Tricks to Juggling Multiple Job Interviews
Posted September 23, 2013 & filed under Interviewing
Taking on multiple job interviews in a short period of time can often make us feel like we are juggling flaming chainsaws on a tight rope strung across a deep chasm. One interview can be intimidating, but preparing for many at the same time is downright daunting. But there is a certain balance that can be struck to keep us from falling off course. First, remember that you are lucky to have multiple interviews. From there, follow these tips to make the most of them.
Get organized
Staying organized is the single most important factor in keeping up with a schedule filled with multiple job interviews. There is nothing worse than mixing up the values, goals, or procedures of companies while in the midst of an interview. Worst of all, you could call a hiring manager by the wrong name.
It is important to get yourself organized with details that pertain to each company. Keep interview times, locations, and names of hiring managers in excel files, and store all of your research on companies in word files that you can review the night before. Have your talking points lined up so you know what you want to say before you get into each individual interview.
Focus on one job at a time
There is no sense worrying about the interview you have with company B while in the interview with company A, so keep your head in the game and concentrate on one job at a time. If one of your interviews goes poorly, just stay focused and move onto the next. Set aside some time to mull over how the interview went. Learn from your mistakes rather than harping on them.
Don’t get lazy
You have multiple job interview lined up with different companies, so make sure you are prepared for each and every one of them. Failing to customize your interview plans it the equivalent of sending out stock resumes. Don’t go into each interview with the same game plan as the one before. Have personalized things to say about each company that highlights what you can do to help them reach their goals.
If you are asked about your other interviews
There is no reason to announce unsolicited that you have other interviews but be prepared to answer if the question comes up. You want to handle it with tact. Do not make it seem like you have multiple interviews lined up and it’s no big deal. This may make it seem like you are not fully interested in the company. You also don’t want to appear like you are playing both companies for a better deal. If it comes up, keep your answer short and vague. A simple, “Yes, I have been on another interview” or “Yes, I do have another interview set up” will suffice. Do not reveal company names or whether or not you have received another job offer.
By Kevin Withers
