Darrin Grella – Interview Guru

N is for Notes, the things that will keep you organized and on track.

I had a GM of an Electronics company who was interviewing for a National Sales Manager. The GM interviewed three candidates. One candidate interview and was too cool for paper (PS: not a smart move tough guy, can I say that I told you so.), the second candidate brought a clean notepad had it on his lap during the interview and let the combination of the fluorescent light and the white paper make his face glow (it didn’t work), the third candidate that I introduced to him had a notebook, questions written in it and took notes during the interview. The GM hired the third candidate as his new National Sales Manager. The GM gave me feedback on all three candidates and said that he saw during the interview how each candidate would approach a potential client. If you were a client wouldn’t it make you feel good to have someone take notes on what you were saying?

• Be prepared with clean lined note paper: Take a note pad or a clean notebook with you. You want to look professional, so make sure your writing pad looks good. (It’s the details that matter!)
• Make sure you have something to write with: It is recommended that you bring at least two writing utensils, in case you run out of ink or your crayon breaks (FYI: if you buy a whole box of 24 crayola, the likelihood is low that you would break all of them).
• Take notes during the interview: Pre-write some questions you have about the position or the company (not comp related questions) You should take notes during the interview. Write down names, facts, and other important details about the company, the individuals you’d be working with, and the position.

It is important to note not to go overboard with detailed writing. If your nose is buried as you scribble every last word from the interviewers mouth then it could have the opposite effect. Jot short answers to your prepared questions and write one or two word reminders for you during the interview not to distract from your conversation. If you forget a notebook, don’t be shy, ask the receptionist, it is that important.

Note taking is also helpful for formulating follow up questions and courtesy followups.