Menu
Log in
Forgot password
Log in
Forgot password

Are my interviewing techniques Up to Par?: 4 Tactics to Consider

Wednesday, June 24, 2020 17:16 | chad pearce

Are my interviewing techniques up to par?  A GREAT question for any separating veteran preparing to enter the workforce. 


Before your palms get all sweaty and you feel your stomach turning in anticipation just thinking about interviewing, explore these 4 tactics in your interview preparation.

1. Inquire about who you will be interviewing with:

YOU are most likely being looked into by your prospective employer.  As a veteran, you know all about gathering intel and doing your recon prior to a mission.  So, put those skills to work and learn about your interviewer! LinkedIn most likely has some great information about the individual you will need to impress to land your job.  On that note, make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to par as well! Learn more here: 20 steps to a better LinkedIn Profile in 2020

2. Practice, Practice, Practice:

Many jobs require someone who can think on their feet.  As a veteran you have been put in similar situations!   Maybe you were like me, a former Air Force Security Forces Member and had to give a “Post Brief” to the chain of command at any time.  Like an old supervisor once told me, you don't need to get ready, if you STAY READY!  Check out these example questions and answers to commonly asked questions during an interview: LinkedIn Interview Prep  OR Guide to Answering the Most Common Interview Questions

3. Consider your non verbal communication skills: 

It sounds basic, but at times it can be challenging to remember  basic nonverbal communication factors like smiling, posture and eye contact.  Studies have shown that 55% of communication is body language or non verbal communication. You aren't speaking to a Drill Sergeant when interviewing so don't be afraid to show off your non verbal skills! Just like practicing the questions you might get thrown your way, put some time into practicing your non-verbals. For more info review this video: 7 body language tips to impress at your next job interview 

4. Dress for Success:

In an interview situation, you're marketing yourself as a product, and you want and need to have the best image possible. With that in mind, it's ok to ask about the company's dress policy when you are first contacted about an interview. I wore a uniform to work for 20 years!  When I prepared for a job interview for the first time and peered into my closet, I felt panic.  I did a little research and found an organization in my local area that supported veterans by offering professional attire services. I would also suggest checking out a recent article by Indeed, What to Wear: The best Job Interview Attire

Lastly, be confident! You got this! 

Have more suggestions, lessons learned, tips and tricks?  

I invite you to comment!


Chad 


Comments

  • Thursday, June 25, 2020 14:03 | Mark Burney
    As a Business owner of several adventures and hiring manager for a corporation, this topic hits home on all 4 levels. I feel I've mastered all the above and encourage my interviewees to relax, dress for success and most times speak your mind in relation to the position. As a current lifer in the military, we hone a certain skill set that we use to motivate individuals who lack that confidence. The many times Chad and I spoke to potential leads, we felt there was a positive relation and gained an Airman. Dress the part, Speak the part, Look the part and Be the part... Many doors will open
    Link  •  Reply
    • Thursday, June 25, 2020 14:42 | chad pearce
      Mark,

      I love your quote "Dress the part, speak the part, look the part and be the part". Confidence (not arrogance) is key when interviewing. You are in a unique position as a traditional Guardsman to see both sides of the coin when it comes to the military and civilian aspects of that. I know you have used that knowledge to reach back and help our community.

      Thank you!

      Chad
      Link  •  Reply
      • Thursday, June 25, 2020 17:26 | Charles Tanger
        Greetings Chad,

        This is my first time commenting so I want to begin by thanking you for your years of service to our country!

        In regards to your post I feel you make many valid points. I would like to recommend that when preparing for an interview one should start the process well before the scheduled interview date if possible.

        I personally try to have my interview attire clean, pressed and ready to go two weeks prior to my interview. Several years ago I was up for a promotion which required a formal interview. I studied, made sure I had plenty of sleep and woke up the day of ensuring myself plenty of time to have a good breakfast along with showering up and giving myself a fresh shave...

        Where I failed is I took my suit to the cleaners the last time I wore it and never bothered to check it prior to the day of the interview. Somehow the suit got a hole in it while at the cleaners and I did not discover it until the day of the interview while getting dressed.

