Don't Just Stop at an Interview, Job Shadow Your Way into a Career - (W9:D3) Debt Free Millionaire

Shadowing - If there are only a few interviewees and the manager doesn’t have a lot of time to interview you, or has already interviewed you and wants to see you in action, they will ask if you would like to shadow them, to see how they work. Always accept the invitation. This is not as much for your benefit, but to see how you interact with other employees, to see if you are a good worker, and to see if the interviewer will like you after a hard day of work. Remember, the manager will be working harder than you during the day, with much more responsibility and they want to show that to you, so they will most likely pack the day with things to accomplish. This can also show that they are interested in you. You will need to bring your A-Game.

Before the Shadowing Appointment:

1. Work around their Schedule – Do everything possible to meet when it is convenient for them.
2. Know the Details - Before you show up, make sure you are clear on the details. 
3. Appropriate attire - Make sure to ask beforehand what clothes you should wear. Do not wear a suit if you are going to dig in the dirt. You can ask for an itinerary, so you know how to prepare.

While Shadowing:

1. Show up early - This is an interview in action, and they want to make sure you will not just show up, but be early - since it’s a better indicator of how you will work if employed.
2. No phones - Put your phone on silent and keep it out of your hands. If you pick up the phone while you are shadowing, you most likely will not get the job. Show them that the job and this opportunity is very important to you.
3. Your best self - Present your best self with your body, non-verbal language, and speech.
4. Be positive and interact nicely with everyone you encounter - while you are with the manager, and while he is away. Others are watching, and the manager will most likely ask for others’ insight on you.
5. Be prepared to stay later than they ask. Managers have a job to accomplish, and this may be longer than the normal workday. Offer to stay to help with things afterwards, until they leave for the day, if they are accepting of this. You don’t have to do this after you are hired, but you are showing them that you work hard.
6. Get out of your comfort zone and ask to help wherever you see a need. They want to make sure you are a good fit, and who could be a better fit than someone who takes initiative. 
7. Take plenty of Notes - Bring a notepad. Remember, the interviewer may have the position you ultimately want. Take notes on what they are doing, so you can work towards that position. 
8. Ask plenty of questions to show your interest, and that you are trying to understand everything.
9. Earn the Position - Remember that you are not entitled to this job. This is how you earn it.
10. Reflect on your Career Path – Prepare to answer more personal career questions, spontaneously, in this interview. Prepare an answer to why you chose this position or job posting. This is a less formal setting, so don’t act like you have all the answers. Be humble and willing to, instead of making up an answer, ask a question to clarify, or gain advice from the interviewer.
11. Be curious, yet discreet – Show your interest in the interviewer and the position. Watch them for reactions, and empathize where possible. Practice active listening. Also, don’t cut them off.

After Shadowing: 

1. Send them a thank you note – Like after any interview, send a personalized note, to stay at the top of their mind, and the list of potential employees.
2. Remember to follow up with an answer you promised, or a task they gave you.
3. Follow up a week later, about the job, by asking a question in a quick, easy-to-respond-to email.

After you have the job offer, if you still feel loyal to the company you work for and think that