Hello, ACP community! Seeking any tips or advice for my current situation:
I've been invited to interview with an exciting company for an amazing HR management opportunity. The only daunting aspect is the interview will last all day. I will be meeting with the hiring manager, two potential peers, the incumbent, and two teams I'd be supporting.
I would love to hear from others that have gone through a similar process and how you prepared for success.
Answers
I echo the above comments and offer the following practical advice:
- Do your pre-planning. Know what you'll be wearing, what you're having for breakfast beforehand, how to get there, how early you need to leave to get there on time, where you will park, and what to do when you walk in the building (check in at a desk, go up to an office, etc.) and so on. Sound's like stupid-simple advice, I know, but you'll be stressed out enough without having to worry about these details.
- If they gave you an agenda with names on it, I'm a big fan of building up dossier's on my interviewers (thanks, internets!). I tend *not* to bring up the info I learn during interviews (nobody likes a stalker), but sometimes it helps me get an idea of what's important to a given interviewer and helps me come up with effective questions and conversation points.
- Know as much as you can about the company, their business, and the role they are interviewing you for. With a little research, you can impress them and flatter them (with a subtle touch) at the same time.
- Relax - but not too much. Full-day interviews can be a grind (I once spent an entire 8-hour stretch in a room the size of two phone booths), and it's hard to be "on" the entire time. One of the advantages of these interviews to potential employers is that there is a much greater chance of them getting to see the "real you" through the course of the day. This is great for both you and the employer, but watch out for "TMI" moments, especially in the latter half as you start to wear down.
Good luck!
This is a test in itself to observe your energy level, longterm focus, and extended conversation skills. INSIST on several breaks, move around, eat snacks, drink water and stretch.
This will show your attitude and approach to your own health that you put your health at the top . All day is much like a work day with more pressure!!
Hello, Ashley,
I once interviewed for a job that required two full back-to-back days of interviews with a total of 16 people. I asked the HR recruiter at the company to provide me in advance with a schedule for each day and a list of the names and the titles of the individuals I would be meeting with and how their roles would interact with the role I was applying for (reporting manager, internal partner, internal customer, etc.). Although many of the questions I received from each of the 16 people were very similar, by having this advance insight, I was able to determine the best ways to posiiton my answers and ask questions that showed I understood how the role would function with each of their roles and give the company both a broad and a consistent appreciation of my candidacy. After the interviews, I was able to follow up with each person with a very specific thank-you that briefly highlighted the essence of the 16 separate conversations. Clearly, the company put a lot of thought and effort into planning the two days of interviews, and I was able to show them that I, too, put advance thought and effort into the process. Additionally, by having a copy of schedule ahead of time, I knew when I would have brief breaks to use the restroom, drink some water, and a couple of moments to myself to reflect on the day so far. Best of luck!
I remember 2 big interviews
1 with a large television network
The other with a company I wanted very badly
To jump to the chase
What worked was focusing on what the company wanted basically marketing myself for them
Instead of worrying about time
I just made sure they understood I was answering what they were looking for marketing myself as a asset not looking for segment variables that wouldn't complicate my efforts
I landed the network and worked a program which fulfilled a dream
I sure u saw it everyone did
Enjoy your feedback
Mark Johnson
Thank you for your service Ashley. My response is...
Be yourself! :)
Relax, be you, and focus on getting to know them.
Ashley,
First, thank you for your service.
There is a lot of good advice int eh other answers, but a very important issue is only addresses slightly. You are also interviewing them! It is hard in times like these when job opportunities may be slow in coming, but do not overlook the fact that you are trying to find a best fit for a win-win for you and the company. As mentioned, you need to do your homework on the company and have questions - of importance to you - ready as you go through the day. Ask several people the same questions to get a spectrum of feedback from current employees. While it may sound a bit strange - you, not the company, are the real decision maker here. They can only offer you a job (the real objective of the interview is to get them to make an offer not for you to get a job) but only you can accept or reject it. You have the final say.
