So I had my first interview today after reviewing and following most of the interviewing series recommendations. I say "most" because due to time constraints, I was not able to prepare as much as I would have liked up front (e.g. How to prepare your resume, how to write a cover letter).
Quick background:
- I am interviewing for a Director level position. I am qualified for the position, but I have never held a Director position.
- I was supposed to interview with three people (VP of Sales who the position reports to and two others).
The interviewing series definitely has given me more confidence in an interview. I am a bit disappointed in myself because of the following:
- I did not maintain my energy throughout the two interviews. I am not typically a 'high energy' person. I had to wait in the lobby for about 15 minutes while the VP of Sales wrapped up a call. I made sure I smiled to everyone who walked by. I typically would not do that (I would read or keep busy another way). During my interview with the VP of Sales, I feel that my energy level was up and I was very upbeat. The second interview started OK (from an energy perspective) but quickly fell off. When I realized this, I tried to pick it up, but I'm not sure how it came across.
- I left time on the table with the VP of Sales b/c I didn't ask more questions. I lost track of time, the interview/conversation went really well and he had answered 1-2 of my questions in advance, so I only asked two (one good/prepared in advance question and one simple question). The result was leaving around 10 minutes on the clock when we finished.
- I did not close. The VP of Sales indicated that I was on the short list of candidates to come in for a second (and final) interview. Because he said this, I was not sure if I should close twice (once now and once later). Thinking back, it probably makes sense to close multiple times.
Questions for the forum:
- Should you close in every single interview (even if you have already interviewed with the person before, e.g. first and second interviews with the same interviewer)?
- When following up, do you only follow-up with the hiring manager? It would not make sense to me to follow-up with all interviewers, but I just wanted to see what others had to say there.
- Finally, I know the hiring manager is going to be out next week. They want to decide on the final candidates by Friday, 7/16. When should I follow-up? I am not going to do it next week when he is out. Should I wait until 7/16? Or the following Monday (7/19)? Or mid-week during the week of 7/12? I'm thinking I'd like to do it the week of 7/12, so I remain in the game.
All in all, I think I interviewed better than I have previously, but I left a lot of room for improvement. It was a bit of chaotic process, but I think I did OK.
I appreciate any and all feedback.
Thanks!
IMHO
If you're interested in getting an offer from them you should close with everyone in the organization you exchange more than pleasantries with. Remember, you're simply expressing your interest in receiving an offer.
Typically you would follow up with the hiring manager. An internal recruiter would also be a good choice.
When determining the timing for follow up remember you're on little kid time. Little kids peer into a store window thinking of nothing but that shiny toy they've been hoping for. Their entire world is that toy and every minute of their lives they aren't playing with it seems like an eternity.
You didn't mention it, but I'm hoping you sent hand-written thank you notes to each of your interviewers. If you haven't done that make sure they go out the minute the post office opens. Your thank you note is your first follow up.
Default timing for follow up is two weeks (IMO). This will seem like an eternity to you, the blink of an eye to your interviewers. If the hiring schedule is tight it can be shortened to 10, or even 7 days. You can't do 10 days because you'd be calling the hiring manager the first day after a vacation, and that's annoying. In your case, there's no reason why you shouldn't wait the full 14 days and call on the afternoon of July 14. Why the afternoon? Because if the internal recruiter is good they'll call YOU that morning to give you an update. Be near your phone and be ready for follow up questions. Remember to close.
One more thing to remember... on the 16th they'll decide who they want to make an offer to. That doesn't mean they've hired someone. If they don't offer you, you'll need to follow up again. One week this time, but not on a Friday afternoon. Call late on Thursday or first thing Friday morning.
This is all my own speculation. You may get hints that indicate a different timing. Use those to your advantage. Good luck!
--Michael
Thanks!
Michael,
Thanks for the response! I did send hand-written thank you notes to the two interviewers I met with (happy to say these went out the next morning). The Interview Series (Mike and Mark) recommend a phone call about one week after the interview. However, I agree with you in this case, to wait close to two weeks.
One point of clarification, they are only deciding on candidates for the second series of interviews. They are not making offers at this point.
Thanks again for the response and advice.
I'll be sure to post an update when I have one.
cjp147
first round
cjp147
You said that "they are only deciding on candidates for the second series of interviews. They are not making offers at this point". That was their plan, but if they found a superstar in the first round, they may in fact make an offer or only schedule one second round interview. So I think it is still in your best interest to treat this as the final round of interviews, so yes close with everyone and send he thank you notes.
Update: Follow-up phone call
I called the hiring Manager this morning. Being a VP of Sales, I knew he'd answer the phone! The call was very short and he pretty much interrupted me as soon as I introduced myself, saying that he remembers me (used a phrase like, "you are the guy w/ the very impressive background,") and that I am still being highly considered. He then asked me to give him two more weeks (to decide on who they are bringing in for second interviews).
This is where I do not fully agree with the weekly follow-up phone call. It is real hard for me to envision me NOT getting on his nerves by calling him in a week (when he said to give him two weeks). Sure, I can send a follow-up email, but to call him in a week seems like I'm not following his instructions.
Right now, my tentative plan is to send a follow-up email next week. I may then give him a call towards the end of next week.
I'll post my updates here.
Any update on how this
Any update on how this turned out?