four sentences.

The beauty is practice it until it is natural in conversation - it provides a platform for you (others) to stay on track, sending the same consistent message where ever you are at.

Reach me off line if you like further info or career transition material.

Respectfully,

Pete Carruth - President
Strato Communications / StratoGov.com

Michael Ablondi ⋅ Ridgefield, CT General Electric ⋅ 31 years experience

Shawn,
One thing I have found valuable is to read through what attributes the hiring manager is looking, pick out three to five main themes, put them on a piece of paper and write next to them how you meet those needs. The hiring person will almost always ask "why do you think you are right for this job?". I have pulled out the piece of paper, give them a copy, and explain I read what you are looking for and this is why I think I meet those needs. I have had good success with this technique.

Good luck,

Frank Novak ⋅ Boonton, NJ AIG ⋅ 8 years experience

Thank you for your service. I don’t want to repeat the good advice given so I’ll try to add to what has been said. When I perform an interview I try to ask questions to evaluate the candidate’s thinking and responsiveness so when answering questions make sure you don’t give very short answers. Your interviewer will ask questions from a business viewpoint and at first glance it may not appear to match your background but that may not be true so if you get questions going down this path respond in a way that shows how the work/tasks you do actually apply to the business situation that the interview is describing and asking about. Normally when you are getting to the end of the interview you will be asked if you have any questions and this where you can distinguish yourself from others. Don’t be afraid to go on the offensive (not pushy). Ask questions on specifics on the job and how they are handling it and show how you would respond. Remember this is an interactive one-on-one activity showing leadership, intuitive thinking, and showing assertive traits will show value to the interviewer.

Ravi Kallianpur ⋅ Hammond, LA Louisiana State University ⋅ 28 years experience

Shawn, at the outset a sincere thank you for your service to the nation and humanity in general. Having been part of the service, you have some distinct skills and thus advantages. It is now your job to recognize them individually and then fine tune them for presentation. The list below will make sense of this:
1) Worked under pressure
2) Been part of a high efficient team
3) Understand discipline
4) Understand Organizational structures and the need for them
5) Worked where remuneration was not the main purpose behind your work
6) Poise
7) Confidence in self.

Now, take each and every one of this, remember the real life situations where you used these strengths, and shape your narrative around it. By the time you finish, the interviewer has a good understanding and more likely to hire you over others; remember, it is also about you recognizing your own strengths. Now, start the process and the very best of luck.

Ravi

Bruce Freedman ⋅ Warwick, NY AIG ⋅ 13 years experience

Hi Shawn,

Thank you for your service. The other responses are all good; I would add some additional points:

- Practice a short personal pitch for yourself, including your background, goals and how you can help them if hired.
-Arrive early. Have a firm handshake and maintain eye contact.
-LinkedIn is a good site to research the people you will be meeting with beforehand.
-Know your self worth.
-Don't "unsell" yourself, meaning that if the interview is done, or if the interviewer has to leave, don't keep talking. Thank them, ask when you'll hear from them again and wrap it up.
-Collect everyone's cards or ask for their email addresses, and send thank you emails to everyone you met with afterwards.
-Even if an interview doesn't go well, just look at it as practice, or the interview that you had to do in order to get to the job that you want.

Good luck!

Janey McCarthy ⋅ Pikesville, MD Retex Retail Technology Consortium ⋅ 25 years experience

Interviewing is a fact-finding mission: are you & the organization a good fit?
Research the org. (products / services offered, total sales, no. of employees, etc,) before the appointment. Investigate LinkedIn & connect w/their current employees. Read press releases. Look up their stock & read their annual report.
During the interview connect what you've read to your experience and interests. Be curious and direct, yet very professional and polite.
Employers want good communicators who know what they need in training/experience as well as what they bring to the table.
Best of luck, Janey McCarthy

Brent Hudson ⋅ Buffalo, NY ⋅ 25 years experience

Hi Shawn,
My family and I thank you for your service.
A lot of good responses here. I'll throw in a few with probably a few repeats.
1. Show confidence without arrogance. You're a warrior, believe in yourself.
2. Be prepared - research the job, research the company, research the management team.
3. Dress appropriately. You'll know how to dress by doing your research.
4. Breathe. Remember your combat breathing. Control your breathing and you will control your emotions.
5. Be yourself. Don't pretend anything else. Being yourself is what you're best at doing.
6. Interview the interviewer. Prepare and ask questions. Find out if you really want to be there. Assess if the place is a good fit for you.
7. Don't ramble on. Make your point and move on.
8. Trust your feelings.

