This is one of my favorite documents, which I created years ago. I share it with my candidates to help them prepare for an interview. I hope it helps you, too!
The more prepared you are, the more confident you will be:
- Preparation: Read the Interview Preparation Packet (attached separately). Purchase a portfolio if you don't already have one. Make copies of your resume and references. Ensure your suit is dry-cleaned and ready to go!
- Research: Explore the company’s website, Yahoo Finance, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and Google. Research the company name and the hiring managers you’ll meet.
- Resume Alignment: Compare your resume to the job description. Think about achievements you can highlight. Be prepared to explain all the reasons for leaving previous jobs succinctly. Avoid saying anything negative about past employers.
- Questions and Examples: Prepare at least five questions for each interviewer and have them ready in your portfolio. Be prepared to share examples of your work, painting a vivid picture of your skills. Practice with others, focusing on difficult questions to avoid sounding scripted.
The Day of the Interview:
- Preparation and Arrival: Smile and maintain a positive attitude; first impressions are crucial! Arrive early, if unfamiliar with the location, drive by the night before. Review your notes before entering. Give yourself a pep talk; slight nervousness is normal.
- Professional Demeanor: Walk in confidently and inform the receptionist whom you’re meeting. Look for the manager; sit with confidence and a smile. Remember a firm handshake. If your palms sweat, wash them with cold water beforehand. For direct eye contact issues, look at the interviewer’s eyebrows.
- Engagement and Rapport: People love talking about themselves, asking about the interviewer’s background and why they enjoy working there. Establish rapport by finding commonalities. Ask about a typical day, ongoing projects, and how to make an immediate impact.
- Discussion and Questions: Discuss your accomplishments and goals, including challenges you’ve overcome. Be prepared to answer the strength and weakness question and share your 5-year goals. Ask your prepared questions to better understand the job and success metrics. Avoid discussing benefits or salary; focus on the role and the company. Let your recruiter handle compensation details. If salary is raised, emphasize the opportunity and express confidence in a fair offer. If pressed, share your current earnings, but avoid giving a specific number or range.
- Enthusiasm: Show enthusiasm by asking many questions. Lack of interest often leads to being cut from the process.
- Express Interest: Clearly state your interest in the position. Ask if there are any concerns about your ability to do the job; this is your final chance to address any doubts. Reinforce your excitement about the role and review how your experience aligns. Ask for the job or the next step in the process.
- Immediate Action: Contact your recruiter immediately to discuss your interest level before they speak to the client. Send a thank-you email after the interview and follow up with a handwritten note for a personal touch.
#interview #interviewprep #getthejob
