Don’t make these common mistakes during your next on-site interview!

Congratulations! You’ve made it through the difficult screening and selection phase. Your materials were impressive enough to standout from the dozens of other candidates who applied for the role.

You dazzled the Placement Agent during your phone interviews and supplied glowing references.

You made a connection with the client themselves during your direct phone or video interviews. 

This is it, the key moment all the previous steps have been preparing you for. What happens next will be the difference between being offered a dream job or experiencing the nightmare of rejection or even worse, the acceptance of a horrible fit. 

We are talking, of course, about the all-important on-site interview.

The on-site interview is, in my view, one of the most important steps in the hiring process for both the potential employer and employee. Even more so if on-site housing is provided. Having the ability to physically see the state of the property as well as experience the culture and formality of the home and staff is a must for a Private Service professional. Spending time with the principal in their comfort zone gives a glimpse into their lifestyle and expectations. Remember, you are also there to make sure this is the right position for you! Accepting the wrong role can be even worse than staying unemployed. 

Avoid these common mistakes to make sure you are making the best impression and getting the most out of your on-site interview.

• Lack of research/preparation:
  By now, you should know who the prospective employer. You should know more about the position, the property, the location, etc. Now is the time to put in more work to make sure you are fully prepared for your visit. Spend some time researching the area (especially if you may be relocating for the role). Who makes the best baked goods in town? What is the go-to restaurant for locals? What does your commute look like (if housing isn’t being provided)? Who are some of the local vendors that you might need to use in the future? Was there a key feature of the position that was discussed in your interview that you can learn more about? 

   

  What information can you find on your prospective principal? Be careful here, the internet isn’t always the best source of truthful information. You don’t have to (and probably won’t) divulge much of what you have learned but having as much information available will help you respond to anything that is thrown at you during the visit. 

• Lack of rest: 
  It’s easy to underestimate how draining a full day (or extended weekend) interview can be. You may be on your feet for the whole day, touring a large house, property, secondary locations, etc. At the same time, you will be mentally drained from being interviewed, taking in as much information as you can, and of course being the best version of yourself as you can. Make sure to prioritize getting a proper amount of rest leading into the interview. If you are travelling for the interview, see if you can arrive a day or two early to explore the area. Not only will you be well rested, you will have developed a comfort level in the area that will bleed through to the interview.

   

• Letting the potential employer drive the conversation:
  Yes, you are there for an interview, but you are also there to display your skillset and personality (and to evaluate the role for yourself!) It should be a conversation, not a one-sided interview. Ask good questions, make suggestions (use some of that research you did earlier), and look for spots where you can display your expertise. You are there to find out what they want done and show that you can do it.Are you seeing potential red flags or concerns? If appropriate, share them with the employer in a respectful manner. It’s important that you feel comfortable in the role and equally important that they are giving an opportunity to address the concern. 

   

   

• Forgetting to take notes: 
  an on-site interview is a long process. There will be a lot of information thrown at you. New names, new locations, etc. Taking notes will help keep you organized. It shows the employer that you are detail oriented and serious about the position. Make sure to ask if it’s ok before you start taking notes, especially if you are using a device like a smartphone or tablet!
• Don’t be afraid to jump in and help:
  You are there to display your skills and what you would bring to the role. If you see an opportunity to be of service, don’t let it pass you by.

I was working with a Private Ranch who brought out a candidate for their open Ranch Manager role. He had impressed on the phone and on paper. He thought the visit went great but the client decided to pass on him. When I asked why, they explained that when they arrived in their private jet, he held back and let other staff members unpack their bags. They were looking for a hands-on Manager that was willing to do anything needed and they felt like he passed on an opportunity to show this. 

• Clarify the next steps:
  It’s easy to leave an on-site interview without knowing what is going to happen next. Don’t let this happen to you! At the end of your visit, ask what the next steps will be, what the anticipated timeline is, and offer to provide any additional information they may need to make their decision.

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