10 Requests Of An Interviewee

I'm on the job search. Oh yes. Everyday I'm on my favourite job sites applying to jobs like crazy. It's kind of fun imagining being in said job and all of the cool things I would get to do. And bonus! My education finally paying off!! Getting to work in the field I studied for? Awesome! It's a ritual that I've been going through for a full 5 months now.

Yipee, I've Got An Interview!!

This is pretty much my reaction whenever I get an interview. It's awesome. Someone noticed my resume and I've been given a chance! YESSSS! After the initial joy subsides, the panic starts to settle in.

Ohhhhhh Crap, I've Got An Interview...

Oh em gee. I've got about 30-50 minutes to impress these people. How many people will there be? What should I wear? What should I bring? What should say? What should I NOT say?

So many questions!!!!!

I suppose this is a Dear Employers/Interviewers kind of blog entry. I tend to be a nervous wreck leading up to the interview, especially if I really want the job. I know that I'm not alone in this, and I'd hate for you, Mr./Ms. Employer, to lose out on the perfect employee just because they didn't interview well. I suppose this is my wish list during the interview process (before and after).

1. Don't be late. Pretty obvious, right? I know for sure that I can't be late. In fact, I've arrived 15 minutes early. So making me wait another 15 minutes for you to interview me is adding to my nervousness and it's also kinda ticking me off. I've experienced this, and I know others who have as well. I know you're busy, but please please don't make me wait. It'll really throw me off for the interview. 
2. I know this is obvious, but smiling at me and shaking my hand helps me feel welcome. Letting me know that you're friendly and telling me to not be nervous also helps me. It shows me that you're a nice person to work with and helps to ease the terrified feeling building in the pit of my stomach. I really want this job. Allowing me to feel more comfortable will make this process easier for the both of us.
3. I really really really need water. Like, really. I'm going to be talking for at least 30 minutes. That's a lot of talking. I'm also super nervous. My mouth tends to go dry (crazy dry!!!) when I'm nervous. Combine that with talking and it's a disaster. Giving me water allows me to actually speak normally. This is kinda important to answering your questions.
4. Keep it light. We all know why we're here. It doesn't have to be so serious. Keeping it light and adding some of your own input into what I'm saying makes it feel more like a conversation. Again, this will help me feel relaxed and you'll get a much better interview out of me. 
5. Don't come unprepared. Having to sit there and think off the top of your head some interview questions is, let's face it, pretty insulting. It shows me that you don't really care all that much, and it doesn't make me want to work for you (yes, this has happened before).
6. Please don't ask me what my weaknesses are. Okay, you've asked me what my strengths are by asking me why I would be a perfect fit for the job. But my weaknesses? Don't make me feel uncomfortable by lying to you. Because that's what everyone does with this question. Am I really going to tell you my real fears and insecurities? Hellllllz no. Every career website tells you to turn this question into a strength. I'm not even sure what you want from this question. It's silly, so just leave it alone and ask me how I can be awesome in this role at your company.
7. Allow me to show you my stuff. I've brought you some samples, it won't hurt to take a look at them. Maybe I just had a crap interview (hey, it happens). At least if I show you my portfolio, you'll be able to see the talent I have. Being bad at interviews doesn't mean that I wouldn't be great for your organization. So take a look and see what I have to offer.
8. Ah, the fake out. Don't tell me that the second interview will be to offer me the position in the first interview. I'll get really excited when you call me back. When it just turns into another interview in which I am answering the same questions as before but with a different person in the room, I'll be thrown for a loop and frustrated. I don't need to answer the same questions again and it shows me that you weren't really paying attention in the first place. Again, it doesn't make me want to work for you.
9. Let me know regardless. If I didn't get the job I'd really like to know rather than just sitting around for a couple of weeks wondering whether or not I got it. I took a lot of time getting ready for this interview. It would be nice if you took the time to email me back. I really do appreciate it, even if it's bad news.
10. If it is bad news and I ask for feedback, give it to me. I really do want your honesty when asking for feedback. Don't worry about sparing my feelings and giving me the "we picked someone with more experience" line. I've heard it before and all I want is to improve so I can actually get the job the next time around.

 So there's my wish list. I'm going through this process with a lot of my classmates as well...so let's call it our wish list. I really do believe that there are good interviewers and bad interviewers. I hope as an employer you'll strive to be a good interviewer. You really don't want to be 6 months down the road realising you went with the charmer who can't produce results.