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August 13, 2005
The interview
I had the interview yesterday. It was conducted via the phone and lasted for about 90 minutes.
When the interview started, I was sitting in front of my sofa, which was packed with piles of paper. Material about the company, their recent strategic moves, background to their industry. In addition, little note pages that outlined my answers to possible critical areas that they would like to know from me. Around 5 or 6, about leadership, revenue generation possibilities, weaknesses in my former jobs and what I learnt from it, situational description about challenges that I faced in my earlier jobs as well. All the things that one can read up on the web.
I like the client. He gave a quick 10,000 feet overview of the whole requirements and than described the microdetails. Very clear in the structure, easy to understand. This made it also more challenging for me to ask relevant questions in the end, something, that is frequently seen as crucial in an interview. I would probably take the job. It is a very challenging job, requires frequent travelling across the Asian region and to the US, training and supervision of managers and executives. Basically something that would make me feel important. But I would take it not because of that. I would take it because it stretches me to so far unknown limits. It is a huge account that I would head and have to manage. I would have frequent presentations and workshops, to all kinds of executives. It would provide me with tremendous growth opportunities, personal ones, but probably also professional ones.
The client and I had quite a good discussion. I frequently backtracked and summarised - this would assure the client (or any person), that I am on the same page.
He only ask about my professional development in Asia, and also inquired about my knowledge regarding trends in consumer behaviours. Relatively easy to answer, and I hope that I responded convincingly.
I didn't use much of the material that I prepared - however, it is better to be prepared than to be caught off guard.
I have the feeling the interview went well. The next round is in two weeks. The main danger for me is that I might be complacent. That I think, I have enough fallback plans so I actually don't need the job. I will know soon. While I have a good feeling, this is only on my side, of course, my perception. It might be totally different on the client's side, because "the meaning of the communication is the result I get, regardless of my intention". I can think that I was great, but if it doesn't work out, I have to think through what went wrong on my side! I am longing to have my own company - and this might have transpired in the conversation, without my conscious knowing! Anyway - let's see.
Posted by Andreas at August 13, 2005 04:01 PM
Comments
That's the key to a great and successful interview, always prepare yourself and do your homework. Bravo! Best of luck!
Posted by: Papi at August 16, 2005 02:59 PM
It sounds like you did an excellent job of presenting yourself.
If you did as well asking questions of your interviewer, I am sure you will get that job.
It would seem that you are well on your way to gaining a new client. Good luck!
Posted by: David St Lawrence at August 15, 2005 12:30 PM
Sounds like you really did your homework before the interview, alright. All the best!
Posted by: dinghy at August 14, 2005 06:12 AM