Are you worried about your interview?
Here are a few tips to help you get prepared.
You have a great resume and you have finally gotten the interview. Now, you are worried about the interview. Stop worrying and follow these simple simple suggestions.
- Understand the role and the organization. You don’t have to be an expert but a little bit of basic knowledge will help you understand the interviewer and the interview questions.
- Know where you are going. If you are going to an interview and it is in a new area, do a quick drive-by so you don’t have to worry about finding the spot on interview day.
- Plan what you are going to wear. Make sure it is clean and wrinkle-free, the day before your interview.
- BE ON TIME! This should be enough said but I cannot tell you how many candidates I have interviewed over the years that could not be bothered to show up on time. There is nothing worse than waiting on a candidate that supposedly wants a job. Yes, things happen but the more you prepare in advance, the more likely you are to be on time. Give yourself plenty of time.
- If it is a video interview, get up, get dressed, as if you were going to an office for the interview.
- Eliminate distractions. Whether it be virtual or in-person, eliminate as many distractions as possible. Distractions cause you to lose focus. During your interview, be engaged. Quiet the kids and put the dog outside. While it surprises me to have to say this, turn off your cell phone, or at the very least, turn off the volume.
- Maintain eye contact with your interviewer. If you are gazing all over the room, you may appear less interested.
- Ask questions. Show some interest in the role and the organization.
- Finally, and this is important…be your true self. Let the real you be seen. You want the interviewer to know and understand you as much as possible in the short time you are together. Give them a glimpse at what you can do and why you want to do it. Let them know you can be a benefit to their organization. Be your authentic self.
Once the interview is complete, ask when a decision will be made. A company should notify you one way or another but sadly, not all companies notify those that don’t make the cut.
Remember, if you don’t get the job, it’s okay. It probably wasn’t a good fit and you will find the right job for you. Interviewing is a great experience so consider it practice for the real deal. Don’t get discouraged and keep the search going.
Good luck!
Feel free to contact me for a resume consultation or your interview preparation.