I've been job searching for more than two years and have a final interview tomorrow.

26 Comments

1. AnonymousMay 19,2022 at 5:56PM UTC

   I wish I could help with this question, but I can’t.
   However, please watch Vidz Career on YouTube, he gives very useful tips and insights on practical interview examples, which helped me with my preparation. Best of luck!

2. AnonymousMay 19,2022 at 10:31PM UTC

   Thank you, Anonymous. I'll check out the YouTube channel. I haven't heard of that site so thank you for sharing!

3. AnonymousMay 19,2022 at 6:10PM UTC

   Some advice that I have: don't come across as desperate. This brand needs you more than you need them, contrary to how you may feel. Be yourself and shine like you always do.

   Regarding ideas you have: I would put them in the form of a question: " what does the company have planned for their 5 yr strategy?" Then provide your ideas based on their response. This way you can have a conversation about the business and you can make your 'plug' in a natural conversational way vs. potentially offending them on how they're doing business.

   GOOD LUCK!!

4. AnonymousMay 19,2022 at 10:30PM UTC

   Thank you, Anonymous. I'm jotting down everyone's ideas and making plans tonight. I really appreciate your suggestions and it's making me more confident for tomorrow.

5. AnonymousMay 19,2022 at 10:33PM UTC

   Just had a candidate basically beg for a position. The interview panel was a little alarmed, but most of us are aware of the situation (different department within the company) and affirmed afterwards that it really is that bad. He was the most qualified candidate and we hired him. Will have an early conversation about drama, but hopefully it will all work out well.

6. AnonymousMay 20,2022 at 1:10AM UTC

   Excellent advice. I agree that new ideas could be construed as a criticism unless candidate is asked to provide them.

7. Barb HansenMay 19,2022 at 6:13PM UTC

   You asked:

   Would it be worth bringing ideas to the table regarding how to move the company forward rather than focusing on specific job duties?

   Absolutely, bring ideas to the table in your final interview. Don't devolve all of your secrets but show them why you are the best candidate for the job.

   I once wrote a 20 page "manual" on how I would lead the team I was being hired to lead. I only presented that document during my last interview (and I was pretty sure I was going to get the job). I really needed the job and I was going to anything and everything that I needed to do.

   FYI - I'm not a fan of companies giving homework and expecting a full presentation during the interview process, but if I choose to share my ideas during the last interview (or write up a document), then that's my choice, not a forced step that I have to do through.

   You asked:

   Any advice to stand out in a final interview?

   If you haven't asked this already, ask them "What is expected of me in the first 30 to 60 days?"

   I like asking these types of questions because it is worded that "you are going to get the job" and it gets your interviewer thinking about you in the position.

   You could also write up what you would do in the first 30 / 60 days and then get their feedback on your plan. You and your interviewer can spend 10 minutes or so discussing what your first month or two will look like in the job (again, re-enforcing them thinking about you in that position)

   Good luck and let us know how it goes.

8. AnonymousMay 19,2022 at 10:29PM UTC

   Thank you, Barb! Great idea about the 30/ 60 Day plan. I'll work on that tonight and if not officially presented, I'll have concrete concepts to draw upon instead of having to come up with ideas on the spot. I appreciate your advice and best wishes!

9. Anne MatsushitaMay 19,2022 at 6:35PM UTC

   That's great, and good luck tomorrow!

   Absolutely, if you're comfortable sharing your ideas it can show your problem-solving abilities and how you take imitative.

   To stand out, you can use LinkedIn to find other people at the company in similar roles. Then see what skills and experience you have that are different. This can become your unique selling point and show how you'll add value.

10. AnonymousMay 19,2022 at 10:27PM UTC

    Thank you, Anne. I love your idea about checking LinkedIn regarding the company's other employees and to determine my selling point and how I can add value!

11. Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume WriterMay 19,2022 at 7:12PM UTC

    Congratulations! Absolutely - bring ideas, but not the specifics (they have to purchase you for that.) Even if there are inside reasons that make your ideas not feasible, they will appreciate that you gave it great thought and were interested enough to have ideas. Best wishes!

12. AnonymousMay 19,2022 at 10:26PM UTC

    Thank you, Lesa. I appreciate the best wishes and advice!

13. Anita GetzMay 19,2022 at 9:39PM UTC

    I would bring ideas to the table just not too specific or detailed. Once you have the job you can provide details. Good luck

14. AnonymousMay 19,2022 at 10:25PM UTC

    Thank you, Anita!

