Preparing for a job interview is a job in itself! To be successful in any job search, you must sell your skills, abilities and most importantly, yourself!
And be well prepared. The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll be. This step-by-step strategy will ensure you’re well prepared to ace your interview.
WHEN YOU GET ‘THE CALL’
Things to remember when an employer or recruiter phones to schedule a job interview:
- Be positive and enthusiastic about the opportunity to interview.
- If you’re caught off guard, be honest (for example, “Forgive me, but I’ve sent out several resumes this month. Could you refresh my memory about the position you’re referring to?”).
- Write down the date and time of the interview you have scheduled.
- Write down the Name, Title, and Department of the person you’ll be meeting. Research them via LinkedIn and Google. You can decrease some of the stress associated with meeting people you don’t know by learning about their backgrounds.
- Know the interview format. Ask how long the interview will last and what the format will be. In other words, will you meet with interviewers one-on-one or a panel?
- Ask about parking, or public transportation and where to enter the building – then write it down.
- Ask if there is anything specific the interviewer would like you to prepare or bring to the meeting.
- In closing, be sure to thank the caller and confirm the interview date and time (for example, “Thanks again, Ms. Lee, I look forward to meeting you on Monday the16th at 9:00.”).
BEFORE THE INTERVIEW
- Look closely at the company’s web site to get a feel for its culture, business goals, products or services.
- Learn about the organisation; the employer will want to know why you want to work there and how you think you can contribute to the organisation.
- Identify the relevant skills and experience you can bring to the job and whether you’ll be the right ‘fit’ for the job and the company.
- Do a “dry run” if possible – physically go to the interview site so you’ll know exactly where it is and how long it will take you to get there (If it’s a workday, check out what people are wearing as they enter or exit the building).
- Plan your attire and accessories and make sure everything is clean. Unless the company explicitly tells you to dress more casually, wear a suit. Present your most polished image; your “real” style can emerge once you’re hired.
- Formulate and practice reciting a clear and concise summary of your best qualities and skills that you could deliver in about one minute.
- Prepare and practice answers to typical interview questions.
- Make a list of questions to ask during the interview.
- Write down examples of past successes that you can discuss in the interview.
- Print off extra copies of your CV/resume to bring.
- Confirm / compile a list of referees with up to date contact information
- Research salary information.
- Get a good night’s sleep the day before the interview.
- If possible, try exercising the morning of the interview. This will help you be alert, focused and energetic.
- Don’t forget to eat breakfast!
- Give yourself plenty of time to get to the interview.
THINGS TO TAKE WITH YOU TO THE INTERVIEW
Carry a professional-looking briefcase or organizer that contains all the items you might need during the interview:
- Company address and directions.
- Bus or train schedule, if applicable.
- A photo ID (e.g. passport, driver’s license).
- Interview agenda with names of interviewers (if they’ve provided one).
- List of names and dates of people you talked with already at the company (e.g. recruiter, receptionist, secretary, hiring manager).
- Name, title, and phone number of person to ask for upon arrival.
- Pen and notebook.
- A copy of the job description.
- List of at least five questions you plan to ask the interviewers about the company or position.
- Three copies of the resume and cover letter you sent to the employer, printed on quality paper.
- Three copies of your list of pre-qualified references.
- Samples of related work or projects/assignments you’ve done in the past.
DURING THE INTERVIEW
Don’t forget that you’re creating an impression from the very first smile to the final handshake. Follow these guidelines:
- Arrive at least 10 minutes before your appointment time.
- Turn off your mobile phone before you enter the building! And don’t use it until after you leave
- Treat each person you meet in a friendly, respectful manner (i.e., if you’re rude to the receptionist, you can bet the hiring manager will hear it “through the grapevine”).
- Stand and shake hands firmly with each interviewer who enters the room and again when the interview ends.
- Do not smoke, chew gum or drink tea or coffee -- even if you are invited to do so.
- Maintain eye contact with the interviewer; otherwise, you will give the impression that you are disinterested or untrustworthy.
- Try not to fidget; it will distract the interviewer from what you are saying.
- Allow the interviewer to take the lead; do not interrupt when she/he is talking.
- Listen attentively and ask questions where appropriate.
- Take brief notes.
- Answer questions clearly and concisely; do not ramble.
- Pause to construct a thoughtful answer; do not blurt out the first thing that comes into your mind.
- Present your skills in positive terms (i.e., emphasize your strengths and how they relate to the job).
- Avoid using negative terms. Don’t talk about ‘problems’. Substitute the words "challenge" or "opportunity" for the word problem.
- Never forget that your objective is to get a job offer.
- Make sure you ask the questions you’ve prepared.
- Convey your strengths, abilities and personality without appearing boastful or conceited.
- Answer the questions honestly, rather than telling the interviewer what you think she/he wants to hear; you do not want to succeed in getting hired for a job for which you are not suited!
- Do not hesitate to show your (genuine) enthusiasm and engaging personality and remember to smile (even if you’re nervous).
- Ask questions. This may be the most important thing you do in the job interview. When you ask great questions an employer will be excited about the prospect of hiring you. Of course, the more research you do in advance, the more you can ask specific questions about the company’s recent news, blog posts, product launches, plans etc. But here are 6 great questions to get you started.
- Who would make the ideal candidate for this position?
- What were the best things about the last person who held this position?
- What are three ways I can contribute to the company beyond the job description?
- How will the work I’ll be doing contribute to the organisation’s mission?
- How can I best contribute to the department’s goals?
- How do you see me best contributing to the corporate culture and morale?
AT THE END OF THE INTERVIEW
- Pay attention to the interviewer's body language and other cues to sense when the interview is concluding.
- Always ask what the next steps in the process are and when you should follow up.
- Don’t ask about salary or benefits in a first interview unless the interviewer initiates the topic.
- Ask for the interviewer’s business card – you’ll want to send a ‘thank you’ note.
- Thank the interviewer for her/his time before leaving.
- Stand up, shake hands and say ‘thank you for your time, it was a pleasure to meet you’.
- Smile, and leave confidently!
AFTER THE INTERVIEW
Following an interview, promptly (within 1-2 business days) send the interviewer a letter/email expressing appreciation and thanks for the interview. The purpose is to:
- Show appreciation for the employer’s/recruiter’s interest in you.
- Reiterate your interest in the position and in the organisation.
- Review or remind the employer about your qualifications for the position. If you thought of something you forgot to mention, mention it in your follow-up/thank you letter.
- Demonstrate that you have good manners and know to write a thank-you letter.
- Follow up with any information the employer may have asked you to provide after the interview.
- If most of your contact with the interviewer has been my email it is acceptable to send a thank you note by email.
- If you’ve been sent to an interview by a recruiter, you should text the recruiter to give feedback and say you thought the interview went well. They will always be on your side if you keep them in the ‘loop’.
"You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else." Albert Einstein
BOOKS TO READ
Knock 'em Dead Job Interview: How to Turn Job Interviews Into Job Offers. Martin Yate