When most people think of the job search, they think of updating their resumes, writing cover letters, preparing answers to interview questions, sending thank yous, etc. But, doing all this means you are only meeting expectations, and maybe doing just a little more than other candidates. To really set yourself apart, you gotta go above and beyond. One way to do it is to prove you are smart and engaged during the interview by researching before it and taking notes during it.
Almost always, employers will ask one of these questions: “What do you know about the company?” or “Why do you want to work here?” The worst thing to do is give a vague answer, BS it, or say “I don’t know.” You may want to work there because you heard they pay well or they have a good reputation. But anyone can tell them this. What can you do to show that you really know this company? Before the interview, Google them, go to their website, visit their Twitter page, check out their Facebook profile, and read any articles written about them. Know the name of the CEO, know when they were founded, know their “about” section by heart, know the job description by heart, etc.
How are you supposed to memorize all this? You don’t have to. In the leather portfolio or folder you bring to the interview (you better have one!), there should be a notepad built in or you should at least have a few loose-leaf papers in it. This is your cheat sheet! While researching the company in the week or so leading up to the interview, take notes in your portfolio and list some major questions that came to mind regarding the job/company. Is there anything you want answered during the interview?
Once you are in the interview, don’t forget to take more notes! This shows that you are engaged, it’ll make you look smart, and then when you get home, you’ll remember what hours the position requires, what the benefits are, what the details of the job duties are, etc.
Trust me—memorized or not—you’ll forget the details about the company and questions you have for them in the heat of the moment, especially if you are applying to dozens of jobs. Don’t get them mixed up! Know the company inside and out. Who knows, you might find out some juicy info that will make you cross the company off your list!
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If anyone can relate to where you're at in your career, it's Nicole Crimaldi: Nicole spent 5 years in corporate America, switched career paths, worked at a start-up, survived a layoff and is now self-employed. Nicole believes that career satisfaction is a huge part of overall happiness. Therefore, she started Ms. Career Girl to help other women get off the treadmill and onto a more fulfilling path.
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
Great blog…I never thought it was okay to take in notes on the interview! I’m always driving the day of saying, “Okay…22 years in business, CEO is…..” memorizing crazy facts and general specialties of the agency and then when I get there, none of the info I memorized even seems useful. Thanks for the post
I’m glad you liked it! =) Check out my blog for more random job search tips.
I am actually going to take your word for it, Ms. Career Girl. I want to be “that” girl.
We both graduated from UCSB. Go Gauchos!
Wait a minute I know you! You were friends with my roomate John Karlo. I even have pics of us partying together in my apartment. What a small world!
Ahhh!! so crazy!
What a great post and reminder!
I LOVE taking notes and you know what, I’m good at taking notes because of college. Many of the skills we learn in college should carry over into life and even if we don’t appreciate it (or do a good job of it) in college, there’s a lot to bring into your future.
I like taking notes in pretty notebooks that reflect my personality and make me happy to be writing the notes and ideas – I use them personally and professionally. Also, the pen is very important
Yes. College gives you a more well-rounded outlook on life and the ability to hold very deep, intellectual conversations, even if you don’t use your degree directly in your career path. I love pretty notebooks too! Barnes N Noble has awesome ones.
I agree – taking notes has been imperative for me when interviewing for jobs. Not only so I can remember the details, but also becomes it calms me down. Often I find myself getting flustered in job interviews, especially when I question comes up that I wasn’t expecting. In order to avoid the generic, make-stuff-up answer, I write the question down, which gives me a few extra seconds to mull it over and get a handle on the adrenaline rush I just experienced
Two thoughts about note taking in an interview. First know your audience. Some companies, mine included, do not like any type of notes being taken, however discreet. But it is good to have a pad and pen handy anyway. Go figure.
Another good way of making sure your small note taking is proper is to ask the interview, do you mind if I jot that down? Then take a look at the response. Non verbal.
The rules change with every company, and these days, every month. Just saying.
Suzy, What type of company do you work for? What industry? I never considered it being a turn off to an interviewer, but I could see it being negative if the person had their head down and was starting at the notepad the whole time. I think a few glances down at the paper to take important notes shows sophistication, but also that you are taking control of the situation/know what you want.
THIS. As an interviewer for a workforce development nonprofit, I see countless people come into interviews knowing little about the organization, and finishing the interview session with no questions. This tells me they don’t want to learn about the organization- we’ll have to incentivize teaching them (with the hope of a job, or with hourly wage). Occasionally, candidates will have questions that they come up with on the spot- but let’s be honest, it’s a job interview, you’re nervous and not going to be at your most insightful. Notes show that you walked into the interview with preparation and are conscientious about doing it right- exactly the kind of attitude we want in our program.
Of those who show me they want to learn, but are already intelligent and insightful, nobody has gone into entry-level work; this type of candidate gets placed somewhere that will advance them much more quickly, and usually with a higher starting pay.
It’s nice to hear that confirmation from a hiring manager! I guess my college professor taught me well.
Great post! Notetaking during an interview definitely shows that the candidate is interested. It’s like saying out loud, “what you have to say is important, so I’m writing it down to help me remember”. Not only does it show that you’re paying attention, but it also can be used as a resource for the person being interviewed. Write down some of the key points you want to cover in the interview, as well as questions to ask the interviewer.
When the interview comes to a close and the dreaded “do you have any questions for me” question is asked, you’ll be prepared!
Thanks for covering this topic! You might be interested in my blog as well (I have Ms. Career Girl on my blogroll): Campus to Career: http://campustocareer.wordpress.com. Would love to know what you think!
Kirk,
I’m glad you agree! Your blog is on the same template as mine! lol It looks nice. I like how you use random, catchy pictures that somehow connect to the topic. That’s how I do it. Do you ever guest post? I just added a “guest posts” page where I can list posts like the one above. Nice incentive to guest posting (which I highly recommend). =)