The interview was a 2 hour "Speed Dating" adventure; where you, the Candidate, basically sit at a table in the HARMAN cafeteria, with a personalized table tent, and do your best to convince Senior and Mid-level managers, as to why you should be on their team,
Not only will you have the opportunity to interact with Senior and Mid-level managers, but you will also have the opportunity to interact with HR and a direct manager as well.
For me, it was a very interesting experience. The Receptionist was super nice, and continuously said "Happy Wednesday!" to staff and visitors.
(*Candidate Tip: Prepare to engage not only with the Hiring/Interview team, but also engage with the Receptionist. As a former Receptionist for a corporate entity, I am well aware of the fact that Receptionists are corporate gatekeepers.)
I waited for about 20-30 minutes in the reception area, while various staff members, and Japanese business associates filtered through the area.
OK, so enough about that...
Here are some Do's and Don'ts:
Do's
Be prepared with several copies of your resume and references.
Stay actively engaged with, and focused on each hiring panel member. (With all that goes on during one of these Speed-Hiring excursions, just know that you can be tempted to look around at the organized chaos).
Know your narrative, and be able to articulate it.
(Be able to articulate why you are searching for employment, and actively market your skills, abilities, aptitude, personality, education, and work history. You are your very own PR firm! Be enthusiastic!)
Also, if you've been with an employer for 1 month-12+ years, have an answer ready for why you are wanting to leave. Do not bad mouth your employer.
Be prepared with a short list of questions to ask them. (Always, always, always, "Vet" your potential leaders and supervisors! While some may say that they don't micromanage their employees, just let them talk long enough, and you will find out what you need and want to know. Never, ever be too intimidated to ask questions.)
Do not, and I repeat do not allow yourself to become too comfortable during this 2-hour gauntlet of a psychosocial experiment.
(These people are very nice, and they will act as if you are already on the team, and this interview is merely a formality. If you allow yourself to become lulled into being chatty with each interviewer, you will basically "186" yourself from this opportunity. Always keep in mind that you are being constantly being assessed, to determine if you will fit in their microcosm of corporate culture.)
Do not become lackadaisical, be watchful of everything that you do and say. (If you live about 25+ miles away from their offices, be aware that this may be used against you during their weeding process.)
Do not allow yourself to mimic their casual dress code.
(Look the part of a corporate player, act the part, and be what they need, which is someone who plays well with others, appreciates their culture, understands that they are an independent subsidiary of Samsung, and not operated by Samsung**. Act willing and excited to participate in their company functions.)
And I cannot say this enough, please be nice to the Receptionist.
Learn about the company beforehand, but don't be a know it all.
(I got the feeling that they are somewhat annoyed, when a Candidate mentions Samsung as being the owner of their company. Could be me, but I wouldn't take that chance that if I were you. )
Do not show off your leadership skills for this entry-level position.
(If you have just as much knowledge/leadership ability as the upper-level leadership team, don't act like a threat, or that you want to advance. Besides, if you have as much experience as the Department Manager, what do they really need you for anyway? Because honestly, if they can get someone who will acquiesce and quickly submit as a subordinate employee with no leadership aspirations; they can pay them a lot less than you.)
If you want the job, be the part.
(Decide to downplay your desire to transform culture and be a so-called disruptor in their organization. This company doesn't need any transformers/disruptors. I have a feeling that those people were eventually phased out, so go figure.)
Remember, this is all about them and what they need as a unit, not what you need.