        The hole while not large was definitely noticeable, especially if someone were to be within a couple of feet of me. The suit was my only option at the time so I had to role with it. This minor detail and lack of simple preparation definitely took a toll on my confidence going into the interview. Luckily the panel I interviewed with was several feet away from me and I knew the required material well. However, that minute detail stuck with me for the first 5 mins or so of the interview and should not have been an issue had I had all my ducks in a row well in advance.

        With that being said, prepare for everything including the basics. In life the little things can make a big difference.
        Link  •  Reply
        • Thursday, June 25, 2020 19:07 | chad pearce
          Charles,

          Thank you for your support! The situation you explained was a good example of why it’s important to have a “Wingman”. It’s always good to have someone check you over when preparing for an interview. Thank you for sharing your personal experience!

          Chad
          Link  •  Reply
  • Thursday, June 25, 2020 23:04 | Deleted user
    These are all great points. But it's want to specifically comment on the confidence pray that you spoke of during the interview. If you prepare and don't take your military time for granted and more importantly really show the employer that you and your experiences can add value to the company, i beloved that goes a long way along with the other things you discussed to an employer. Good post and insight... Btw dressed for success can hard for veterans because that doesn't include our service dress uniform. Invest in some good civilian clothing that is current and relevant to the industry that you are trying to enter.
    Link  •  Reply
    • Friday, June 26, 2020 06:31 | chad pearce
      JT,

      No doubt, confidence is key. We bring a ton to the table as veterans! You also bring up a good point about "investing in some good civilian clothing". I believe it's a good idea to start a few years out. Putting together professional attire can be expensive!

      Chad
      Link  •  Reply
  • Saturday, June 27, 2020 06:55 | Milton Jackson
    The utilization of a digital card for verification is warranted. The resume should be stacked to a degree of noticeability. The working should be formatted as crisp and concise. That being said, the interview process is along the lines of verbal judo. One must carry the conversation to a standard of there culture and likability. One must in other room of the conference call or boardroom and one must find the balance of them wanted you on their team and you having a need to be on theirs’.
    Link  •  Reply
    • Saturday, June 27, 2020 08:15 | chad pearce
      Milton,

      Great point! Understanding the culture of a company is paramount! As I mentioned in the post, gather intel and be prepared.

      Chad
      Link  •  Reply
  • Sunday, June 28, 2020 13:13 | Chris Kern-Garcia
    I am so proud of you and what you have accomplished in your SkillBridge internship... all while dealing with COVID-19. I'm using you as an inspiration for future SkillBridge participants. Thanks for always sharing your experiences!
    Link  •  Reply
    • Monday, June 29, 2020 15:53 | chad pearce
      Thank you Chris! It has definitely been a beneficial experience. I am ready and available to assist in any way possible! Thanks again for all of your support!

      Chad
      Link  •  Reply

DOD Welcome home-small.jpg A welcoming home for our Troops.

Welcoming home our men and women doesn't end after the crowd disperses, it MUST continue on for the life of the Veteran! They've served us, now we will serve them with programs that work so they reintegrate into society.

We are a national public benefit nonprofit organization that educates American Communities about best practices to serve Veterans.  We honor their service by empowering Veterans to apply their training and skills to successfully transition to productive careers and enterprises.

We provide free vocational training 24/7 to all of our members through our website, in addition to local events.  We believe the tenet that American Communities are the ultimate beneficiaries when Veterans claim their benefits and invest in productive endeavors.

The SWVBRC enlists the support of members of local Communities like you to increase Veteran awareness of the value of obtaining a VA card and receiving earned benefits.

Sponsorships, donations, volunteers and support from communities like yours enable us to reach out to Veterans and empower them to transition back into successful, productive enterprises that ultimately benefit all Americans and support future generations.

The Internal Revenue Service has determined that Southwest Veterans' Business Resource Center, Inc. is an organization exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. A donation to SWVBRC, Inc. is deductible to the extent permitted under law.

© 2008 - 2022 Southwest Veterans' Business Resource Center, Inc.

 Privacy Policy

In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, any copyrighted work is posted under fair use without profit or payment as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and/or research.

Contact Us
Designed by The ARRC® & Powered by Wild Apricot.

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software