Dear Ashley:
Definitely rest up the night before, eat a good breakfast, wear comfortable shoes (as you will be walking from one office to another and possibly a whole facility tour), and keep a smile on your face the whole time. I had an all-day interview at Texaco, and I found it to be very educational about what the researchers did and about the corporate culture. Prepare a bunch of questions, such as: What is the career ladder for this position? What kind of training will I be getting? What do you like best about this company? Order something not messy to eat at lunch (no spaghetti or tacos). Find out who your boss would be and ask about that person's management style. Look at it as an adventure in getting inside information about the company and focus on how YOU think you will fit in there. If you like the place and the people, ask for the job at the end of the day and express enthusiasm about coming back to work there real soon!
- Jeanne Perdue, Houston, TX
Over the course of the day, you will learn more and more information about the job and the company. As best you can, use what you learn earlier in the day to share your point of view about things later in the day. Demonstrate that you listen well and shape ideas effectively, especially as you gather more perspectives and input from the questions that you will be asking in each interview. Don't come out swinging with big ideas too early -- earn the right to share emerging views as the day evolves. Good luck and thanks for your service.
This may sound simple, but be yourself. I assume you work all day now. Get a good sleep the night before, eat a good breakfast and simply view it as a challenge that I'm sure you're used to handling. Think of it like an all day session at a conference where you are the most important person attending. Again, be yourself. When the interviewing team gets together, we look to see if there is consistency. If the interviewing team all agrees your great then it's a slam dunk.
Ashley, thanks for your years of service. Here is another good strategy for thriving in an all-day interview ordeal.
Erase any lingering habit of answering any question with a simple "yes" or "no." Unless the interviewer specifically asks for a "yes" or "no" answer -- they never want it. They want to hear you speak about your career.
So, here's a tip. Be prepared in advance with a booklet of at least two-dozen one-liners that describe: (A) a work problem you faced; and (B) how you successfully solved it.
It is all up-up-up -- always positive. You never complain about anybody, and you never confess about any mistakes you might have made. You only focus on the positive. Put your best foot forward.
For example, let's say an interviewer asks how you act under pressure. Don't just blurt out, "Fine," or "OK, I guess." Instead, have a very short story to use as an example or an anecdote, for example, "Well, once during the quarterly accounting close we had to work all the way to midnight to meet the deadline, and I led my section to a successful close."
You should have at least two dozen short success stories about yourself, and use them freely through the interview. Especially for an all-day interview -- you might even want three dozen or four dozen.
WRITE THEM DOWN. MEMORIZE THEM. DELIVER THEM SMOOTHLY.
And, as I've said before --- never complain about the past, and never confess any mistakes. Everything is up. Be optimistic, and smile!
Best wishes for your dream-job,
--Paul
Rest up. Anticipate some of the questions that each group will ask you during the interview. Don't be afraid to take water with you, and whenever you are given time to take a break or use the restroom, do it. It will give you time to refocus and rethink.
It's hard, but relax and enjoy the process. Interviewers want to get to know the real you, so have fun with it.
If you're a veteran, you can definitely handle this challenge! Congratulations on making it to this step. Typically to get here, your competition is a much smaller number. Do you have emails of the folks you are going to interview with? If not, I don't think it would be too forward to ask for these emails with whoever is coordinating your interviews. I've been in the same company my entire career so I had those emails at my disposal. Maybe this is more advanced, but I prepared a short 3 min video on myself briefly telling them that I was excited to interview with them, a little about myself, and why I wanted the job (I did it using iMovie, your resume doesn't show pictures and this may help bring your resume to life). I sent it in advance with the purpose of them getting to know me so I can spend the time concentrating on their questions. It was a great conversation starter, showed that I went the extra mile even though it was really easy and fun to do, and has literally worked everytime. Others will say that this applying the extra cheese, but just sharing what I have done.
Stacy, thanks for your years of service. As for an all-day interview, treat it as a game. The object of the game is this -- the Company attempts to break you down to cause you to cross one of two lines. Either (1) you will "confess" about something you did wrong in your working past; or (2) you will "complain" about somebody in your working past.
If you cross either of those lines, you are out of the game. it's easy to win this game for one hour -- for a regular hour-long interview. It's harder to win this game in an all-day interview, when being faked out by personalities, barely relevant challenges and so forth.
When you get called for an all-day interview, that's because you already qualify for the job on technical grounds. The all-day interview is about Personality. How will you fit in?
If you break down and cross either of the two lines above -- you lose. Most people will lose. Some will lose worse than others. Hold your head up. Your story should be that you loved all your past jobs, and you respected all your past co-workers and bosses. Your attitude should be that you love your chosen career, and that you wake up every morning with only one goal in mind -- to make your employer wealthy.
