In Part 1, I covered the groundwork that I did to get me to this point of interviewing for a dream opportunity. If you missed that part of this series, check it out here.
I Forgot I Applied for The Role
“Congratulations! We reviewed your application and would like to set up an interview!”
At this time, I was also in the interview process for two other roles.
Excitedly I opened the email and quickly searched to see which role this was for.
It was a Product Marketing Manager role specifically focused on developing marketing collateral for the internal and partner sales team. Couldn’t have found a better match.
My first screening interview with the recruiter went well and I was moved to the next step.
My first round of interviews was with my soon-to-be teammates. Each conversation flowed so well. I was 100% honest (which I strongly advise). I vividly remember one of my interviewers asking me about several applications that I had never used. Although I demonstrated my willingness to learn and technical acumen, a little voice in my head said “I doubt I get advanced from here.”
Has doubt ever come up for you during an interview?
Yes 🙋🏾♀️
No, never ❌
At that time, I was obsessed with perfection and felt like anything less would result in failure (thank God for growth!) which why I felt I wouldn't make it to the last round.
To my surprise, they called me for the final interview with the hiring manager.
Feeling like I was given another shot, I started pulling out the big guns. One of my secret weapons in interviews with the hiring manager is to have the conversation as if I already have the job.
My Secret Weapon In Action
The best way to do this (and stand out) is to prepare a 30-60-90 day plan. Some may consider this old school and won’t do this, which is why it works so well. All it takes is some thought based on what you’ve learned about the position so far and the needs you have determined (this is where asking good questions is important).
You’ll take that insight and create 3 buckets of tactics that you plan to complete within your first 90 days on the job. Design a short slide deck and get ready to present it. Don’t worry about getting everything right.
Of course, you will come up with a more concrete plan once you’re hired but doing this correctly will demonstrate initiative and critical thinking. Trust me, your interviewer will be engaged and quickly move you to the top of their shortlist which is what happened for me.
But This Was The Second Offer I Received
Within 2 weeks, I received an offer for the Product Marketing Manager role but my interview system had worked so well for me that I also had another offer from this same dream company in sales…
Continue to part 3 for how I ended up choosing from two great opportunities with one organization
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