It’s easy to understand the anxiety and pressure involved in landing your next job. There are some potential missteps in the interview process, however, for which there are simply no excuses. Thus, a few tips:
Be on time! If you’re running late, let the company and/or your recruiter know as soon as possible. Your punctuality says a lot about you and can ruin an interview from the start. Be prepared for traffic around the venue, security check-ins if needed, and other situations that could come up.
Practice for your interview. Prepare for the simple questions you know will be asked. There are common interview questions that you can easily formulate answers for. Be prepared to share your successes, whether managing a large staff, the number of events you have run, any venue or facility-specific certifications, major capital projects or renovations. Remember to sell yourself!
Think positive. When preparing for an interview, it’s common to feel nervous. Do extensive research on the company and the interviewer(s) beforehand. Everyone has achieved their level of success through an interview and they have been through it all. Don’t let the size and scope of a venue, stadium, arena and company get in your head.
Finally, and some may argue the most important, always follow up with a thank you note after an interview. A simple gesture can go a long way and be the make-or-break in the decision process. Be patient with the process, as there are undoubtedly other applicants in the mix, but take the opportunity to stay top of mind with a small note after your interview.