This isn’t a dish you plate—it’s a strategy you serve. “See Me Hired” is a step-by-step recipe for preparing, presenting, and following up on a job interview, designed to make you the memorable candidate. It works because it breaks the process into manageable, actionable steps that build confidence and demonstrate professionalism, just like a good recipe ensures a perfect dish.
Ingredients
- 1 current resume, tailored to the specific job description
- 1 list of 3-5 professional references with contact information
- 1 portfolio or work samples (if applicable to the role)
- 1 set of 3-5 thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer
- 1 professional outfit, clean and ironed
- 1 notebook and pen for taking notes
- 3-5 printed copies of your resume (for interviewers and yourself)
- 1 list of 2-3 professional achievements with measurable results
- 1 glass of water (for during the interview)
- Optional: 1 thank-you note or email template
Instructions
- Research the company and role (30 min): Spend at least 30 minutes reviewing the company’s website, recent news, and the specific job posting. Understand their products, services, culture, and the key responsibilities of the role. Note any recent achievements or challenges they might be facing.
- Tailor your resume (30 min): Adjust your resume to highlight the skills and experiences that directly match the job description. Use keywords from the posting. Quantify your achievements where possible (e.g., “increased sales by 15%”). Print 3-5 copies on quality paper.
- Prepare your success stories (30 min): Think of 2-3 specific situations from your past work where you solved a problem, led a project, or achieved a goal. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure these stories so you can tell them concisely and compellingly during the interview.
- Develop your questions (15 min): Write down 3-5 thoughtful questions that show you’ve done your research. Examples: “What does success look like in this role in the first 90 days?” or “How does the team handle prioritization when multiple deadlines compete?” Avoid questions about salary or benefits in the first interview unless the interviewer brings them up.
- Plan your outfit and logistics (15 min): Choose professional attire that fits the company culture—when in doubt, err on the side of formality. Lay out your outfit the night before. Plan your route to the interview location, aiming to arrive 10-15 minutes early. Have a backup plan for traffic or transit delays.
- Practice your delivery (30 min): Rehearse your introduction (a 30-second summary of who you are and what you bring) and your STAR stories out loud. Practice with a friend or in front of a mirror. Time yourself to ensure you’re concise—aim for 1-2 minutes per story.
- Arrive and conduct the interview (45 min): Arrive 10 minutes early. Greet everyone you meet with a smile and a firm handshake. During the interview, listen actively, maintain eye contact, and take notes. Answer questions using your STAR stories, and be honest if you don’t know something. Ask your prepared questions when given the opportunity.
- Send a thank-you note (within 24 hours): Send a personalized thank-you email to each person you interviewed with. Mention something specific you discussed and reiterate your interest in the role. This is a crucial step that many candidates skip.
Tips
- Substitutions: If you don’t have a physical portfolio, prepare a digital one on a tablet or laptop. If you can’t print resumes, have them ready to share via email or on a USB drive.
- Common mistake: Not researching the company enough. Interviewers can tell when you haven’t done your homework, and it signals a lack of genuine interest. Always prepare at least a few specific facts about the company.
- Practice makes perfect: Don’t just read your answers—say them out loud. This helps you sound natural and confident, not robotic. Record yourself to catch any nervous habits like saying “um” too often.
- Follow up is key: The thank-you note is not optional. It’s a chance to reinforce your interest and remind them of your qualifications. Send it within 24 hours, while you’re still fresh in their minds.
Serving Suggestions
This recipe is best served fresh, meaning you should apply it immediately to your next interview. Pair it with a good night’s sleep and a nutritious breakfast on the day of the interview. The result is a confident, prepared candidate who stands out—the one they remember when making the hiring decision.
Variations
- Phone or Video Interview: Adjust the logistics. Test your technology beforehand, find a quiet, well-lit space, and keep your resume and notes visible but out of the camera’s frame. Dress professionally from the waist up, as you would for an in-person interview.
- Panel Interview: If you’ll be meeting multiple people, prepare to address each person by name. Make eye contact with the person asking the question, but also include others in your response. Have extra copies of your resume for each panelist.
- Behavioral Interview: This format focuses heavily on past behavior as a predictor of future performance. Double down on your STAR stories and have a wide variety that cover teamwork, conflict, leadership, and failure.
Storage and Reheating
Your preparation doesn’t go bad after the interview. Store your research notes, tailored resume, and list of questions in a dedicated folder (physical or digital). You can reuse and update these materials for future applications. The thank-you note should be sent within 24 hours—don’t let it sit. If you don’t hear back within a week, it’s acceptable to send a polite follow-up email to reiterate your interest and ask about the timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if I don’t have all the required experience?
A: Focus on your transferable skills and willingness to learn. Highlight projects where you quickly picked up new tools or processes. Be honest about gaps, but pivot to how your unique background brings a fresh perspective.
Q: How should I answer “What is your greatest weakness?”
A: Choose a real weakness that isn’t critical to the job, and explain the steps you’re taking to improve it. For example, “I sometimes struggle with public speaking, so I’ve joined a local Toastmasters club to practice.” Avoid clichés like “I’m a perfectionist.”
Q: Is it okay to ask about salary in the first interview?
A: Generally, it’s better to wait until the employer brings it up or until you’ve been offered the job. If asked about your salary expectations, give a range based on research (e.g., Glassdoor, industry surveys) and say you’re flexible depending on the total compensation package.
Q: What should I do if I’m running late?
A: Call the interviewer or HR as soon as you know. Apologize sincerely and give an updated ETA. When you arrive, stay calm and composed. Don’t over-explain; just focus on the interview.
Q: How long should I wait before following up?
A: Send your thank-you note within 24 hours. If you haven’t heard back after about a week, it’s appropriate to send a brief, polite email inquiring about the status of your application. Don’t follow up more than once a week.
Q: Can I bring notes to the interview?
A: Yes, bringing a notebook with your questions and key points is fine and shows organization. Just don’t read directly from it. Use it to jot down notes and refer to it sparingly.
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