I Have Been Called for an Interview. How Should I Prepare?

After considering our future goals, preparing our resume, and conducting an effective job search, I have been called for an interview! This is the moment I've been waiting for! The first step to showcase my worth. To achieve our goal, it’s crucial to prepare for the interview because being well-prepared during those 20 minutes to an hour will increase our chances of success.

Usually, both consultants and companies contact us by phone. Let’s stay calm and try to gather as much information as possible about what we’re facing. What is the position, location, and required documentation? Asking about the interviewer’s role and name will allow us to research them on LinkedIn and get an idea of who they are. All relevant questions should be answered during that call to feel as confident as possible going into the interview.

Additionally, we should gather information about the company if it has been revealed. This way, we can introduce details we’ve found during the conversation to show how proactive and interested we are in the opportunity. If the interview is through a consultant or temp agency, we should ask them for prior advice to feel more secure.

It’s very helpful to rehearse what might happen during our appointment. Success is based on practice. Therefore, let’s create a list of common questions and practice with a friend, varying the questions and answers. During this training, we should keep in mind that there are different types of interviews:

1. The Ideal Interview: The consultant presents the company, the candidate summarizes their career, the interviewer asks for explanations, describes the position and its general conditions, and finally, it’s the candidate's turn to ask questions.
2. The Open-Question Interview: The candidate is asked open questions like, “Tell me about your professional experience or education.” In this type of interview, we shouldn’t overshare information. Be precise, mention achievements and technical competencies, and remember that if there are silences, we shouldn’t try to fill them. Instead, we should find out if the recruiter wants us to expand on the information.
3. The Relaxed Question/Answer Interview: This might confuse us, but remember that we are still in an interview, so smartly continue to sell yourself. During the conversation, we can mention our experience, successes, or anecdotes related to the topic.
4. The Technical Exam Interview: Used for very technical positions, where questions relate directly to the job (machinery, software, technical knowledge, chemicals, industrial processes, etc.). We should review our knowledge and technical aspects we’ve worked with or studied.
5. The Stress Interview: Psychological pressure is applied on the candidate, effective for positions requiring high stress tolerance. We must stay calm and be aware that it’s a strategy to test our behavior and reactions to stimuli.

Logistically, we need to prepare for the interview the day before to avoid any last-minute nerves. Write down necessary details to find the address, ensure our resume is fully aligned with our past and future goals, and print at least two copies; one for the recruiter and one for ourselves to use as a guide during the conversation. Also, gather all relevant information we have: cover letters, recommendation letters, reference lists. It’s crucial to take notes during the interview to remember the details provided.

To prepare for the interview, focus on the following:

• Appearance: Avoid bright colors and wear neutral clothing to not distract the interviewer.
• Posture: Stay natural, with one arm on the table and the other on the chair. Leaning forward shows eagerness to convince, leaning back indicates defensiveness, and staying too still shows nervousness.
• Voice and Eye Contact: Be firm, friendly, clear, speak at a moderate speed, and maintain eye contact to show confidence.
• Vocabulary: Use correct, natural language with technical expressions to show your qualifications and avoid negative words like “problems.”

After the interview, send a thank-you email for the time and interest shown by the interviewer. This closes the process with professionalism, aiding the sometimes hesitant interviewer in their decision-making and offering yourself for any further information or future opportunities.

In conclusion, it’s important to be well-prepared for the interview and believe that the more we do, the better we will handle them. We need to enhance our chances. We were chosen over many people to attend the interview, so let’s fight and believe in our worth. Remember, we always start with a "no." Turning it into a "yes" is just a matter of strategy. Good luck in your interview! And if it doesn’t work out, you will learn and another opportunity for success will arise.