Good luck.
Brent

Michael Martinez ⋅ Polson, MT DRS Technical Services ⋅ 16 years experience

Let me add something that I think is often NOT considered.

When asked a question, designed to see how you would handle a particular situation. Tell a story! A story of how you were in a similar situation, and how you handled it.

I can not stress enough, that you don't want to give too short of an answer. They are wanting to understand:

- How you assess a situation
- How you respond
- If you have EXPERIENCE in such situations
- How it turned out

This is your chance to show them that you are what they are looking for. You will literally see it in their faces, if you are on the right track, and this can be the BEST way to distinguish yourself from the pack.

Cheryl Crowsey ⋅ San Antonio, TX Allstate Insurance Company ⋅ 10 years experience

I agree with the advice from Abe Noboa. You need to identify the skills they list in the job you're applying for and be prepared with specific examples of what you've done that demonstrates you have that particular skill. You are basically selling yourself to them. The job qualifications are their needs. You have to show them that you have what they need.

As with the others, I also share my gratitude for your service to our country.

Bill Garrison ⋅ Lake Wales, FL Plus-32 Employment Testing ⋅ 30 years experience

First, learn everything you can about the company you are interviewing with so you are prepared. Second, just be honest and tell them an honest answer not what you think they want to hear. Third, know how you can help the company in the position offered and be able to offer proof that you can.

All my clients give a few of my tests before the interview to "know" who you are and what you can do so if you are honest, they will already know and are willing to hire you if you don't mess up. Good luck.

Roberta Hernandez ⋅ San Francisco, CA Zynga, Inc. ⋅ 20 years experience

Research the company and who you will be meeting with. Think of the interview as a discussion and not a question and answer session. Ask the person you are meeting with up front if it is ok to ask questions throughout the interview or should you wait for the end.

Come prepared with 3 - 5 questions that you can ask about the company.

Good luck.

Judy Tomlinson ⋅ Richardson, TX Energy Future Holdings ⋅ 30 years experience

All good answers. I would add that you follow up with a brief thank you note or email....thank them for their time, express your interest in the position and state that you feel you would be a strong member of their team. Also, if you discussed anything personal like you both enjoy a sports team or like to travel, mention that in your note. It will show them you were observant.

At the end of the interview, if they ask...Do you have any questions? If you really want the job, your response should be "I only have one question....when can I start?" It always gets a laugh but you can be sure they will remember you.

Good luck....and thank you for your service. (If you need resume help, send it in Word format to tomlinsonji@aol.com)

Judy Tomlinson ⋅ Richardson, TX Energy Future Holdings ⋅ 30 years experience

Be sure to listen.... I always follow-up an interview with a thank you note or email. If the HR person gives you a business card, use it. Don't send a long, involved note...just a short "thank you for your time and I'm very impressed with your company and the position and feel I can be a strong player on your team" statement.

If, at the end of the interview, you really want the job....if they ask if you have any other questions, respond with "When can I start?" It always get a laugh but you can be sure they will remember you.

David Parker ⋅ Silver Spring, MD IBM ⋅ 30 years experience

Shawn,

Thank you for your service.

My suggestion to you would be to do as much research in advance on the company and the person with whom you are interviewing. Leverage Google and LinkedIn to get this information. The more you know about the company and the people, the better the impression you will make during the interview process.

Best of luck and Happy Holidays,

DP

jerry cianfrini ⋅ Lake Worth, FL JEC Franchise Consultants ⋅ 35 years experience

Ask questions, Always lead the conversation. the best interviews are those whom have the Company or Person explaining or telling you about them. Good Luck!
Jerry

Mark Hoogs ⋅ Moraga, CA Mark Hoogs State Farm Agency ⋅ 21 years experience

Shawn - thank you for your service. You’ve already received some great advice, but one point I'd emphasize is the one Ravindra Kallianpur made about knowing and honing your ability to effectively articulate your narrative. Through all the ACP mentoring I’ve done, this seems to be one of the most powerful opportunities and advantages you have…if you can do it well, you’ll be able to leverage your military experience to put you in a league above others without it.

