Interview Day with EY!

The dream came a true, and I received the invitation email for Face-to-Face meeting to discuss my application for “Executive Secretary” position opened in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
   The interview was with Mr. Buland Iqbal, an Executive Director with 20 years of career at EY. I knew, this interview will not be as similar as the previous ones. I have one chance, one shot, one try!
   The preparation for the interview started once I got the confirmation of interview time and location. Going through dozens of articles and brochures about EY, matching and highlighting the major of my skills with the mentioned requirements in the job description, and little training courses with my lovely mirror! I mean, double check my language body and lovely smile.
   With high testosterone level, I walked to EY office in Etihad towers, floor 27. With a warm greeting from receptionists, I waited in the meeting room with WOW view from the window (attached down) and because I came before 15 minutes of arranged, I took my time to organise my breath, ideas and papers.
  The door was opened, and Mr Buland entered with so interesting charisma used to see it with senior managers and CEO. Immediately, I understood the name of the game! He acted as busy, and uninterested about our meeting. So negative signals raised in the first 10 minutes which could let anyone down and announce the surrender. Now, it is my turn! And I have to show him who is the next EY Executive Secretary!
   I tried in each answer I provide, attach an example of my current/previous experience related to his question and as a bonus, something related to EY vision or theories. For instance, for the question “Describe your current role responsibilities?” I made sure to mentioned that ones which are highly demanded on the job description and when I moved to Teamwork skills, I just added “… because I believe in EY Chairman and CEO message about teamwork culture, …”
   And when my time came to ask, the list of questions was well prepared. The first two ones just a review and a feedback about my interview in general. Then followed with questions about EY teamwork and my next position, and at the end, a conclusion to make sure everything is covered.
 Here were my questions:

1. Which of my skills do you see as most important for the challenges that come with the position?
2. Do you see any gaps in my skills or qualification that I need to fill?
3. What do you like most about working for EY?
4. Can you tell me a little about the team I’ll be working with?
5. What are the first priorities for this position?
6. What way is performance measured and reviewed?
7. What are the next steps in the interview process?
8. Is there anything we haven’t covered that you think is important to know about working here?
9. May I add you to my LinkedIn network, please?

  I know, nine questions are more than enough, but fortunately, questions 4, 5, and 6 were covered by his introduction about the position.
  At the end, any candidate should make his/her touch. I just asked him to accept my personal card which includes my name, website, contact number and email. He was happy to tell me that I have so exceptional and professional way to introduce myself.
   Now, While I am waiting for the golden call from HR Dept. I just review his comments about my skills to improve and polish it more!
  Please do not hesitate to ask my help about my secret plans to prepare for job interview :)

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