The Essentials: Quick Reminders Before You Go!
Preparation Tips:
- Know the Company: Your HUGO team will provide details about the company, the opportunity, and your role. We recommend that you also explore the company’s website, press releases, SEC filings, LinkedIn, and Google News for up-to-date information.
- Understand the Interviewer: Familiarize yourself with the client interviewer’s profile (name, title, functional area, etc.). Use public resources such as LinkedIn or details provided by your HUGO team to learn about their career and professional interests.
- Review Your HUGO Profile: Your profile is what the client will reference, so ensure it’s up-to-date. A member of the HUGO team will send you the customized version shared with the client for this specific opportunity.
Logistics and Attire
- Bring a Notepad and Pen: Taking notes during the discussion demonstrates engagement and active listening.
- Confirm the Details: Double-check the date, time, address, directions, and parking information. Know whom to ask for when you arrive.
- Plan Ahead: Arrive at least 15 minutes early to ensure you have enough time for commuting and parking.
- Dress Professionally: Wear business attire unless otherwise directed by your Talent Advocate.
- Phone Etiquette: Turn off your phone or switch it to airplane mode for the duration of the interview.
Phone and Video Meetings
- Log In Early: For phone and video conferences, log in at least 5 minutes before the meeting to ensure there are no connectivity issues.
- Test Your Technology: If it's a video conference, confirm you have the necessary tech setup and test it in advance.
- Be Camera-Ready: Dress in professional attire as you would for an in-person meeting. Ensure your background is tidy.
- Speak Clearly: Even in a phone or video interview, convey enthusiasm and interest. Smile while speaking, and answer confidently and concisely.
- Use Notes: It’s okay to have notes in front of you. This can help you remember key examples and introduce yourself smoothly. Preparation will make you feel more confident during the discussion.
Understanding the Opportunity: Developing Your Understanding of the Role
- Approach the Interview as a Business Conversation: Treat it as a discussion about a problem the client is trying to solve, and how you can help.
- Review the Project and Role Details: Be sure to understand the scope of the project and specifics about the role, which were provided in advance.
Demonstrating Enthusiasm Through Preparation
- Prepare 3-5 Questions: Ask thoughtful questions to understand how you can add value to the role. Sample questions include:
- What skills or traits do you feel would make someone successful in this role?
- What are your immediate priorities for this role?
- Is there executive sponsorship for this project?
- What challenges does this project or role face?
- How many staff members will I manage, and how will this role be communicated to them?
- What hurdles should a consultant be prepared to overcome when starting this project?
- How does this project align with the company’s broader goals and objectives?
- Read the Situation: Ask questions at the right moments to dive deeper into the role’s specifics and show engagement. Let the client share their thoughts and ensure they can extract the needed information from the conversation.
- Be Authentic: Above all, be human. Show warmth and genuine interest throughout the interview, expressing positivity about the opportunity.
Demonstrating Confidence and Capability
Clients want to work with candidates who show excitement for the role and ca integrate seamlessly into their team. Here’s how to demonstrate your value:
- Ask Relevant Questions: Use your questions to showcase how your experience aligns with the client’s needs.
- Handle Gaps in Experience: If you're asked about a skill you don't possess, focus on transferable skills. For example:
- “Although I haven’t worked with that specific system, I’m comfortable working with a variety of ERP systems. I quickly learn new systems and have successfully picked up several in the past. For example, when I joined Company X, I quickly adapted to their system and was able to streamline their financial reporting process.”
- Behavioral Interviewing: Behavioral interviews assess past performance as a predictor of future success. Share your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to tell a compelling story:
- Situation (S): In 2014, as Program Manager at Company X, I led a portfolio of 15 projects across the enterprise, with a budget of $50M.
- Task (T): I worked closely with client executives and 10 Senior Project Managers, ensuring projects stayed aligned with company goals, managing risks, and delivering on time and within budget.
- Action (A): I facilitated collaboration across teams, tracked dependencies, and managed communication with senior leadership to ensure progress.
- Result (R): My risk assessments led to eliminating 3 projects that were not aligned with company priorities, ultimately saving the company millions and ensuring successful delivery of all remaining projects.