You'll get the job.
Best wishes,
--Paul
I see you have many responses already, so it's likely this has already been said... and every company is different, but at this stage, when a company is willing to invest that much time in you, they've likely already decided you can do the job, on paper - as can many others. It is likely they just want to get to know who you are. Can they get along with you? Are you a good fit with their culture? I echo what several others have said - just be you. Take in a few cues from others on general behavior, but be you.
They want to hire you or they wouldn't have you in all day. Remember that.
Ask them as many questions as they ask you. Do your homework on the company to come up with the questions.
Have fun. Be yourself.
Your answer for each of their questions should be built on the foundation that you're going to add value and make their jobs easier if you're there.
Solve their problems and you're a cinch.
Approach the interview as a learning adventure. Ask the people you meet what they like about their functions, what they have learned recently, what are they working on currently and what are the challenges . Get to know them without getting too personal.
Inch by inch, it's a cinch!
Treat each interview session as a totally separate interaction. Give it your best shot and know that you did so and you can't alter what's done at that point so keep your A game mindset ready for the next. If you didn't feel that you quite nailed it, just file it away until you can process it later because it's on to the next individual or group interview. If you crushed it, then ride the big MO (momentum) into the next. Remember what clicked and if appropriate, apply it again later.
Lay out your schedule and if you can/do get information (name, title, business unit) on who will be participating in each session, individually and collectively ahead of time, then you can do your research and get a better sense of how to prepare for each and every interview session. LinkedIn is always great in getting professional background because you'll know what they care about. Always present at least 1-2 questions at each session whether it's with an individual or group to demonstrate your preparation, common interest or genuine concern on an area.
Attitude is everything! Remember that you are their best candidate as you shake their hands, look them in the eyes and repeat their names into your memory. Use names when you can as you scan your interviewers when answering.
If you did all the right preparations then trust your capabilities and instincts.
Go get 'em!
All the input above is awesome. Some more mundane:
1. bring gum/mints, toothbrush or floss (for after lunch)
2. plan the "entire" interview trip i.e. if you're traveling for this "8 hour interview," consider what you're doing afterwards e.g. checking out local real estate
3. prepare "customized" questions for your interview panel... they will compare notes, and will be more impressed if you don't ask the same cookie cutter question in every interview, plus you get the benefit of learning more about the company/culture
4. personal brand statement: be prepared with your best 30 second elevator speech on what makes you "the one."
Holy cow,
First, I don't know if I could manage an all day interview!
This company must be very interested in you in order to devote that much time. I would think you want to take the mindset that you are there almost as a consultant, fully understanding the customer and finding where you can help. Ultimately the company will gather all the people that you were with that day and find out what they thought about you, how well you would fit in, and if you had any good ideas.
So, with each person, you want to understand them and what they do and how it fits into the company's mission, you might even tie comments together when you move between sessions or individuals.
Make sure you research the company well so that you fully understand their history and what their goals and vision is.
Make sure you take notes and are ready to send back a report that same day after you get home and spend time with your thoughts.
Good Luck!
Bob
Rest up. Take water with you. Do your homework.
Always be as rested as you can. I know that you will be anxious for your interview, but set two alarms so you don't worry about not waking up! Eat a decent breakfast and look in the mirror and tell yourself that "you've got this."
You will probably have breaks, but it's always nice to have some water with you. You will be talking a lot, so make sure you stay hydrated.
Ask about your interview schedule and then prepare yourself for questions that each group might ask. Anticipate some of those specific group questions and rehearse answers. Be confident but not cocky.
Always be gracious. Thank each group for their time. Have some questions prepared for each group as well. That shows them that you are interested
Most companies have some sort of web presence. Look them up, see what initiatives they are working on, and then prepare yourself to be able to talk about how you will help the company overcome those issues.
Good luck.
Use your knowledge of psychology and be friendly, amiable and nice. Talk honestly and people will listen. Don't act in haste, take your time to answer questions. Be calm, cool and collected and don't be super hyper. Think Zen. Best, June R Massoud
You will be talking to the people you hopefully will be working with. Ask each of them what they need from you, from the person who gets this job. How can you help them? What does the company need most in the way of change? Ask your predecessor what they might do differently if they had it all to do over. And what has worked well?