15. AnonymousMay 20,2022 at 1:07AM UTC

    I would read up on the senior executive so that you have a sense of who you’ll be speaking with. It sounds like you’ve already done that.

    On ideas of how to move the company forward: sure, never hurts to have one or two up your sleeve *if you are asked*, but let the senior team member bring the subject up, rather than raising it yourself. The important thing to remember: you don’t want your ideas to indicate/imply criticism of the company or its management. So make sure that anything you say is very positive.

    Most important: relax! You have been sent to this last interview because you have done exceedingly well in the prior interviews. What went especially well in the prior interviews? I would stress that content and how much you admire the company and its management based on your prior interviews.

    Congratulations! You got this!

16. Milissa JacobsMay 20,2022 at 12:37PM UTC

    You've done all of the research that you can. The only thing left would be to dig into who your final interviewer will be and after that read the room. If it looks as though they would be open to ideas, by all means, show them that you are ready to go with some suggestions on direction. Some senior officials don't want that much input in the beginning. Good luck!

17. AnonymousMay 20,2022 at 8:23PM UTC

    Don't get angst, get confident. Since the interviewer will be given you questions it is up to them what they ask. As long as you thoroughly answer the questions and it is related to problem solving, then yes that would be an excellent time to bring up some of your ideas to serve as solutions to known problems in the job role to stand out as part of your answer.

    1) Have ready to discuss at least 5 instances of problems/challenges/conflicts you previously experienced with co-workers, leaders, projects and how you resolved them

    2) Be ready to discussed how have you taken criticsm in your former roles, what did you do with the criticsm received? So explain how you took it constructively and channeled it into actionable improvements that enabled you to improve your organization

    3) How did you deal with feedback you received from leadership regarding a direction you did not agree with?

    I think you are already on the right path from what you wrote. Good Luck!

18. Joanne RosenMay 20,2022 at 9:17PM UTC

    Bring examples of your achievements in the past. SHOW them how amazing you are. Job duties are nothing. But, how your contributions added value to your last job are vital.

    That's why we put our clients through a bit of an introspective process. They realize they have super powers and can then translate into the interview.

19. IntentionGirl300650May 21,2022 at 12:43PM UTC

    I actually realized this, just putting together my updated resume for my job search. I have been providing some truly amazing value to my current role!!!

20. JJMay 21,2022 at 12:05AM UTC

    How did it go???

21. AnonymousMay 21,2022 at 1:29AM UTC

    I hope you got an offer!!!!!!

22. Michelle ChanMay 21,2022 at 12:55PM UTC

    Be curious to ask what is their plan to bring the company forward, eg: what is the company 2022 plan and how far are we? What about 2023? How can I contribute to the plan? What is the company expected out from me? What is important to the management? Anyone tried doing it this way? *bring your idea out to test water*

    It not advisable to tell the interviewer that you have an idea to support the company growth then start talking about what their company should do. Use the approach where you care and you are curious, and you would like to know more.

    It is good to ask the interviewer, whether s/he can be your coach or mentor if you get the job. Good luck

23. AnonymousMay 22,2022 at 6:56AM UTC

    Can you share how things went?

24. AnonymousMay 23,2022 at 12:51AM UTC

    Thank you all so much for the positive comments, energy and feedback!

    I was offered the job on the spot as they already checked references before the final interview. At the end day, my HR contact called and said that sadly due to unforeseen budget cuts they decided against filling the position.

    She went on to say that she couldn't disclose the reason but the company had to furlough employees this week and instituted a hiring freeze for the remainder of the year.

    I was shocked especially as I almost gave my notice but decided to do it in person feeling it would be more professional. I'd caution other FG members not tender notice until receiving the offer in writing.

    Thank you all for the positivity and support. Once I'm able to get past this, it's time to start job searching again. I need to give myself a week to get my head back in the game.

25. Cyndi RosenblattMay 23,2022 at 8:57PM UTC

    Wow, what a roller coaster! So sorry things fell apart at the last minute, but congrats on getting the nod in the first place. Still an achievement. Glad it all happened before you said anything to your current employer!

26. AnonymousMay 24,2022 at 4:13AM UTC

    Thank you, Cyndi. I'm still reeling from the ride. It took such a long time getting her and then reaching the offer high to crashing low. I'm try to gear myself up for another ride but it's been two years of this, I'm not quite up to starting again. I'm grateful I didn't say anything as the toxic company I'm working at would have been vindictive. If they knew I was preparing to leave, I might have bene out of a job.