What you see is what you get.

And lately, we’ve seen some interviews that miss the mark.

by Christy M.P. Gilmour and Darin Hollingsworth

Originally published on LinkedIn

As we slowly seem to be exiting the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone has come out of the past two years changed in some capacity. Our youth have suffered tremendous learning losses. We have seen family and friends lose their jobs or become ill. Many of us have likely experienced some wellness or mental health challenges in the last 24 months.

From our coaching and consulting perspectives (which has included both recruiting, interviewing and serving in interim roles) we see a concerning trend in interviews. We initially thought it was just our observation — limited to a “consulting bubble.” So of course, we surveyed peers and it turns out — we are not alone.

Our observation is that some individuals who are looking for a change, are not presenting themselves for the best possible outcomes.

For those of you looking to transition to new roles, you know that there’s a #GreatMigration or #GreatResignation happening. Our observation is that some individuals who are looking for a change, are not presenting themselves for the best possible outcomes. It is as if there has been a collective memory loss on how we interview. Of course, interviewing is a two way street — but job seekers, we want to see the best you and set you up for success.

Here are a few ways we recommend tightening up your interview skills:

Virtual Presentation

We see that many first interviews will likely continue to be conducted virtually for efficiency. By now, we should all be experts on at least one virtual platform. So candidates — put this knowledge to good use during interviews.

• Make sure you have a simple and non-distracting background, in a location with walls and a closed door as well as strong wifi.
• Log on early to ensure there have been no overnight computer upgrades. More than likely, there’s a virtual waiting room for you.
• Dress as though you are in-person; and also dress for the role you are looking to fill. Trust us, you’ll feel empowered.
• Lastly, engage with the interviewers — we want to hear your story, but not your monologue.

Sure, distractions happen. Your puppy may have figured out to head butt the door to unlock your office (Christy’s true story), but otherwise be fully present, engage in conversation and make direct eye contact with the interviewer(s).

In-person interviews

Congrats! You’ve made it to the next level. What next?

• Be humble and honest with yourself that you might not have all the qualifications, especially if you’re in a younger generation with 5–7 years of professional experience.
• Send in advance/bring collateral that demonstrates your successes in your current role.
• Describe the vision of how you would succeed in the role — paint the narrative for your interviewers.
• There’s so many interview techniques you can research. Many employers will infuse your interview with behavioral-based questions. Know what the STAR technique is.

Self-awareness

With every interview you have, please know the position description backwards and forwards. Most position descriptions list the qualifications in ranking order. Determine how your unique experience fits best to what the employer is looking for. This is your dance card — most employers are looking for specific skills and it is up to you to clearly communicate your best relatable qualifications. Candidates should take note that some interviews are not the right places to lay out your political or personal beliefs, especially if it is unrelated to the job you are for which you are interviewing.

Gratitude

Gratitude and appreciation in the interview environment is definitely a two way street. Employers will be most successful if they create great candidate experiences that include gratitude and appreciation for the candidates’ time and effort in the process.

We advise candidates to show up, engage, and conclude with sincere and authentic appreciation for the opportunity to interview and explore the position.

Two ways to show appreciation are to be prepared and enthusiastic.

As we stated above, know the position description. Know the organization. Don’t schedule the interview “just to get the experience.” Agree to interviews when you are truly interested in the position AND you have the skills to be successful. Enthusiasm can be expressed in many different ways. Authenticity is key. Be real. Be yourself. Ask questions.

Show appreciation throughout the interview. Say, “thank you” when it is appropriate. “Thank you” for: making time to talk with me; answering my question; for helping me understand the culture.

After your interview, express gratitude in a way that is (to restate the obvious) sincere and authentic. If that is an email or text for you, great. If you have great handwriting, the research shows that a handwritten note can still be a distinguishing factor for certain roles, especially in nonprofits and for fundraising roles in particular. Make sure that your content is aligned with the role, specific to your experience in the interview, and offers the employer something that distinguishes you as a candidate.

BTW — Checking on the status of the search is not a thank you!

The world really is increasingly small for nonprofit professionals. Your performance in an interview, or lack thereof, may follow you. As a candidate or an interviewer, you never know where a relationship will lead and what impression you are leaving behind.

Christy M.P. Gilmour Consulting is committed to improving the philanthropic landscape — building nimble organizations who are driven by a purposeful mission.

Through partnerships with other like-minded individuals and companies, we can add value, developing your organization’s infrastructure.

Darin Hollingsworth has had a thriving career as a financial advisor, a sales professional, a senior fundraising professional and a non-profit executive.

Now, as executive coach for fundraising and nonprofit management professionals he is committed to helping others move from surviving to thriving.