Forum - Ask the Hiring Manager

QUESTION:

Dear Mr. Krueger,

I bought your book last summer after reading sample chapters off the Internet. I really feel like I've learned a lot and consider it the best investment I could have made as a graduating senior!

The reason I'm writing is to ask a question that I can't seem to find the answer to. I was recently asked to a second interview/office visit for a company that I'm very interested in. After talking with the recruiter, I discovered the general format of the visit. It sounds like I'll be interviewing with several people, get a tour of the building, and attend a group lunch with many H.R. people and company execs. I was told to be prepared to say "why you're here" and tell about something "you'd like to do in the future." He said the answers to these two questions will be heavily scrutinized by the H.R. people. He warned me not to get too creative or try to be overly witty.

Also, what is the best way to find out what is considered a "competitive" starting salary for companies that are hiring for corporate executive trainee/associate positions? Everyone says that they are "competitve," but I have no way of knowing what that is! When they are hiring 14-25 people for a "class," does everyone get the same offer? (Assuming everyone has the same level of higher education).

As you can imagine, I'm quite nervous and do not want to mess anything up! Please give me your suggestions if you have the time! Thank you!

From: Courtney Brandl, Senior at Texas A&M University--Marketing/Retail Studies Major


ANSWER FROM BRIAN KRUEGER:

Hi Courtney -

Thanks for your kind comments on my book. Regarding your questions, we have a similar (although not as comprehensive or formal) site visit format at our company. You may meet several people during the day in addition to those you are interviewing with directly. When introduced to one of these managers for this "two minute interview drill" I will give a 20-second introduction followed by a manager question that usually asks both about current experience and what you would like to do in the future. As with the company you are interviewing with, we are looking for crisp, professional answers. Regarding the question about "why you are here," I would stick with the Thirty Second Elevator Pitch technique (p.97) along with relating it forward to how it applies directly to the position for which you are interviewing. Regarding the question about what you want to do in the future, you have an opportunity to show your level of knowledge about the company by commenting on specifics of the trainee/associate program--do your homework on the company and the position in order to reflect back some of this info in this statement. It will show that your future plans are in alignment with what the company has to offer.

I would highly recommend trying to find an individual on the inside of the company. Ideally, if there is someone who recently graduated from A&M who works there, this would be your best contact. Check with both your Career Placement office and your Alumni Affairs office to try to track them down. As a backup strategy, you can even ask your company contact for the name of any recent A&M grads who work at the company. Call this person and ask questions both in prep for your site interview and your starting salary questions. Your Career Placement office should be able to give you a range for the type of position you are considering, but any recent grad who now works at the company should be able to target a fairly tight range for you.

Do well on your interview. And please remember to overprepare for the final interview. Read everything about the company you can get your hands on. Be ready for the unexpected and your confidence for the interview will be much higher.

Let me know how things go for you.

Brian Krueger
Author of College Grad Job Hunter

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