Although the military experience is like no other, there are still many similarities with the skills required to succeed in the business world. The trick is for you to be clear on what those similarities are, and most importantly, to be able to translate them in a way that’s memorable and that will resonate with your interviewer. Practice telling stories about what you did that will demonstrate how you applied transferrable skills in your military service. Those stories can be very powerful if told right. Many hiring managers have never been through an experience like you have, so a well-told (succinct) story that highlights how you have applied skills that are familiar to them, in situations that are likely to be far more perilous than “their” world can be an eye-opening and moving experience for a hiring manager…and certainly can make you stand out and be memorable. But know that, while most people you’ll face across the interview table will be open to seeing the connections between your experiences and the skills required to succeed in their world, many will need some help to do so, so it’s incumbent upon you to understand their world so you can translate for them. Best of luck to you!

Steve Wittenberg ⋅ Danville, CA IBM ⋅ 30 years experience

Shawn,

Lots of good suggestions here. I would recommend one or more practice interviews, ideally with someone with hiring experience who can give you immediate feedback. Few of us do so many interviews that we ever get good at it but a dry run or two before a real interview can pay big dividends.

Good luck. And feel free to reach out to me if you would like to do one of those practice interviews.

Steve

John Reebel ⋅ Chicago, IL GRP Media ⋅ 31 years experience

I will disagree with a couple commenters on being early. more than 10 minutes early is inconvenient for the employer. get to the location with plenty of time to spare, but wait in the parking lot or across the street until 10 minutes before.

I will also emphasize what's been said by others: research. Know the industry, the job function, the company and the interviewer as well as you possibly can. Everybody wants a job; I'm trying to identify the candidate that wants THIS job based on a clear understanding of what it is, what we do and who we are.

Good luck and thank-you.

Shawn Coe ⋅ Pleasanton, CA U.S. Army, Sergeant ⋅ 6 years served

Thank you everyone this has been very helpful and very useful information!

Abe Noboa ⋅ Berkeley Heights, NJ AIG ⋅ 18 years experience

Shawn - thank you for your service.
My advice would be to:
1) review the job requirements and map them to your strengths. Literally prepare for the interview by doing this on paper.
2) expand on this by coming up with examples of where you applied these strengths to solve a problem

Relax during the interview and feel free to ask questions about the position, the team and work environment.

Komala Valli ⋅ Apo, AE ⋅ 1 years experience

Hi Shawn,
Thank you for your service to the Nation.
When you are appearing for interview at corporate companies, be prepared to answer to hypothetical questions.
For positions like team lead or managers and higher level, there would be question like, what if you have very limited man power resource and time line to finish a job is very critical and limited and how would you handle the team and deliver the job. So when you answer these kind of questions it would be more impresive if you can explain from you previous experience that you had already handled similar situation and explain how you went about handling it, will impress the interviewer more.
Best of Luck
Regards
Ela

Phani Penumarty ⋅ Bridgewater, NJ ⋅ 13 years experience

Hi Shawn,

Thank you for your service. The best way to prepare for an interview is to be comfortable and be prepared
1. Know all points in your resume and review it for any typos
2. Learn about the company
3. Read about the position and take notes about your experience in relation to the position
4. If you know the details of the interviewer before the interview, look them up and know their background (make sure to keep this discreet)
5. Be prepared to answer behavioral questions – such as about yourself, how some of your experiences in the military will transition into the corporate world i.e. conflict resolution, methodical handling of projects, interpersonal skills you display in handling teams etc
6. Be prepared to ask questions when the interviewer concludes – questions such as what kind of day to activities are expected of you, any particular questions you might have about the position itself

Good luck with the transition!

