The interview process can be a stressful time for anyone, especially when one is unsure of what to expect upon entering. Heather Starcher is Vice President of Keystone Ridge Designs, a company that manufacturers site furniture, and has been working in the business world for over 20 years. In her experience with interviewing, especially with students from Grove City College, she has focused on aspects that strongly affect an interview, positively or negatively. “Remember, they are hiring you to help their company. So they want to know what you bring to the table, how you can be an impact and help them succeed. They don’t want to hear from you ‘this is what I want’,” Heather said.
Followed by her few statements, employees Dave Starcher and Angela Maloney gave insight from their involvement with being both the interviewer and the interviewee.
Interview Advice from Director of Sales of Keystone Ridge Designs, Dave Starcher:
- Be prepared. Know the company and be prepared to ask questions that prove that you have done your research.
- Be yourself. Remember that you are interviewing the company just as much as they are interviewing you. Figure out if the company’s culture would be a fit for you. Ask what a typical day might look like or who are the team members with whom you would most often interact?
- Ask about the future. What could be worse than taking a job with a company that is about to fail?! Ask about their vision and how they foresee the future. What are they doing better than their competition to ensure success? Are there plans to spin-off other sister companies? How much are they growing?
Interview Advice from Director of Marketing of Keystone Ridge Designs, Angela Maloney:
- Take notes.
- Have good questions ready for whenever the interviewer says “What questions do you have for us?”
- Always ask for next steps at the end of the interview to show you are truly committed and want the job.
- Follow up. Thank you emails and notes help keep you top of mind and show your ability to follow through.
- Don’t ask about money in a first interview.
