Advice on interviewing
 

I've been interviewing for a few state and federal historical positions and as of yet have not received the call back. They say my resume looks great, or that my master's will help me...but then I hear nothing back. The format they seem to prefer in this discipline is a group interview, with about 6-8 historians/curators taking turns grilling you. So I'm thinking, maybe I'm not doing something right in these group interviews. Is group interview protocol different, should I shake hands with everyone entering and leaving? I may have forgot to shake everyone's hands leaving. I think I'm about 6-8 times more nervous than a one-on-one interview, and maybe that shows? I have four more positions to interview for with the National Park Service so I need to learn how to do this..any practical experience/advice?

None of us (that I know of!) are present during these interviews. What would help would be to contact some one you interviewed with for follow-up, asking if there is any other additional information they need, etc.

If they tell you they have gone with another candidate, politely ask them (in different words) what they are looking for in a candidate, what is missing/lacking in your resume, how you can improve your skills/what skills to acquire to be more attractive.

=)

my wife hires like that..(Hospital Admin)
the fact that your sitting there means your qualified for the gig..
the group thing is about..
do they like you / could they work with you..
good luck...

Rika

After a period of time has passed (say 1-2 weeks) without further contact, I would pick up the phone and ask for an update as suggested by phoenix_iii.

It is almost embarrassing to admit, but at my last company we would often end up hiring (or bringing in for an interview) the candidate who was most "front of mind" via a recent followup inquiry, a handwritten thank you note for an interview, etc.

The "thank you" note is always a good idea. One overwhelming thing to remember is that employers hire the candidate they "like" even when all factors are not exactly equal. That means a candidate has to display friendliness, be interactive, and convey a sense of wit. The sense of wit thing is the hardest to gauge in interviews.

1 - the process is slow

2 - NPS will usually hire someone who is fired up about the mission, history & role of the NPS - they are usually very strong on the service part of Govt. service

what type of positions are we talking about?

I'm going to try and stay "fresh" on their minds, and a note is a great idea. I think I've been likable but perhaps not persistent enough.

Your right about NPS being slow. These are all Park Guide positions, one opening for the Museum of Westward Expansion (underneath the St. Louis Arch) and three for the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site (also in St. Louis). This would be a great opportunity for me, so I'm hoping and praying to do everything right this time around.

Staying "fresh" is exactly the trick IMHO... you have to strike the balance between falling off the radar and being cloying.

Brian - in a thank you letter, briefly explain why you are so interested in the job

same for other in person interviews

they will not only want somebody who knows history, context of the site, etc. but also - and more importantly, is a "people person" and just loves to explain to people about the history

Good Luck!

Thanks everyone! I will try these ideas out next time

Don't know exactly what the subject discussed in these interviews is, but if you can find out something about the individual interviewer(s), their field of expertise/interest, or at least something noteworthy about the organization you can quickly turn the interview to where you are interviewing them. I did it with law firms.

For example, "Dr. Fudpucker, I seem to recall you were instrumental in pushing thru the confederate exhibition two years ago...and that it went on to be subsequently displayed at the Harlem Museum. What were the logistics with putting that cooperative effort together?" Or "I noticed three years ago the museum undertook a fund raising project to develop a display of fossilized dragonflies...how is that project developing?" I dunno...just pulled that outta my left buttcheek. But you get the idea...people get a big chub outta talking about themselves or organizational accomplishments.

In other words, start interviewing them as if you are considering whether you want to work with/for them. If nothing else it deflects the attention away from you and may curb some nervousness on your part.

Asking for feedback, after the fact, is fair game. It shows you are working toward your goal. Everyone respects that.

My number one basic, general suggestion regarding interviews (assuming you know how to shower, brush your teeth, etc., is to ASK FOR THE JOB. Almost nobody does this, and it gets attention. Tell them you really want the job.

I suspect a lot of the rationale behind multi person interviewing, and questions being fired from all directions is to see how you react under stress. I'd recommend you pace yourself and "don't try and keep up". Just keep your composure, a friendly smile, and don't be too reactive. Like the guys said, a lot of applicatants can do the job and what they want is someone who will fit in with the team. Another thought is don't be too much of a leader, not too fiesty, there is enough dogs in the pack already who want to be lead dog, they want a soldier, one of the team, to do some work.

And good luck Brian.

My organization uses group interviewing. I am conducting one this week. Yes it is a stress test but it s also a means of getting it done more quickly.

You MUST relax, make your responses thoughtfully not quickly. Speak clearly, calmly and take your time. You gt the interview because you're qualified now you need to sell yourself as the appropriate package. Talent, experience, education, personality and communication skills all in one tight cute package.;-) Good luck!

I may try that if I can get some information on who will be interviewing me. During my last interview, I mentioned a college professor one of the interviewers knew and this went a long way in breaking the ice. I may call my undergrad. advisor and see if he or any other professors have contacts with the NPS.


I definitely agree about pacing. Trying not to get nervous, or sweat, is always a little trickier for me. I'm comfortable public speaking but for whatever reason, interviews have been a little more nervewracking. Thanks for the advice.

I help a lot of pre-meds get ready for interviews. The most important thing I do with them is a practice interview. Since I've been on admission committees I know what they are looking for and the general discomfort they will be put through.

Anyway, I interview them and then critique them. It is amazing what you find will help them. Usually it is body language. Sometimes it's an overanxiousness to answer the question without thinking first.

Ask someone to do this with you. It can't hurt, and will almost certainly help.

as a NPS guide, you will face lots of "multi person interviews" - a group of tourists with questions for example


as for pre-meds, I used to advise them that one big query would be "why do you want to be a doctor?" anything re money is a bad answer... but it was clear that was the motivation for many

That's true, and I do fine giving briefings to 20-30 Navy Reservists as a reserve Intel. guy. Maybe I should relax a little and pretend the interviewers are a bunch of sailors..:) I think I may over-analyze the interview questions, thereby making myself nervous.

relax - do not confuse them with sailors!

you should get some points for being a vet also

Do not stare at any cans while interviewing.