Don't "fall back" in an interview

Quite often employers desire to interview multiple candidates before making a final decision on a new hire.  We could have a healthy debate regarding what the magic number is for number of candidates interviewed before a decision is made, but that is a blog topic for another day.  For today I will focus on a few helpful tips to stay ahead of the infamous curve in relation to other candidates in the pipeline that are vying for the same position.

I thought I would also add in a friendly reminder to turn your clocks back this weekend for the end of daylight savings.  Yet another debate for another day - do you like the additional darkness for sleeping in the cool fall weather or do you pine for the days of early summer when the birds start chirping at 4:30 am to wake you up?

Here are a few things I have learned over time to ensure you stay near the front of the pack when multiple candidates are being interviewed for the same position.

1)  Stay flexible on timing.  One of the key mistakes I see people make when vying for the top spot in an interview is to push the pace too much.  Unless you are truly interviewing with another firm that might make a decision in a matter of days, don't press too hard on timing.  Especially if the employer has made it clear they are not in a hurry and want to see multiple interviews through to the end.  Often the plan will backfire and an employer will wish a candidate well if they say they have other opportunities that are moving more quickly.  Employers want to move forward at a comfortable pace and on their own terms most times.  If they really think you are the perfect candidate, they'll move more quickly on their own.

2)  Be yourself.  Far too often I see candidates get wrapped up in comparing themselves to what they believe the other candidates bring to the table.  Instead compare yourself to what the job entails and what the employer is truly looking for.  If you end up not being what the employer was looking for, you likely wouldn't want the job anyway.  Then you would have to continue being someone you are not, and that will not end well for anyone.

3)  Ask lots of questions.  Similar to just being yourself, really dig into what the ideal profile of a candidate looks like.  Not only will it shed light on whether or not you possess the skill set to do the job, it will help you find out if you even want the job in the first place.  I even do this with newer clients that want to work with Capstone.  If their agenda and hiring practices do not align with our practices, we likely aren't going to be a good partner for their search.

4)  Be prompt and professional with follow up communication.  Most people do not have a problem with being prompt.  But more than you might imagine struggle with being professional.  One of the biggest complaints I get from candidates after an interview is a lack of feedback or follow up.  Regardless of whether you like it or not, that is commonplace.  You have one of two choices when this happens - 1) deal with it and move on OR 2) complain to anyone that will listen and DEMAND more feedback.  I can tell you already what kind of feedback you'll receive if you choose to travel down this path.......

What else have you seen work in a situation where multiple candidates are being interviewed for the same job?  Have you ever done something unusual or unique to "stay ahead" of the pack?