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The phone rings. You answer to find out that you have a job interview for the job of your dreams!
There are one of three reactions that you're probably going to encounter...
Scenario 1:
The closer it gets, the more nervous you get. As the days, and now hours get closer, you probably have butterflies in your stomach, you've used the rest room more times than you can count, and you're sweating buckets.
Scenario 2:
You're not worried. It's just an interview. You're not even going to worry or think about it. You'll just show up...wait, what time is that interview again?
Scenario 3:
You're prepared, ready to go. You've done everything that you needed to do to prepare for this moment. You might feel slightly nervous, but that's a normal reaction.
Clearly, scenario 3 is the best, but how do you get there?
To get a better perspective on why, take a look at this quote:
"The will to succeed means nothing without the will to prepare"
When we aren't prepared, we will probably land into scenario 1 or 2, which might lead to unfavorable outcomes. One way to ensure that you're interview ready is to PREPARE. Here are some great ways to prepare for your next job interview so that you can walk in prepared to hear "You're Hired".
Practice, Practice, Practice
Three to four days before your scheduled job interview, research interview questions that you might be asked by the interviewer (interviewers). Review standard questions, questions about your resume, and questions about the position you are interviewing for. Remember, the goal is to answer the questions in a conversational style. Try not to memorize answers and do not bring an "answer sheet" to the interview. You want to convince the person (or people) that are interviewing you that you're the one for the position, and confidence plays a large key in this. If necessary, ask a friend to do a mock interview with you so that you are more than prepared for the big day!
Sample Standard Question: What are your greatest strengths/What are your greatest weaknesses?
Sample Question about your Resume: Walk me through your resume/What would you like me to know about you that is not on your resume?
Sample Question about the Position: What's your management style and how would you best integrate it if hired for this position?
Sample Question by Interviewer: Do you have any questions for us? Sample Case Question: Imagine you are asked to create a seating chart in a classroom with students of various academic levels. Explain the methodology you would use in the creation of this class' seating chart.
Learn About the Company and the Position
Just like you shouldn't jump into water not knowing how deep it is, you also shouldn't walk into an interview with no idea about the company or the position. Take the time to research the company (check out the "About" section on the Company's website). Think of how you fit into the company's mission and how you could contribute to the company's success. Also learn more about the position by revisiting the job posting. A website that is a useful tool is: Glass Door. This website provides reviews from employees of 500,000+ companies and will give you more insight into the work environment, pros, cons, and additional information.
Preparing the Night Before
Decide on the attire that you will be wearing for your job interview. If the job interview is in the morning, iron the clothes you plan on wearing the night before. Here is a great visual guide for how to dress for your job interview:
In addition to preparing your outfit, be sure that your mind and body is mentally prepared. Have some quiet time to relax in the evening, and while you're relaxing with a clear mind, review possible interview questions and answers. Also, print out multiple copies of your resume and gather any additional documents that were requested by the interviewer for you to bring. Type and print a sheet with at least three references, addresses, and phone numbers, in case it is requested by the interviewer at the end of the job interview. Plug the address to the interview site into your GPS and hit the sheets early so that you are well rested for the big day ahead!