Remember it's a marathon, not a sprint and you need to come across as eager and motivated at the exit at the end as you did at the beginning...don't assume any interviewer already knows any of your earlier responses or questions for that matter and respond accordingly...I've experienced let down in these circumstances and was not successful as a result. Get up and stay up at both this interview and any subsequent ones if you do get called back start as if it's the first time all over again since it maybe for new interviewers who haven't met you in round two...Good luck. csny
Hi Ashley,
One thing that has been said numerous times is knowing the company. I suspect you will do your due diligence in learning about the company (what they do, what they sell, their core values, etc.) However, one thing to also consider, is the facility itself. Is it an office building, manufacturing facility, or something else. I work in a manufacturing facility. For a first interview, we expect people to show up in the traditional "interview outfit" However, if we bring someone back in for a follow up and let them know we will be touring the facility, the best thing they can do is dress for the day. We certainly don't expect them to look like a slob, but if they show up in khakis and a polo with some sturdy boots, they are already a cut above the rest in my eyes. It shows they paid attention the last time they were here and understand the nature of the facility/job. This may have no bearing on your situation, but something to consider. Best of luck!
First, be sure to research the company and the interviewers (including their social media sites). Thus, you will have the ability to ask pertinent questions about the company and the individual interviewers.
Regarding a day long interview: Dress comfortably and professionally. Drink water during breaks. This may sound silly, however, take advantage of (bathroom) breaks and refresh yourself. A simple way to refresh yourself is to bend over and let the blood rush to your head.
Smart interviewers will ask, "Is anything we neglected to ask you that we should know about?" Have an answer for something you want to highlight.
Good luck
Compartmentalize your day.....schmooze you have in front of you.....then its on...mentally forgot about them....clear your mind...and with the next set of people totally focus on them....
Hello all,
I want to thank everyone who has offered advice and support. I think my greatest challenge (after several day long interviews) has been remaining at ease and not over-thinking the situation. (As always, it's a work in progress.) While I'm still on the job search journey, I've been able to incorporate much of the feedback into my interviews. Thanks again to everyone for the feedback!
Ashely – Well done in getting this far. Just seen your question and I suspect you may have already completed the interview. Let me come at it from a different angle as I have been involved in these type of interviews as the Employer.
Many people have mentioned preparation – you cannot do enough – from planning what to wear, how easy is it to get there, what homework you need to do on the company and maybe the people as well.
The key advantage as an employer in the one day event is that you get to see how the person interacts with your staff at all levels, it’s very hard to put on a show for 8 hours.
This is the preparation list I give to the UK veteran preparing for an interview:
1. Do your homework on the company – mission statement
2. Research the company - Search company on Google recent news
3. Try and identify any likely questions
4. First impression – personality –
5. Don’t be late
6. Positive body language
7. Turn off your phone
8. Look smart – appearance
9. Strong handshake
10. Don’t interrupt the person asking the question
11. Make sure your answers are clear and fluent
12. Key part of the interview is your personality – will you fit in with the team
13. Use examples in your response – always works well
14. Be positive and have a good attitude
15. Present yourself in a professional manner
16. Be truthful in your responses
17. Present a confident manner
18. What are your strengths
19. Use the CAR technique
• Context – What activity were you involved in
• Action - What were you duties, responsibilities
• Results – What skills did you develop – What did you learn from the experience
20. Make sure you ask some questions
I could add so much more, but this is maybe enough for now – good luck
Great advice above. If you have the names of who you are meeting with, look them up on Linkedin so you will recognize them, and try to remember something about them to reference -- especially things like what school they attended or other volunteer organizations, companies or careers you have in common. It's easier to walk in to an interview with an ice breaker -- then you can start the conversation!
I second to just be yourself and pretend its another day at the office with new people. I interview quite often and what makes a near 100% offer is being casual yet professional, being armed with tools or artifacts from previous employment and offer recommendations in 3rd person to get a quick feel for others decision-making and personalities. Change, is a deal maker as its throwing the dice and not all folks like it :) cheers.
Hi Ashley,
The most important thing in face to face interview is to be yourself, be honest about your education and previous jobs. Don't volunteer unnecessary information. Look them straight in the eyes, and relax. Also, project confidence. And Please, don't be like Trump, and say dumb things about your fellow Muslim Americans.
