WHAT TO DO BEFORE AN INTERVIEW
WHAT TO DO BEFORE AN INTERVIEW
The saying in the field is also true for the interview: Failing to plan is planning to fail. To succeed at this make-or-break stage, you must arm yourself with information and confidence. Here’s how.
ASSEMBLE YOUR INTEL.
Just like every other mission you’ve been on, the more intelligence (civilians call this “research”) you have going in, the better. Know at least these things about the company you’re applying to: its mission, its history and its biggest clients. Find out whether it has military-specific hiring programs. Research the hiring manager through LinkedIn. Then drop your knowledge into conversation during the interview.
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.
Sand table drills, chalkboard walk-throughs and dry runs—these all work in the military, and they will work now. Just remember: Practice doesn’t make perfect; practice makes permanent, so practice with some kind of feedback mechanism. Have someone you trust observe (or watch a video of) your mock interview and tell you how to improve.
BRING “AMMO.”
Carry things in hand to your interview: several hard copies of your resume, of course, but also materials related to major projects you’ve worked on, like training plans or budgets—anything that can reinforce your quality of work. Carry these documents in a professional-looking case or bag, and use them when appropriate. Even if you don’t use them, just having them will show you’ve done your homework, and seeing them will help the interviewer better understand your military background. Last, always come with at least three questions to ask the interviewer.
ANTICIPATE.
Know (and practice) ahead of time how you will talk about your military experience in civilian terms. Next, know (and practice) exactly how you’re going to handle difficult questions. Finally, visualize yourself being successful. Even if you think positive thinking is for hippies and art teachers—it will give you your best chance at success.