Originally Posted by 97prizm
Hi all,
Hopefully some experienced members can chime in. I have two big interviews on this coming Monday. One is a secondary interview i.e. face to face for executive manager trainee with the HR director and a regional manager for Napa Auto parts. The second later on in the day is for Store manager for Avis/Budget car rental. The regional director called me up and wants me to sit down with him. Other than looking up company history and statistics What can i do to really be prepared? Both jobs are a huge step up from where I'm at now meaning pay and management. How have people here demonstrated that THEY are THE person for the job? All help appreciated.
NAPA: Go to a local NAPA retail store, and ask to speak to whoever is the highest ranking staffer at that location. Tell him you need a favor: you are interviewing for a job and just pick his brain for 5-10 minutes, or however long they will put up with you. Take notes, record his name, date and time. Ask him-her what their greatest challenge is, some secrets to their success etc. Offer to take them to lunch, on your dime, and continue to ask for background info. I cannot guide you to other questions, but what you are trying to do is just gather info. When the time comes in the actual interview where they ask "any further questions", or "what do you know about the company?", or any opportunity before you leave, mention your visit and your information gathering. If your role has some sort of sales responsibility then try to formulate ONE idea to improve sales, or reduce returns, or improve customer service, or whatever you think will make either your potential boss or the interview panel look good to their boss. I.E. your trying to demonstrate your knowledge, your initiative, and ability to work in a team and make them look good, without coming across as too much of a butt kisser. When they ask you for the name of the person you spoke with, or store location, say "I would rather not say at this time as I want to protect my source". But have that info in your notes. [censored], buy something really cheap and get the receipt, then redact the store info and show the panel your receipt for proof. If you can do the same at a competitor that would be even better. -- You are trying to demonstrate initiative and knowledge gathering methods --. The actual knowledge , insight or whatever is not as critical as the fact you actually did the legwork. And try to be prepared to convey this entire idea in 60-120 seconds.
Avis - I think the above probably is true for this line of work as well
Interview- get with somebody and rehearse the interview. And I love what Linctex said: confidence but not arrogance. I am going to send you a PM as well.