I almost forgot, do every research you can find on the company you are interested in, just in case you are asked what do you know about them.
Ashley - first of all, thank you for your service. I hope this answer is still timely. All of the answers above have great tips for you. With an all-day interview, it may be helpful to take something to write on and take down all the names of the people you encounter and make a note of something specific you learn about them. This will help you later with any thank you notes that you send, and when you get the job it will help you with faces and names. Good luck!
Ashley - first of all, thank you for your service. I hope this answer is still timely. All of the answers above have great tips for you. With an all-day interview, it may be helpful to take something to write on and take down all the names of the people you encounter and make a note of something specific you learn about them. This will help you later with any thank you notes that you send, and when you get the job it will help you with faces and names. Good luck!
I remember my all day interviews but more importantly, now I do an all day interview on all my leadership candidates. There has been great advice on here already but one thing more than any other stands out. Good questions.
You should come with good questions that require some research: company, products, location, leadership, direction, values, mission, etc. But to me, nothing shows more than a person who picks up some details about the job they are looking at and asks questions that show they are already thinking about the job.
In HR Management, this will be tricky because it will deal with a lot of stuff that isn't public knowledge. Ideas off the top of my head, if you see someone working on payroll data entry, maybe ask about how well the data system works and if there is any talk of improvements. If you see lots of people behind closed doors, maybe asking what a normal day looks like and what the biggest thing they are looking for in the person who fills the role. Depending on the focus of the role, maybe asking what kind of support and interface you have with legal. Ask how well on-the-floor leadership works with HR.
I think a person who sees the operation for the first time and shows they are wanting to learn more about what is going on demonstrates a willingness to learn and shows they are motivated and excited by the new role.
Good luck.
Having gotten to the all-day interview is a great accomplishment in itself. Think of it like your first day at work. Not a lot actually gets done, but you meet a lot of people, make first impressions, and get acquainted w/ company systems and processes. An important thing to do:
Remember names and faces.
Step forward when introduced. Smile big... like Julia Roberts big!. Repeat back the name of the person you are meeting; "Hi Michael, nice to meet you." Then assign the name to the face by thinking how that he looks like another Michael you know, how M for Michael is wearing a M for maroon colored tie, or however you can remember the name of the person. Use his name again upon exit or re-encounter.
Don't make yourself responsible for all the tech, computer and on-screen stuff.
They'll show you all their complicated computer systems and such. I like to just tune out after I note down the name of their system on paper; and then go back to look at YouTube or other online training videos by myself that evening. Don't try too hard to digest every single step of each process, as an all-day immersion can easily overload the mind. So relieve yourself of the responsibility right now of trying to actually learn everything they want to teach you. Just follow along and absorb what you can without pressure.
Ashley, Dave said this as well. But remember you are also interviewing them. I know a day seems like a long time for an interview. But what better way to find out if this is the place for you. Ask lots of questions (that you can't find on google) and observe everyone.
I would absolutely agree that you need to be yourself. As an HR Manager, when I bring people in for an all day interview, it is to see if the candidate like us. If I didn't already think you were qualified and would be a good fit, I wouldn't spend the time and resources bringing you in for a full day. So I really want you to relax and be yourself and spend some time interviewing my team members during your interview.
Depending on the position, I may ask candidates what they think of the team members that would be reporting to them at the end of the day. Point out strengths (Fred seems very organized.....Tina seems to be the group leader...etc.), or any areas that may concern you. Just keep the comments very professional. The point of this question is to see how you can assess people which is a very important skill in HR. As a tip....it's probably a red flag if they tell you about all your team members except one!
I am not sure if this is your first job out of the military or not, but the one thing that I find people in the military (or recently separated) struggle with is telling interviewers what they have actually done vs. what their unit has done. While it is great to be a team player, employers need to know what YOU have done and how YOU make decisions.
Mostly enjoy the day and be yourself. Remember, you wouldn't be there if they weren't seriously interested in you!
Of what I read I didn't disagree with anything. In addition if its not above... Get good sleep two nights before, you can survive a restless night. Do eat something in the morning, if you don't eat breakfast normally take it easy. Do not over caffeinate, accept water offers during the day and if you need a break between interviews tell them.
