Two interviews within two hours tomorrow.

Anonymous

July 7,2022 at 5:39PM UTC

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Two interviews within two hours tomorrow. While I'm excited about the opportunities, they are for different fields and levels.

I've been preparing but I'm worried that I'll confuse the requirements during the interviews. There are so many components for each job that I've made a list to review before each interview. Does anyone have any advice regarding what worked for them?

The first interview is on Teams but the second is in person. This is my first time I've had back-to-back interviews. I'd appreciate your advice as I'm trying to mentally prepare as well.

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Audrey KirschJuly 7,2022 at 6:02PM UTC
There’s nothing wrong with having notes with you. They could include questions that you want to remember to ask. For the interview on Teams you can post notes at eye level out of camera range if you think you’ll need them. I find that if I write down a list, I usually don’t need it. Somehow writing things down helps them stick in my brain.
AmyJuly 7,2022 at 6:23PM UTC
exactly what I was going to suggest. Bringing notes with you shows your effort and enthusiasm for the position.
AnonymousJuly 7,2022 at 6:33PM UTC
Since both are different in field and level, I'm sure you'll do just fine keeping the two separate.
Your notes will serve you well.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJuly 7,2022 at 6:58PM UTC
You're going to be talking about you and you're already the Subject Matter Expert on that.
You've got this! GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Julie HumbirdJuly 7,2022 at 7:02PM UTC
I did this in February. Make sure you have a beverage. I wasn't used to talking nonstop for 2 hours. Good Luck!
Cyndi RosenblattJuly 7,2022 at 7:44PM UTC
Definitely have your notes with you. I would look favorably on a candidate who demonstrated note-taking behavior because that's almost a requirement in my field (at least for newer employees).
Kristie WhiteJuly 7,2022 at 8:02PM UTC
Frankly, I think you are doing a great job! You are thinking ahead, writing down notes, and mentally preparing yourself. I would also suggest practicing out loud as though you are in the interview. Role play out loud to hear your own voice and get used to the answer. Also speaking it out loud will make it easier to remember.
As for keeping the two interviews apart, since the first one is on Teams, I would rely on your notes more than your memory. This will free your memory to concentrate on the in-person. I also agree that having notes shows the interviewer that you are serious, prepared and more engaged about the process - so don't hesitate to use your notes in the in-person interview as well. Don't hide it! Last, if you mix the two up, when you realize it simply say "Oh! I'm sorry. I have two employers interviewing me today and my skills and experience apply to each position a little differently. Please let me answer your question again." It never hurts for the interviewer to know there is competition.
Barb HansenJuly 7,2022 at 8:29PM UTC
It sounds like you've got a good plan. You've made a list to review before each interview.
My advice is to arrive at your in-person interview early. You don't have to walk into the building/office early, but you should arrive to the location early. Grab your favorite coffee/drink at the closest coffee shop (or stop on your way). Spend 10 or 20 minutes at the coffee shop or in your car (if you've driven to the interview) listening to your favorite music or podcast or whatever you need to do to relax before you head into the office for your interview.
Breathe.
And then go knock their socks off! :)
AnonymousJuly 7,2022 at 9:30PM UTC
I appreciated everyone's advice and feel a lot calmer about tomorrow! Getting to the location early, having a drink and listening to music is a great idea! Music both energizes and relaxes me so that's a good mindset in preparation for the interview.
I'm spending tonight putting notes together and will have them to review before and a few for during the interviews along with my list of questions. Thank you again and I'm nervously excited about tomorrow!
AnonymousJuly 8,2022 at 1:45PM UTC
Prepare by researching the employer and position but after that, just be confident in knowing you will try your best and give it your all but not everything can be done perfectly or is necessarily within your control in this life. Good luck!
AnonymousJuly 8,2022 at 6:19PM UTC
Know the jobs responsibilities and be prepared to give plenty examples of how your skills and experience can help exceed those companies expectations. Provide several examples to describe how you saved the day to stand out. Go in with confidence and with a positive attitude. Positivity is infectious. You got this good luck!
AnonymousJuly 8,2022 at 9:25PM UTC
How did your interviews go??
AnonymousJuly 8,2022 at 9:30PM UTC
Thank you all! The interviews went well and I felt prepared to handle whatever was asked. The lists and coming up with answers to possible questions helped. One of the companies thanked me for researching the organization after I used examples based on what I learned as examples. I know there are still multiple rounds but I gave the interviews my all. I value this group for always be there to offer advice and best wishes! Have a wonderful weekend!
Patricia BraswellJuly 22,2022 at 11:52PM UTC
So proud of you for knocking both out the box!