On Thursday March 23rd at 4:45 pm Mountain Standard Time I started what is likely my last spring break ever.  The day leading up to beginning a week of skiing, fishing, and relaxing started with two events: my first job interview (more on that in a second) and the last test of my MBA!  It feels good to have tests out of the way and have that first interview finally done.

We are spending a few day skiing and fishing over this first weekend, visiting Aspen for first time (like the Salmon of Capistrano), and just enjoying Boulder and the amazing place in which we live.

Onto the interview:

I have started finally applying in earnest to jobs.  After quite a lot of soul searching the choice has been made that we want to stay in Boulder/Denver.  It feels good to at least have that nailed down.  Applying is always frustrating and the worry of if I will get a callback or not is something I work really hard to push out of my mind.  So, when I did get a call for an interview it was a relief.  

The position is for a tech/finance company with an office here in Boulder (disclaimer: I am going to keep all companies and people confidential in posts so if I am vague with details that is why). 

The role is a project/program manager position that also seems to have a certain "consulting" flavor to it in that the person hired will work directly with customers and help them with their business goals.  

The interview itself was on the phone with one of the hiring managers who is also a program manager.  Prior to the interview I researched the position, the individual I would be interviewing with, and the company.  Since it was a phone interview I also had the luxury of pre-writing some answers to questions I knew I would get (why this role/company, where do you see yourself in 5 years, etc.), pre-written questions for the interviewer, as well as having having my computer open with the job posting, interviewers LinkedIn, company website, my pre-written questions, and my resume pulled up.  

The entire interview lasted just over 30 minutes.  This consisted of about 20 minutes of questions and back and forth from the interviewer and 10 minutes of questions from me.  There were no curveballs and I felt very prepared for all the questions asked.  

One question that I had never asked before in an interview was: "Do you see any holes in my experience or skills that are a concern for this position?"  

Luckily the interviewer's answer was "no". 

I think a lot of people would be scared to ask something as direct as that (I know I was);  however, a few HR people have told me that not only is this a question you should ask, you are doing yourself a disservice if you don't.  The answer gives you the ability to directly address any potential shortcomings (i.e. skills/experience you have but might not come through on a cover-letter or resume) and know what areas you can start working on to improve your candidacy (certifications, software skills, etc.)  

In the end I don't think I really could have answered any questions better given my level of preparation.  There are always going to be little things I wish I had said differently but I felt like I was well prepared and the interviewing cobwebs were shaken off.  I have no idea if I will move forward in the process for this job, but I am happy I was given the chance to interview and regardless of what the next steps is it is good to have that first one done.