More than anything, control your emotions. Boredom is normal, you may sit for hours and wonder why they bothered... don't go there. Bring notes on the company to read, make notes of what you learned, script your thank you notes, but be busy between meetings. Bring snacks, I prefer a protein bar over an energy bar, take a bite between meetings you don't need to finish it.
I think its ok to say, "I see on LinkedIn, you..." I say that is being connected in the modern world and is normal. If its more comfortable add, "in-between meetings today I looked you up on LinkedIn.." You know they looked you up.
Congratulations....
Hi Ashley,
my two cents. Prepare Prepare Prepare so that you will be cool and confident. Bring a granola bar (chocolate covered) to keep your energy up. If you get tired or stressed, use bathroom breaks.
Now some real advice, you don't know who is going to be the consensus blocker. So focus equal amounts of attention to everyone. It's easy to offend. Once I was on an interview panel with two of my peers and we had the lowest rank, but the highest input into who got the offer because the new employee would be our peer.
On any interview, an employer already knows pretty much you can do the job, so there will be questions to verify that. But they are looking at your soft skills, how you get along; time management; communication; writing, out of the box thinking etc. etc. So be upbeat and positive. Lastly don't forget the thank you letters so gets everyone's business card.
Good luck and thank you for your service to our country.
Beth O'Neill
boneill57@yahoo.com
former job coach and trainer
Hi Ashley, Thank you for your Service.
A couple of pointers I can give you from my past experience.
1. Have your "Why do we hire you speech" ready, it should come up. Be confident in your answer, list your strengths and give quick examples where you can.
2. With this long of an interview, you may actually be asked to meet with people you will work with if you get the job, and not just the bosses. While it is important to show your confidence and drive when speaking to the leaders, it is equally important when you meet with peers that you show your willingness to be a part of a team and succeed together.
3. I echo everyone's advise to be yourself. I am sure you enter this stage of your life, you bring more life experience and maturity than any other competition you may have for this position.
Go get em!
Thank you for your service
I concur with the advice and counsel provided. Focus on knowing as much as you can learn about the firm you will be visiting. The same goes for the people who work for the firm. You may find you have friends and or acquaintances who work at the firm. Review the bios of the executives so you know their backgrounds, schooling and if they served.
Relax, you will do just fine.
Hi and congratulations on being invited to an all day interview. You have gotten great advice. I would add to the be yourself-the idea that they like you are seeing how you fit. Think of this as an all day seminar with friends and colleagues at ease both in personal and business. Be prepared to tell stories related to the questions and comments that are shared in the formal and informal portions of the interview. As an all day interview, remember that everyone you meet is part of the interview process, from the receptionist to your host/guide to the person you encounter in passing in the hall. Last but not least absorb the culture and feelings you receive and build your questions about the company and position around what you see and hear. Good luck!
Hi Ashley,
I definitely agree: get plenty of sleep; you will be walking a lot so I recommend comfortable footwear; ask questions; and call people by their names. If you've made it to a full day's interview, you are on the "short list" of people who they will hire from. So, be yourself and shine! Best of luck,
Thanks for your service, and good luck. I love the all day interview, it's not a grind, it's an opportunity for you to evaluate them as much as them you ( because all jobs are not worth your acceptance). How I prepare
Have cheat notes on the people, LinkedIn can help you with the Intel...impresses them that you are committed and can help you find common ground with many different interviewers.
Next, weave them together - take what you learn in one interview and use in the next to validate or elaborate
Seek inconsistencies
Have a script....the 3-4 things you work into every setting so all have a common understanding on who you are, what you can bring and why you are different
That, and a good nights sleep, will position you to do your best AND take full advantage of this opportunity
Thank you for your service Ashley. Bring a notebook. write down 3-5 things about yourself that you absolutely want to get known so you dont forget. Maybe it is an example of a major success, a major learning situation, something that made you who you are, an example of your leadership and/or teamwork, key words that describe you and why. Think about what makes you different. Just write a note to remind you of the story, you will remember the rest without fumbling through more than a bullet point.
There are things companies are not allowed to ask you but if there is something you want them to know, feel free to bring it up off the bat. Talking about family, pets, hobbies, etc, IF APPROPRIATE based on how the conversation is going and if it is casual in tone, will open up that avenue to make you better known to them and memorable. Some people will think this is a bad idea but it has ALWAYS worked for me. Let them really know you.
