Going on a Site Visit
If your initial interview was successful, then you will probably be invited to visit the company. The site visit typically consists of a full-day round of interviews, site tour, meals, and possibly other activities.
Here are some things you should know and guidance about the site visit:
- Your expenses should be paid for, including transportation, lodging, and meals. Generally the company will make these arrangements for you. You will want to ask about these arrangements when you are invited for the site visit.
- You should ask about the appropriate dress. Organizations have different dress standards. Whatever you need to wear, try to carry it on to a plane if you are flying.
- You will have a series of interviews with various people including human resources, your prospective peers, your future boss, and others. Generally the final interviews will be with the person who will be the one who can extend the offer.
- You may be joined by other job candidates. If this is the case, you will want to demonstrate distinctive competence that others may not have.
- If there are several events, be careful. You are probably being observed. Don’t drink alcohol and be sociable.
- Carry multiple copies of your resume. You will need to give one to every person you interview with.
- Make sure to get business cards for every person you talk to or write down the person’s name. You will want to send thank you notes to everyone you meet with.
- If you are offered a tour, make sure to ask a lot of questions during the tours. Pretend you are going to write a report on what you saw. This will help put you in the right frame of mind for asking questions.
- Before going on the site visit, try to talk with someone who has been on a site visit to the company or an employee in the company who you know. This can give you valuable insights as to what to expect.
- Be prepared to have questions to ask each person you talk to. You will want to ask them about their careers, what they like about their job, what it takes to be a success at the company, and similar questions.
You should approach a site visit as your opportunity to “seal the deal”. They are making a substantial investment in you to bring you in for a site visit. Generally, they are inclined to hire you at this time.