Written by Susan de la Houssaye
We all know that applying for jobs is a full-time job, and by the time we get to the interview process we are spent, but this is your time to shine. There are many steps to take to prepare for an interview. If you follow a clear path and set aside time to practice interview questions, you will walk into your interview with confidence.
If you are applying for a new job, there are things you can do in advance to be more prepared. Make sure you have a few professional outfits on hand. Some organizations may call you into the office several times to meet with multiple people. In addition, everyone should have a two-to-three-minute elevator pitch ready to rock. Most interviewers start with the statement, “tell me about yourself”. LinkedIn’s Jobs page includes a list of the 26 most popular interview questions. For each question, you want to have an idea of how you are going to answer it. An interviewer isn’t looking for a script, they are looking for stories and examples from your work history. We all know the most popular questions that we would quite frankly like to avoid, “what are your strengths and weaknesses?”, and “tell us about a time you had a conflict with a colleague and how you resolved it”. The answers to these questions are not meant to be easy. Figuring out how to answer them while in the interview with multiple people staring at you, is not the best route to take. Make some notes on how you are going to answer every question. If being organized is your strength, then make sure you have examples that prove how organized you are.
As a reminder, you are interviewing them just as much as they are interviewing you.
Once you secure an interview, it’s time to research the organization and the people you are interviewing with. The interviewers will be impressed if you bring up company facts, history, and any recent news. Check the organization’s social media accounts to see what types of information they are posting. Once you are hired, you become an extension of their brand, so make sure you are aligned with the company culture and values. As a reminder, you are interviewing them just as much as they are interviewing you. If you have the luxury of receiving the names of the interviewers, a quick Google search can give you some insight into their work accomplishments. Everyone appreciates a compliment, so bringing up public information and congratulating someone on their achievements can create a lasting impression.
The most important thing you can do is find yourself a career champion. This may be a friend, family member, or someone you hire to guide you through the job search process. These people will keep you focused on having a positive mindset, and help you prepare for your greatest career move yet.