People hire people that they like. Look for ways to bond or relate to the person you are talking to, Make eye contact, firm handshake, lean forward to engage, smile alot and ensure your body language is open, engaged, and relaxed. Appearance and first impressions will get you far.
Research the company so you know about them, what is the latest, what is in the news, their key mission and visions. Keep these bullets written in your notebook along with some questions for them, You are interviewing them as well!
Good luck!
Greetings Ashley,
First off, CONGRATULATIONS on your interview!
That's half the battle.
Wear COMFORTABLE CLOTHING and SHOES!
If possible, select a suit -- this will accommodate hot and cool climes in an office environment. Wear comfortable shoes -- ballet flats or a career woman pump!
Carry a handbag/briefcase where you can carry a small bottle of water (you can refill at the office cooler), mints (NOT GUM) and granola bars.
Next carry a poem, biblical verse and/or affirmation that relaxes you. I love DESIDERATA.
Also bring a book and/or website pages about the company you are interviewing -- it will allow you to continually review the corporate information.
Most importantly RELAX and take your time responding to questions.
BEST OF LUCK!
Respectfully,
Ashley be flattered that they are willing to make a significant investment in you and in turn that you are making a career changing commitment to them. They really want to get to know who you are. As Chris Rock likes to say the first time you meet someone you are meeting their representative. Be yourself and ask questions the way you feel you are comfortable asking. Don't pull your punches. Be candid and ask what is on your mind. Remember they are looking for a person they can trust, have confidence in and are responsible for delivering on their commitments. You need to be looking for the same characteristics from them.
In my career I have only done one all day interview. The highlight of the day was when they put me in the room with three of the plant managers as I was interviewing for an assistant plant managers job. The room was arranged with me sitting in the middle and the three managers positioned in a triangular sitting arrangement where I could only see two of the people at any one time. I personally believe that the interview was designed to see if I could take "the heat". They prefaced the discussion that they would like to ask me a series of random questions about almost anything. I agreed. They said when they were finished I could ask them whatever I wanted to.
After they got done grilling me and I would say that all I did was try to never get flustered and just be calm and truthful. When they were finished I asked does your offer still stand? They said what offer? I said, "I can ask any questions I would like? " They agreed.
I decided to put the heat on them just like they did to me. I asked manager A why he thought he was better than manager B. I asked them specifically what they were being paid and why manager C was worth more than A & B. To be truthful I really enjoyed myself.
At the end of the day they gave me an offer. When I got home I got a call from the headhunter who said what happened? I said what specifically are you interested in. He said, "I want to find out why you got a first day offer, that has never happened before and why it is the highest offer they have ever given?" I guess my strategy worked. I never took the job as I really was not interested however I used their offer to get a much higher offer from IBM that was the company I was interested in.
The lesson don't be uptight. Learn what you can however what is really going to count is how well you fit in and whether or not they believe you can add value. Don't be afraid to ask detailed questions about what they feel is needed. Then later on if appropriate show them how you can deliver on what is needed. This shows good listening skills and your credentials. My best to you.
Warmly,
Bob Molluro
Be prepared with questions to ask each of the interviewers and in fact ask some of the same questions to multiple people to gain multiple perspectives.
Think in advance about what each of the interviews might think is important to know about you as a potential sub-ordinate, peer, and internal customer.
Try to relax but remain professional...remember if you have gotten this far, they probably are impressed with your background. You are now here to close the deal.
I think the advise already given is pretty good. I'll just add that this kind of "running the gauntlet" for all or most of a day is pretty normal for roles with any seniority. So just take each new person as a potential new friend, stay positive, and roll with it.
Worst case is that it is practice for the next all-day sequence of interviews. :-) Good luck!
Follow John Kennedy's advice, ask not what the company can do for you, but what you can do for the company!! Good luck.
Tuck a protein bar in your bag (in case your stomach begins to growl, you can duck into the restroom for a snack).
Speaking as a woman (and someone who carries a purse :)), make sure you choose the right handbag, since you're probably going to be walking all over with it (?). Always carry it on left arm, shake hands with the right.
Prepare some killer questions -- questions they are not likely to have heard from other candidates -- and then try out one or two questions with each person you meet.
It's possible that the "interview" could contain a job preview, so keep your mind open to that possibility. Example -- a school principal was given a hypothetical in-box and asked to prioritize the documents/issues in it.
