I've had some experience recently with having to think about my career - where I'm going, what I want to do; and then having to do something about it. To follow are some thoughts and some observations about that process. It's not a comprehensive 'how to do' guide, just some things I found helpful, most are a bit obvious but I think worth noting none the less.
1. Decide what you really want to do. I know this is obvious, but it can be hard to admit it to yourself, especially if it's not what you're doing now. Think about what you like reading - when you read your trade journal, whatever it may be, what are the articles that catch your eye, the subjects you always focus on. What other magazines, websites do you read, and why? Do these offer any clues about what you'd really like to be doing?
2. Whatever you choose, check it with your mum to see if she thinks it's a good idea, mums seem to know a lot about what's right for their kids.
3. Before interviewing, meet as many people from that industry as possible. Talk to them. Find out how they think. Are you like them? Do you fit into their world? Do you make it better, different, more interesting? You'd be surprised how many people are happy to give up 30 mins of their time - use it carefully.
4. Obviously you'll need a CV, but spent a lot of time preparing a mind map (you can see mine above) for the interviews themselves. This will help you understand how all the various elements of your life - work, home, violin playing - all fit together. It's more organic and much easier to remember than simple notes.
5. Practice, actually no - rehearse. There is a huge difference between having a good written answer to a question, and having a good spoken answer.
6. Get nervous. That good nervous, the feeling you get when something is important to you. If you're not nervous then you're probably in the wrong office, for the wrong meeting, with the wrong people.
7. Be early. And eat something (small).
8. My favourite tip of all - expect to enjoy it. Spending an hour talking with someone about the subject you're interested in, that's got to be worthwhile, right? Fun even. Having this mindset just made me look forward to my interviews so much more, and gave something that can be quite intimidating a much lighter feel.
9. If you follow point 8 then you'll find it easier to ask questions, genuine questions. It will be more of a conversation than a question and answer session. You'll be able to discuss things rather than simply recite a pre-prepared answer, meaning you'll find it easier to tease out the important stuff about the person you're speaking to, and the company they work for. You'll also feel more comfortable asking about the seemingly less important questions; do they have showers? A bike shed? A pet monkey? That kind of thing.
10. Be yourself. Yes, you should try to be succinct, but be real, add detail and nuance to the things you say. Tell the truth, and don't be afraid to celebrate the small achievements in your career so far. People who care about doing small things well can generally be trusted to do the big things well.
11. If you like the sound of the company, the role, the culture, then tell them; state your case boldly and let there be no doubt in their minds about how much you want it.
What would you add to the list?
Wear clothes you're comfortable with.
Morning
Posted by: Marcus Brown | 02/14/2007 at 08:54 AM
12. Once you have completed all the above actions and had a nice little adventure in the world of Proper Adult Jobs, sit down, have a good long think, evaluate the company you're currently with and decide that, all things considered, you would actually quite like to stay. Announce this (maybe today?) and feel that warm glow inside as the faces of your colleagues (and chums) light up with joy!
Posted by: Sonya | 02/14/2007 at 09:16 AM
Take chocolate biscuits.
Don't wear overpowering scent.
Get the tone right with your dress - don't necessarily go too formal with it - but make sure it's below the knee.
Make notes after the interview - learn something from every interview.
Dop some research on the individual/s who will be interviewing you (Google etc)
Follow every interview up with a 'thankyou it was great' e.mail.
Try to get their feedback whatever the result (try to induct your interviewers into your personal network)
Posted by: TomLR | 02/14/2007 at 09:23 AM
When you've left the interview, jot down notes on what you liked/didn't like and what areas you covered off. Good to have this at hand for when you go through to the next round of interviews.
That's nice of Sonya. Maybe you weren't as awful to work with as we assumed.
Posted by: $ophie | 02/14/2007 at 09:24 AM
Morning Marcus.
Sonya, I'll miss you too (if that's what you're getting at).
Tom/Sophie, I strongly agree about writing notes after the interview. Especially when there are second interviews, third, and possibly as many as five or six.
All good tips.
Posted by: Colman | 02/14/2007 at 09:38 AM
Good list. Like no 8 too. I love interviews - I think it helps that I've never had a properly scary one.
