While attending the North Carolina City/County Management Association’s Winter Seminar this past February, I had the opportunity to sit with a group of about six managers, and the subject of job interviews came up. The discussion centered around the employment agreement, tenure, severance pay, etc. When I suggested that a manager should have their employment agreement in hand at the job interview, I was struck by the fact that not one of these managers had considered that. It got me thinking as to how a manager should prepare for their interview with the governing body.

Over my 40-plus years in municipal government through a myriad of governing body job interviews, I gleaned the importance of preparation and what that preparation should involve. A key step is researching the municipality’s website to see what services, programs, or projects the organization has. I learned that mentioning one or more of these in the interview is a definite plus with the governing body, as it reveals to them that you have reviewed their organization’s work. It’s even more impressive if you offer some positive critique of a program or project.

Another component of preparation is to research the community through reading media stories that might reveal some positive attributes that you can touch on in your interview. Knowing some things that are happening in the community shows the governing body the sincerity of your interest in the position. Further, offering some examples of your work history or your professional knowledge that might augment some projects or events in the community will positively impact your stance with the governing body.

As an example from my past, in my very first interview for a manager’s position in June 1982, I asked the governing body if it had held the required public hearing needed to receive what was then called “revenue sharing” from the federal government. This municipality’s allotment was $250,000. The board indicated that they had not, but would do so. The mayor called me the very next morning with the job offer, stating that I did not even work for them yet, and I had already saved the town $250,000! I learned a very valuable lesson from that: come prepared to make a difference even in the job interview.

Lastly, I cannot overemphasize the value of having your employment agreement in hand to provide to the governing body at the interview. I was told by two governing bodies that hired me how professionally impressive it was that I was prepared enough to have my employment agreement ready to share with them. I have passed this point on to several managers during my tenure as senior advisor, and they have let me know of the positive impact that this had in their interviews.

To conclude, as with all aspects of life, preparation is the primary path to success. Whether it’s preparing a presentation to council, rolling out a new employee initiative, or ensuring a positive job interview for your next management position, take the time to research and identify the steps needed for that positive outcome.

STEVE HARRELL is an ICMA senior advisor in North Carolina, with more than 40 years of local government service.