Phani Penumarty

Robert Brockman ⋅ San Diego, CA San Diego State University now Self Empl ⋅ 52 years experience

Shawn: Several of the respondents are spot on with their suggestions and Mary's is a fuller version of what some others have also offered. All above are good but one that is very important is the comment that they are looking keenly at your skills of interactions with others so if you are being interviewed by more than one or by one person plan to shine in that way. Also, the idea of getting a practice interviewing session is important and when I work with anyone who struggles with that part of job getting I find no less than three sessions are needed with following feedback and if possible a video of you during the practice session. And finally, be prepared for that silly but likely question of "what are your weaknesses and strengths?" Many people struggle with the weaknesses so be prepared for it but do not raise personal deficiencies. Its fair to mention the short comings you might experience if you are hired which are related to coming on board and possible brush ups of certain technology or work awareness's, software, hardware, etc or other such tools that you know about but do have room for some improvements on start up. You have some good advice from others here to start with. Good luck.

Kimberly Cowan ⋅ Bridgewater, NJ Johnson & Johnson ⋅ 30 years experience

Hi Shawn - Thank you for your service!
Adding to the previous advice. Definitely look up "behavioral interview questions" on Google and prepare some answers/examples. You will want to provide good examples of the skills the interviewer is asking about.

Also, be yourself and be pleasant (to everyone in the organization). And be confident that skills you have learned in the military cross over to the corporate world. Sometimes, you just have to help the interviewer make those connections.

Lois Puttbach ⋅ Berkeley Heights, NJ AIG ⋅ 7 years experience

The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) has a "Warriors to Work" program that helps vets build effective resumes, prepare for interviews, network with local employers, and set attainable employment goals. It's free and more information can be found at their website: www.woundedwarriorproject.org. Look under "Programs". Hope this helps!

Gay Weatherly-Roberts ⋅ Berkeley Heights, NJ AIG ⋅ 27 years experience

Hi Shawn,
Thank you for your service.

I recommend during the interview to give examples of your key "soft skills' to include: being detailed oriented, customer focused, organizational skills, meeting deadlines, and being a team player.
Good luck!!

David Leibowitz ⋅ Short Hills, NJ Nomura Securities International, Inc. ⋅ 45 years experience

Shawn- always do a background on the company you're interviewing with. Be well versed on their business, culture, profits, etc. and show up in the appropriate attire. If it's a company that's formal in its dress, a white shirt, tie and dark suit. If it's a tech company with all young staff, different attire would be needed. That's why it's important to know the culture- conservative, young, entrepreneurial, etc.

I hope this helps.
David

Harry Gard ⋅ Dublin, OH IBM ⋅ 15 years experience

All great advice from others here. I'd add to be friendly and cordial in a relaxed and natural way, but not overly familiar or unprofessional, with the interviewer. They want to see how you relate to people, and they want to feel comfortable with you during the interview. If you know someone (or know someone who knows someone) who is an HR professional (not someone who thinks they are), ask if they'd mind if you practice the interview with them. They'll probably be glad to help.

John DeNoy ⋅ Ridgewood, NJ Neudesic ⋅ 20 years experience

Thank you for your service.

Do your research upfront on the company, its industry and peers or competition. Try to align your duties or skills as an infantryman to the job you are seeking. Employers want to see that you are team player and can execute on management's direction - all things that are second nature to you as a soldier.

Good Luck,

JD

Mary Kennedy ⋅ Fort Worth, TX Galderma ⋅ 26 years experience

Hi Shawn - first thank you for your service. Second - to answer your question - just be yourself, but in being yourself - be prepared.
1. Do some background on the company you're interviewing with - what's their history? how long have they been in business? what's their specialty? Identify how your skill set will fit within the organization - - this just shows that you're prepared and interested in THEM.
2. Find out what the proper dress code is. My company is a western wear retailer - if you came to me in boots, jeans and cowboy hat that would be appropriate, but that's obviously not the case for everyone.
3. Make sure your resume is up-to-date, polished and professional.
4. Have some questions ready to ask. Why did the last person leave the job? What makes "ABC" a good company to work with? In looking at my resume - are there any concerns regarding my fit within the organization? (there are a million more - but that gives you an idea where to start).

I'm happy to review anything with you if you have time. I'm also more than happy to review your resume. Just reach out to me at the e-mail below. Best of luck!

Mary Mills Kennedy
Director of Human Resources
Sheplers
www.sheplers.com