Enjoy your day!
I had an all day interview some years ago ( and got the job). Meet with all the people you will be working with, and ask them what they want from the person in your target position. Ask what strengths and weaknesses prior jobholders brought to the teams. Give the hiring manager plenty of time and attention. At the end of the day, ask the hiring manager if they think you can do the job.
Adding to all the good advice - be sure to speak up when you need a biobreak, water, etc. It will help you maintain your stamina. An amazing number of interviewers forget to include these types of breaks into their schedules. Good luck and thank you for your service!
Hello,
First good luck with the interview.
It might be helpful to have a brag book -
-- http://www.splashresumes.com/2013/07/25/how-to-develop-a-brag-book-for-job-interviews/
-- http://careerenlightenment.com/how-to-use-a-brag-book-to-differentiate-yourself-from-the-competition
You can use this book if the conversation is not flowing naturally or to further support an answer to a question.
Craig
Dear Ashley,
Thank you for your service. I am so happy that you are getting this opportunity.
All the advice is excellent. If it were me:
Get great sleep every night for a few nights before the interview.
Remember that everyone you speak to, including waiters, receptionists, parking garage attendant, is an interviewer. Others will watch how you interact with them.
Going to lunch, even if casual, even if with a potential co-worker is an interview. You are being evaluated in those situations as well.
Even after all this, relax, smile, and show your enthusiasm for the position the entire time.
Have questions for everyone. I like the idea of asking the same question to multiple people to see how they respond. Like: What is the culture like here?
Read as much as you can about the people and the business. Just knowing that information will help you throughout the interview.
I am sure you will do a great job and they will be lucky to get you.
All the best,
Mary Beth
Ashley, good luck, I know you'll do great! I love everyone's advice here, down to not ordering spaghetti :).
I was once on an interview where I had a half hour with five separate people in very rapid fire motion. One thing I found interesting (and stressful) was really varying interview styles. So one person really drilled in with a lot of questions (felt like an interrogation) and the next person talked so much and barely asked me a thing. So I would add, don't worry if the format doesn't go as you expected, don't let it stress you out. I got the job, by the way.
My second suggestion is, try to find something in common with your interviewers in the beginning 'small talk' phase. For example if someone has ski pictures on their walls, and you ski, make that link; admire pictures of their children on desks etc.
And finally, connect with/be friendly with everyone, not just the interviewers. Thank their admins if they helped schedule the meetings, etc. As others said, they want to know how you will fit in, what kind of relationship builder you are, how you will support others. When you ask questions of the interviewers, you can ask about training you will be receiving, but also include more questions that help you to know the interviewer ('what do you enjoy most about working here? Tell me about the people who have been successful in this role...what have they done to be successful?)
Good Luck!
I echo Drew's recommendation to be yourself. Being at ease and not overthinking will help you survive the marathon that is all-day interviewing.
For my current position, I had back to back interviews, panel interviews, and lunch with my interviewers. I would not have survived it if I had tried to be "on" the entire time. Instead I focused on being my authentic self.
The good news is they likely wouldn't spend an entire day on you if they were not seriously interested in hiring you. I agree with many of the other posts: get plenty of sleep the night before because you want to be sharp. Eat a good breakfast, not too heavy. Dress appropriately for the interview. Also ... take a deep breath and relax; be yourself. It's easy in an interview to want to put your best foot forward and make sure you don't make any mistakes. This can make you seem tense, and the more relaxed and warm your personality is, the more comfortable the interviewer(s) will be. As was mentioned previously, they want to see how you interface with the team and how you handle different personalities. Stay warm, but professional and you will be fine.
Ashley,
I agree with Drew's feedback. Before you start your day, ensure that you get a good night's rest because the day will be stressful, perhaps not combat stress, but a different kind of stress nonetheless.
As Drew pointed out, these type of interviews are a great way to get to know the team, discover the team atmosphere and whether you would be a great fit and vice-versa.
Good luck!
Be yourself.
They are likely doing this to get a real sense of your personality and if they would want you to fulfill that role. It's not just about being capable, it's about being a good fit. You being yourself will help them to pick you for the right reasons.
Likewise, don't forget that this is an opportunity for you to interview them, too. They are seeing if they want to work with you and you have the same opportunity. I recommend thinking up a good collection of smart, practical questions to use as the opportunity arises.
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