Ahh the dreaded interview. By this point in life, we've probably all been there. For most people (like me), the job interview can be incredibly stressful. In order to minimize this stress and ace the interview, it's important to properly prepare yourself.
Here are just a few tips from Ashley Jacobs, a columnist for Wise Bread, on acing the interview:
1. Know Where You're Going
Be sure to get an address and directions of the interview location. If you can, drive by where you'll be having your interview a few days in advance. This is especially helpful if you're interviewing for a large company with multiple buildings if you aren't positive exactly where Building A is, for instance.
2. Hygiene
Make sure you take plenty of time before your interview to do your hair (this goes for you too, gentlemen), shave, put on makeup, spritz cologne/perfume (but not too much!), etc. Also, be sure to dress the part. Research the company culture and dress a step up from what you think is expected. It's usually better to be overdressed than under-dressed.
3. Research the Company
Know what the company does, their mission statement, any major events, and other things of the sort. This can be used in an interview to show the interviewer you have a genuine interest in the organization.
4. Be Early
Leave yourself plenty of time to get to the location of the interview (which you've already mapped out and/or driven by). Arriving around 15 minutes early will show that you are responsible and respective of the interviewer's time. Early is on time, on time is late, late is...well, don't ever be late!
5. Resume Prep
Be sure you take a final look over your resume beforehand. Triple check it for grammatical errors and make sure it highlights the appropriate skills and experience for the position you're interviewing for. Bring multiple copies with you to your interview.
6. Watch Your Nonverbals
There is much more to your interview success than just the words you say. Don't be fidgeting with a pen or bouncing your leg up and down. Look the interviewer in the eye and give them a firm handshake upon meeting them. Act confident and you'll feel confident.
7. Be Prepared for Certain Questions
Think through some popular questions (and perhaps some unusual ones, too) and prepare your answers ahead of time so you're not caught off guard. Check out this excellent list of the 64 toughest interview questions.
8. Have Questions
At the end of every interview you will be asked if you have any questions. Come prepared with a couple of questions and ask any that arise during your interview. Here's a list of 30 questions you should and shouldn't ask.
9. Take Notes
It's a good idea to have a pad of paper and a pen along with you to write down any questions you may have, as well as any answers to questions the interviewer gives you. I recommend investing in a nice portfolio. These have a pad of paper as well as room for a pen, business cards and the resume copies you'll take with you; plus they help you look professional. Something like this:
10. Follow Up
It's a good idea to get the business cards of the individuals interviewing you at the end. This gives you their contact information so you can send them a thank you within 24 hours, either by email or snail mail, depending on what you feel is most appropriate for the company culture. This shows you were appreciative of their time.
Always remember that interviewers are looking to see how you fit in in their company. So be yourself! Preparing ahead of time will help you be able to relax and be confident so your personality can shine through and land you the job.
To see Ashley's complete list of tips, click here.
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