By Mitch Rupert, Communications Manager for Tyler Bloom Consulting
During a summer afternoon in one of my first few months of doing this job, I had a Zoom interview scheduled with a candidate for an entry-level golf course maintenance position. When the gentleman signed into the Zoom meeting, he was eager, personable and downright happy. He was also on site at his current construction job, which was not a problem.
He took the time to excuse himself and said he was walking to find a quiet spot where he would better be able to hear and answer my questions. Color me surprised when the place he went to was an on-site port-a-potty. The candidate propped his phone up on something inside the portable bathroom and proceeded to have a quality conversation about his experiences on the golf course and what he’s looking for from his next job.
It was a great conversation, and the candidate was qualified for the position even if he wasn’t hired. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about that interview and have discussed it many times with colleagues. From my point of view, I applaud the ingenuity to find somewhere quiet where you can partake in an interview without being interrupted. On the flip side of that, a car would have been a much better place to present yourself in a more professional manner.
Remember, an interview is all about presenting yourself in the best possible light to your potential employer to make them want to bring you on to their team. And as an interviewer, I want you to present yourself in the best possible manner. Taking care of all the smaller aspects of the interview process can be what differentiates you from other candidates.
Below are five tips to presenting yourself in the best possible light in an interview setting. In future iterations of this blog, we’re going to further break down each particular point into more finite points to really help you stand out in your next interview.
- DO YOUR HOMEWORK
When a company reaches out to set up an interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the interview process, primarily how long it will take so you can schedule appropriately without being rushed, and who will be conducting the interview. But also study the club, its management team, and the job description so you can come to the interview with questions you may have about the position. While questions aren’t a necessity, it shows you’ve taken initiative. It shows you truly understand the position you’re getting into. And it also allows you to truly examine the club, its structure, and its benefits to see if it is really what you’re looking for. Don’t forget, just because you’re interviewing for the position doesn’t mean you can’t also interview the club to make sure you’re all on the same page.
- BE THOROUGH, YET CONCISE WITH ANSWERS
There is a happy medium to being long-winded and too short with your answers when it comes to interview questions. The struggle is often finding that happy medium. So start here, don’t feel that you have to answer every last detail of the question which is asked. Give the key points. Asked about your irrigation experience? Discuss the kinds of systems you’ve operated and repaired, your responsibilities in daily service and maintenance, and any installation work you’ve participated in. That’s the general information your interviewer is looking for, and if they’re interested in something more specific, they’ll ask a follow-up question to further dig into the details. But the longer you drone on and on about a particular topic, the more likely you’re only hurting yourself because there’s a good chance your interviewer’s mind has begun to wander to the next question. So make your point, make it quickly, and be prepared to follow up or move on.
- SIT STILL
With more and more interviews going virtual through Zoom, Google Meet, or something else of that ilk, I find more and more people using their phones or tablets to use those programs. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. But the number of people who walk around while holding their phone or their tablet while conducting the interview is much more than I would ever have expected. Find a quiet place to sit down, one where you’re going to be able to hear clearly and your interviewer is going to be able to hear you without distraction. I couldn’t care less if your dog or cat walks into the shot — in fact, I rather enjoy that — but the key is sitting in one place so the person on the other end of the call doesn’t feel like they’re on the teacups at Disney World.
- TEST YOUR SOFTWARE BEFORE YOUR INTERVIEW TIME
Touching on the last point, with more and more interviews going virtual, it’s so important to test out your equipment and your software before you sit down for the actual interview. If you are someone who may be a little technologically uncomfortable, this is so much more important. Get yourself familiar with the controls of the program, knowing how to turn on your camera and your microphone. A lot of times, if it’s your first time using a program, you’ll have to give permissions to allow your device to access the camera and microphone. And, if you’ve used the program in the past but it’s been a while since you have, you’re likely going to have to update the software, which could take up to 10 minutes or so depending on the device and your internet connection. So make sure all your technological ducks are in a row before signing in.
- IT’S OK TO BE EAGER
When it comes down to the time to select a person for a position, oftentimes there will be multiple candidates with very similar skill sets who are also cultural fits. It’s the little things that then matter. One of those things is who is really eager to take on the position? I absolutely love it when candidates show enthusiasm for the position, either through their research on the facility, or by flat out saying ‘This is a job I very much want.’ A Superintendent can teach the finer points of the job that you may have not yet learned. He can not teach you to be eager about the work you’re doing. That is something which has to come from within, and it’s something you have to show. I see too many people act borderline aloof in their initial interview because they’ve either been through this process before, or they feel like it’s a given they’ll get the position. It’s hard for me to go to bat for you if you can’t find the energy to be excited about a position. So tell the interviewer it’s a job you want. Follow up with them post-interview and explain again how important the position is to you. It might be that little edge which separates you from another candidate.
If you’re in need of further insight and best practices, set up a FREE Talent Strategy Call with our team.
About The Author
Mitch Rupert joined our firm in July 2021. He facilitates candidate communication, interviews and due diligence reports. In addition, Mitch assists with outreach and digital content. Mitch boasts an impressive tenure of over two decades in sports journalism. His dedication, detailed orientation, and passion for helping others has been instrumental in TBC’s exponential growth over the past two years. Mitch also nurtures and maintains strong relationships with candidates, and is a resource to improve your interviewing skill set.
Are you ready to build a top-performing team that drives results? Our proven framework, methodologies, and implementation is based on our personal track record of developing world-class teams. In addition to talent acquisition, we provide leadership development and ongoing consultative services for the golf course and club industry. Our team has personally coached and mentored dozens of future golf course superintendents across the United States.