The only thing I would add is to trust your instincts. It's tempting to think you need to be rational and objective when assessing an interview/opportunity, but gut feel is often valid too.
Posted by: Helen | 02/14/2007 at 10:06 AM
Good post. They seem like good tips.
Be yourself, be clear and make sure you've researched the company you're applying to.
Please make sure you've researched the company you're applying to.
Good morning.
Posted by: Ben | 02/14/2007 at 10:16 AM
Rehearse your CV/experiences until you know it off by heart and why you left each job/started a new one.
Also leave behind a copy of your CV and some added info about yourself and how suitable you are for the role. Works every time!
Posted by: claire | 02/14/2007 at 10:17 AM
Agree Ben, but I think it's also okay to not know everything and to ask; what are their goals and objectives, where do they see the company going, what are best/worst things about working their? That kind of thing.
Posted by: Colman | 02/14/2007 at 10:22 AM
It's not for everyone but personally I find being hungover, completely disorganised and somewhat nonchalant works a treat. Bizarrely.
Posted by: Angus | 02/14/2007 at 10:27 AM
For all situations Angus?
Posted by: Colman | 02/14/2007 at 10:30 AM
Tell them the obscene meaning behind your bizarre hotmail address name.... won it for me eh Ben?
Posted by: Becks | 02/14/2007 at 10:36 AM
Great stuff Paul - wish you'd been around to consult on my career.
What a lovely post by Sonya - doesn't make the leaving any easier.
Tom, what are the chocolate bicuits for ?
Posted by: Harry C | 02/14/2007 at 11:26 AM
Worked like a dream.
Posted by: Ben | 02/14/2007 at 11:35 AM
Ben/Becks, do tell...
Posted by: Colman | 02/14/2007 at 11:59 AM
The chocolate biscuits are for bum tricks, and work every time.
Posted by: TomLR | 02/14/2007 at 01:06 PM
Could you teach me how to present them, Tom? I've been bringing cake to my interviews to convey Point 8, but they often remain untouched. Which is a little uncomfortable.
And Paul, I like the mindmapping thing. Where do you start?
Posted by: Camiel | 02/15/2007 at 08:52 AM
Good question Camiel. Essentially I don't think of too many rules. I just plonk 'me' in the middle of the page, and then try and link all the different aspects of what might come up. Current job, achievements, skills etc. I also find it useful to re-write it before each interview; this helps rationalise it, but also keeps it fresh. The link I put in the post to the Wikipedia page is pretty good.
I use them for lots of things at work, and they are great if I'm doing a podcast as they stop me thinking of getting through a list of questions, and makes me think about areas for discussion.
Not a great answer I know, but you really need to 'suck it and see', so to speak.
Posted by: Colman | 02/15/2007 at 09:07 AM
"Suck it in and see" - excellent advice.
And yes, Paul, for all things. Well, okay, not all things. Actually, I've just brainstormed, even considering things like funerals and giving birth (other people, not me) and it still seems to fit... huh....
Posted by: Angus | 02/15/2007 at 10:15 AM
How do you know my name is 'Tom', Camiel ? My handle is 'TomLR' which could mean anything. I haven't got this web anonymity gig down yet, I suppose.
I'll get practising bum trick chocolate biscuitry for a podcast soon.
Maybe Paul can come round and interview it.
Posted by: TomLR | 02/15/2007 at 12:08 PM
What are you talking about Tom?
Posted by: Colman | 02/15/2007 at 12:37 PM
Bum tricks, clearly.
Posted by: The Wife | 02/15/2007 at 01:00 PM
That's enough about bum tricks Paul
You started it
No I didn't
Posted by: TomLR | 02/15/2007 at 01:13 PM
Bit late to the party here, but congratulations.
I'd add 'don't give up' to the list. Sometimes, for all the interesting conversation/your belief that you'd fit in nicely to that organisation, it doesn't work out.
So don't sweat it - just redouble your efforts. There is something to be said for adopting the swan approach in interviews - do all the leg work, so you can (seemingly) glide along easily.
Posted by: Will | 02/16/2007 at 06:16 PM