What’s a challenge-based interview? Typically, this refers to an interview where the employer requests the candidate to do a task similar to what they would need to do in their job. The goal is to see the candidate in action. For example, Sharef explains, “If a business is hiring an engineer, they may present a coding challenge to candidates, if they’re hiring a social media manager, they may ask candidates to create compelling tweets. If it’s an admin position, they may ask candidates to create a flight schedule and hunt down the best fares.” She notes that employers using HireArt.com use video or text-based responses to evaluate candidates’ abilities.

How prevalent are these types of interviews? HireArt has worked with about 100 companies, including Cisco and Airbnb. Candidates in a variety of fields should not be surprised to be asked to demonstrate their skills via a specific task.

So how should candidates prepare for this type of interview?

1. Do your research. An important practice for anyone preparing to interview, research can be especially important to perform well in a challenge-based interview.

2. Focus on the output. During a challenge-based interview, employers will evaluate the professional deliverables you create. Sharef advises, “If the output of the challenge is a PowerPoint page, make sure it’s formatted correctly. If you’re asked to draft an email, use the correct protocols in the subject line and signature. Always watch your typos as they can easily make you seem sloppy.”

3. Show that you care. “Challenges are a way for an employer to determine if you’re truly passionate about the company’s mission,” Sharef notes. She explains that one challenge asked candidates to role-play as if they were pitching a company to an investor.

4. Don’t waste everyone’s time. Only do challenge-based interviews for companies you really care about. Use tools such as Glassdoor.com and LinkedIn to research organizations before you apply for the job to decide if the company would be a good fit for you.

5. Go the extra mile. Challenge-based interviews offer you a way to significantly distinguish yourself from other candidates. Companies who agree to this type of process offer candidates an opportunity to take that chance and run with it.

As with all interviews, the more you know about the organization and the connections between what you offer and what they want, the more likely you are to perform well and win the job.

Read the whole post on my U.S. News & World Report column.

photo by MPBecker

The post How to prepare for the most challenging interviews appeared first on Keppie Careers.

“Thank-you letters are a marketing tool just like your résumé,” says Wendy Enelow, author of The $100,000+ Job Interview: How to Nail the Interview and Get the Offer. “You’re writing the thank-you to further your candidacy.”

What NOT to Say

Forbes.com cautions, “Never say something like, ‘I don’t know if I made that point clear. Here’s what I meant…’ Instead, state your points without hesitation…Also, instead of saying, ‘I think I’d be perfect for the job,’ write, “I really appreciated meeting you and the time you spent with me. I’m really excited about the position.”

Snail or Email?  Hand Written or Typed?

The article discusses the all important topic: email or snail mail?  If it’s a snail, should it be hand written or typed?

I like to tell my clients that a snail mail note, sent immediately after the interview, is key.  It’s okay to send a well thought out email, but following up with a hand delivered or snail mailed (as in, with an actual stamp) note helps make it more likely that your note (or notes, if there were multiple interviewers) will actually be seen and possibly added to your file.

I’m also a big fan of a typed note.  I think that it is possible in a typed note to ensure that what you write is actually reviewed.  The note is a great opportunity for you to indicate your strong interest in the job and to review issues from the interview.

The article quotes Cynthia Shapiro, a former recruiter and author of What Does Somebody Have to Do to Get a Job Around Here?, as advocating for a hand-written note:  “People get 500 emails a day. Writing an old-fashioned note is so rare today and will stand out.”  So, if you are a big fan of hand-written correspondence, be sure to write the same type of in-depth letter that you might write if you typed it.  Writing a quick, “Thank you for interviewing me” on a note card probably isn’t going to win you many points.

Summary

So, thank the interviewer (with a separate and personalized note to each), re-emphasize where your skills intersect with their needs and how you can solve their problems.  Remind them why you are best for the job and re-express your strong interest.  Proof and double-proof your note for typos or errors and recognize that by sending a note, you are helping yourself stand above the rest of the candidates who are too busy to follow through!

Need help with your job search correspondence?  Keppie Careers will write cover letters and thank you notes.  Contact us:  results@keppiecareers.com

The post Seal the Deal With A Postage Stamp – Interview Thank Yous appeared first on Keppie Careers.