Preparing for THE interview

You have an interview, or THE interview! You've gotten through the 'six second and ATS resume screen', you're called for the interview, and you are elated but the stress starts creeping up, NOW WHAT?

The most important part of interviewing, or nearly anything for that matter, is preparing, but don't forget about timing. Timing is everything, afterall.

1. Timing - Be sure you book the interview for a time that works for you. If your schedule isn't completely under your control, there is nothing wrong with saying 'Thank you! Let me check my schedule and get back with you tomorrow'. That way, you're not frantically shuffling around your work or personal commitments, adding to your stress. Don't think that not taking the first available slot is going to cost you the job, if you're their candidate, you're their candidate.
2. Logistics - Ask whomever schedules your interview for as many details as possible, notably, with whom will you be meeting? What's the typical dress code? Where to park? On your end, map out directions or your subway route in advance, if you are nervous at all about the commute, try to do a 'dry run' if possible.
3. Google is your friend. Look up the company website (even if you researched them prior to applying, as a refresher); Google 'interviewing at company ABC' - sometimes there are reviews or information on that particular employer. Google 'interview questions' - there are a lot of resources out there for general interview prep. Also, a good idea is to google 'best interview questions to ask' - look at the process from an employer's perspective. (Below, I briefly talk about a couple of common questions and how I think they should be answered)
4. Look at the job description, perhaps print it out and go through the bullets and write out how your experience relates to what they are looking for. Revisit the resume and cover letter (if appropriate) you applied with.
5. On interview day, walk in the door no earlier than 10-15 minutes prior to your scheduled time. Notice I said "walk in the door", if you want to arrive earlier by all means do, but sit in your car, or visit a nearby coffee shop while you wait. Arriving earlier than 10-15 minutes before your scheduled time may make an uncomfortable situation for the employer as they try to figure out what to do with you until your interview time. Particularly if they are wrapping up another interview. Do everyone a favor, occupy yourself outside of their building.
6. Obviously, be kind to everyone, from the guard at the gate (manufacturing) and/or the receptionist to the HR person, be patient, polite, and friendly. Everyone you encounter will likely be asked for an impression (and if not, they should be).
7. Try to relax during the interview, don't make the mistake of trying to 'fill in silence', don't ramble, ask pertinent questions when appropriate, and remember, it's a conversation, you are evaluating them as a potential employer as well.

Tricky to answer questions - a couple that always come up are:

1. Why do you want to leave (if employed) or why did you leave (if unemployed) your current/previous employer. Here is a time to have what you want to say prepared. This is a time to remember you don't need to keep talking. Don't talk negative about employers or coworkers. Keep it light, to the point and move on. If employed, something like 'I have learned a lot with ABC and gained valuable experience, but when I saw this posting (or heard of this opening) I became excited at the possibility of stepping into this role. Particularly, I think my experience with XXX lends itself to this role.' If unemployed, something like 'I really enjoyed working at ABC and gained valuable experience, however, things don't always turn out as you expect them to. I think my experience with XXX lends itself well to this role.' The most important thing to remember, perhaps, is to quit talking.
2. What would you say your weaknesses are. What I think they are looking for is self-awareness and self-development. Everyone has weaknesses, but what's important is understanding what you need to work on and taking proactive steps to work on it. So, I think identifying a weakness that you have taken or are taking steps to overcome is a great way to go. For instance, I used to get really nervous during group presentations, but I found the more I spoke to a group, the more comfortable I became.

The more prepared you are, the less anxious you will be during the interview. Practicing some answers to common interview questions as well as having examples of how your experience directly relates to the job description, as well as arriving on time and knowing as much upfront (like who you are interviewing with) all helps. Many times, the interviewers will be a little nervous, unfocused, or unprepared as well.

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