So the good news for those looking for their next position is that there are more jobs. Now, it’s time to get down to work and prepare to amaze the interviewer with your best interview each and every time you sit before a possible employer.
1. Be ready physically. Be well rested. It's best to maintain an exercise routine to help eliminate stress, and enhance your sleep. Avoid drinking excessive amounts of caffeine prior to your interview. Being jittery may cause you to appear as though you are lacking confidence.
2. Read up on the company with which you are interviewing. Do your homework. In today’s day and age, not knowing something about the company can be a death sentence at an interview. It's competitive and you need to be the shining star.
3. Prior to the interview, sit quietly and visualize your success and your successful outcome. Tell yourself that you are the best candidate for the position. Visualize yourself giving insightful answers to questions and asking insightful questions in return.
4. Be prepared. Wear comfortable clothing appropriate for the position, and Google your directions if you aren’t sure of the interview location. Leave with plenty of time to allow for any traffic issues.
5. Prepare some questions ahead of time for the interviewer. Too often, we think because we are sitting in an interview, that it is taboo to ask questions. Not so! They want to know that you are interested and engaged in the process.
6. Write out a list of your challenges and how you make the most of them. On the flip side, make a list of your best assets and how they will benefit the position for which you are applying.
Once preparations have been made for your interview, and the moment of truth has arrived, it’s go time. Time to knock their socks off. Time to shine. Time to let the world know what you have to offer.
-- Be yourself. It’s easy to see past veneer and see what’s underneath. Be true to yourself always.
-- Expect unexpected questions. Of course the basics will be covered: What was your last position? What did you like the most/ least? Yada-yada-yada… Will you be asked questions such as “How many golf balls does it take to fill a 747?” or “If Hollywood made a movie of your life, who would you choose to play you?” or “If you could be a superhero, what powers would you have?”
It’s becoming more and more common for interviewers to throw out unusual interview questions in order to see how the interviewee handles the situation. Are you going to panic or look at them dumbfounded, or are you going to jump in with both feet and have a good time with the questions? (I thought Wonder Woman had the coolest power with her lasso of truth).
-- Interviews are always about selling yourself. Whenever possible, answer questions with specific answers as a SHORT story. Don’t tell your life story, but let the interviewer know that you are human. Make yourself stand out in a positive way. Make the interviewer remember you.
-- Let’s break it down here… the interviewer wants to know what’s in it for him or her. Sure, she’s asking YOU questions, but she’s asking YOU questions to find out how you are going to fill a need for HER. Keep answers relevant to the position for which you are interviewing.
-- Honesty is always the best policy. It’s tempting to add a little extra padding to your resume. The job market is tough and there are several qualified candidates for virtually every job. Hypothetically, let’s say you add a little cushion to your experience… how is the cushion going to affect your life once it is discovered that you lied? Is it worth risking your reputation with an untruth? In every instance, it’s simply not worth it.
After the interview, mail a Thank you card SPECIFICALLY to the person or people with whom you interviewed. Make sure to mail an individual card for each person. If you decide during the course of the interview that the position isn’t a fit for you, send a card thanking the interviewer(s) for their time. If you would like to go to the next level in the interview process, thank the interviewer(s) and advise them again how they can reach you (phone and email address). A handwritten thank you card will score even more points.
Use your personal brand and find a way to stand out.
Remember to spend some quality time on you.
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