As a follow-up to Monday’s post on writing a resume with your missions experience, we figured we’d also tackle the matter of the job interview.
Nobody likes interviewing for a job. It’s nerve-wracking, and too often it feels like you have to brag or sell yourself like a product. On top of that, many missionaries who have been on the field for several years feel like they’ve been out of the game for too long, and don’t know what recruiters or interviewers may expect. If this describes you, please know that you’re not alone.
Before we get into our list, I want to reassure you of two things. First, that if you’ve got to this stage, it means that you’ve already beat out a lot of other people. Recruiters usually get dozens or even hundreds of applications for open jobs, and will usually only interview about a dozen candidates. If they’ve agreed to interview you, you already have a real shot at being offered the job.
Second, I want you to know that you are qualified. If you’ve done your research into the job and any part of it looks like something you’ve done in the past, then you can do it now. The fact that you haven’t done exactly what they’re describing doesn’t disqualify you from the position. You have honed your skills on the field in myriad ways, and this interview is your opportunity to show how your past experience equips you to do this job with gusto.
Again, thanks to my job-hunting mentor, Emily Jones, for teaching me all of this a while back. OK folks, here we go: Life After Missions’ list of ways to ace an interview.
1: Do the legwork and follow-up beforehand.
Before you even get the interview, in fact about a week after turning in your application, resume, and cover letter, give the place a call and ask if they’ve received your materials. I’ve made the mistake of waiting too long here and missing the boat; I’ve also called way too early when they were still accepting new applicants. I’ve found that a week is a good time period for follow-up. A simple phone call will do, and if you don’t get them in person, leave a voice mail and let it go for now. The ball is in their court.
2: Make sure you’ve done your homework.
When you research the company, bringing smart questions to the interview, you show the recruiter that you care about the position and that you have completed your due diligence beforehand. It’s also important to bring a printed copy of your resume and cover letter with you. Simply put, this makes you appear competent and intelligent. You never want to be caught asking, “So what do you guys do?”
3: Don’t get lost, and come early.
If your sense of direction only works in the Southern Hemisphere, then it might be a good idea to drive to the place the day before the interview so you know where it is. Show up 20 minutes early, but don’t go inside yet. Stay in your car for 10, say a prayer, and read a few Bible verses to calm your nerves and give you some God-infused confidence.
4: Keep your chin up.
I once had to lend a pair of black pants to a friend in South Africa because their team was meeting the king of the Zulu nation. We missionaries tend to be fairly casual folks, but for the interview, you’ll want to dress to impress. Please don’t wear anything too trendy or informal, but you don’t need to wear a gown or a tuxedo either. Simple, professional business attire that fits well will do. I highly recommend a tie for men; for ladies, a business skirt or pantsuit. Also, make sure to keep good eye contact, and always let them see your hands (this is a brain-based technique; it actually allows the other person to trust you on a neurological level, and also works well in evangelistic situations).
5: Take notes.
Even if you know you’ll never look at them again, just do it. Write down any key points, and their answers to your questions. It shows that you’re interested in what the person has to say, and want to record it accurately. You can also use these notes to prepare for a second interview, if they plan on doing multiple rounds (which most companies do).
6: Be ready with your best success stories.
We also covered this in the previous post with the resume. They want to know about your proudest moments. This is your chance to show them how you took a difficult situation and used your amazing skills and personality to overcome it. How many wells did you dig? How did you manage that conflict within your outreach team? How did you meet your ministry goals? This is your time to shine, and it’s one of very few occasions where you’re encouraged to play-up how much your involvement made it work.
7: Be curious.
Have at least 5 questions ready. You don’t need to ask all of them, but judge how the interview is going and choose two or three to ask when given the opportunity. Remember, an interview’s purpose isn’t only to convince the company to hire you, but to find our if you’re a good fit for the company. Ask questions about work/life balance, about company culture, or specific, informed questions about how they do what they do. One thing I always like to ask is what the interviewer likes best about working for the company. This usually catches them by surprise, which is always a little fun.
As a point of etiquette, at this point it’s best not to ask about salary or benefits. Let the interviewer bring it up. If they don’t, you can save that element for the negotiation process when a job offer is presented.
8: Give them ample opportunity to talk about themselves.
What did we learn in evangelism class? “God gave you two ears and one mouth, so listen twice as much as you speak.” When we listen to a person telling us what’s on their mind, or what they’re proud of, or what they’re up to, we’re showing interest in them, and for some odd reason people like that. Allowing an interviewer to feel appreciated by our listening ingrains a sense of trust, and allows us to make more specific observations and statements–again, making us appear smarter.
9: Be yourself.
The biggest mistake I ever made during an interview was pretending to enjoy sales. The interviewers asked if I could see myself working long hours for the company making high sales goals, and if I could envision myself working for them five years out. I was eager to please, so of course I said yes. And I got the job–but it was a horrible fit. I hated working 12 hours a day selling a product I didn’t care about. And deep down I never intended to stay for five years. While I had convinced myself during the hiring process that I could be OK with doing those things (I still don’t consider myself to have lied at the time), I know now that I was fooling myself.
During the interview, don’t try to bend yourself into the shape you think they want you to be. Instead, be yourself. If you fit, then great. If not, that’s all right. It wasn’t the right job for you. God has still qualified you for something better, and He’s faithful and just to provide for all of your needs.
10: Say Thank-you.
A day or two after the interview, send a note (via snail mail) to your interviewer saying thanks. Use their name. Everyone tells job-seekers to do this, and 90% of them totally ignore it. See if you can get your interviewer accidentally quote Jesus by saying, “Did we not interview ten candidates? Where are the other nine?”
So how about you? Are you looking for work right now? Do you face discouragement, or do you still need some advice? We’d love to hear from you; leave a comment so we can see how we can help, and join with you in prayer.
Life After Missions 