Page 170 - Fearless Interviewing How To Win The Job By Communicating With Confidence

Sample Interviews
passed one phone interview with the director of human
resources, as well as a face-to-face interview in Houston with the
executive vice president of marketing. Now it was his chance to
shine. He believed that today, if all went well, the CEO would be
making him an offer.
Kei had flown in the night before so that he would be rest-
ed for the interview. He had gotten up early, worked out, show-
ered, and dressed in a navy suit with a red tie. He had had his
hair trimmed and a shoe shine several days before, so he was
looking crisp and professional. He climbed into his rental car,
briefcase and presentation packet in hand, and drove to the
appointed meeting place, arriving about a half hour early.
Kei was already seated at the table, but he had not yet
ordered when the CEO arrived and introduced herself. Kei
stood up to greet her and shake her hand.
“I’m Tina O’Connell,” she said. “You must be Kei.”
“Yes, Ms. O’Connell,” Kei said. “I’m pleased to meet you.”
“Please call me Tina. How was your flight?”
“Oh, a little bumpy over the Gulf, but otherwise, couldn’t
have been smoother, thanks.”
“Would you like a cocktail or something from the bar?” she
asked.
The waiter approached. “What can I start you off with this
afternoon?”
“I’ll have a glass of the Stonehouse Chardonnay,” Tina said.
“Mineral water is fine with me, thank you,” Kei responded.
[Kei knew that ordering alcohol—even over lunch when the inter-
viewer is drinking—would not be appropriate for an interview situation.
Kei waited until the CEO ordered first and then was careful to order
nothing more expensive than her choice from the menu.]
“Well, I’m glad we have this time together,” Tina offered.
“I’ve heard good reports from both Nancy and Ari about your
work. Even though our company is a multinational conglomer-
ate, I still tend to think of it kind of like a family. I always per-
sonally interview every executive from the director level on up,
so I’m glad you could make it out to Florida today.”
“I like that philosophy,” he replied. “As you may know, I
came from a small but successful company where we were just
like family. There’s nothing like trust and teamwork to build a
strong foundation for an organization.”

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