Congrats, you got the Interview, that's awesome...you should be proud to know that out of the tens of thousands of people out there they chose to meet you. But how do you prepare for it in a way that edges you even more above the other candidates?
Here are some of the tips I share with my clients that could make all the difference for you, and get you the offer.
1. RESEARCH THE COMPANY
Research the companies website and learn all you can about them, their mission, vision, goals for year, anything in the news about them, info about their competitors...anything to show that you do your homework, and are taking this very seriously.
Connect with someone within the company, or that has worked there in the recent past and learn all you can about their culture, their challenges, and their benefits. If the person is a positive force in the company or influencer, have them put in a good word, if at all possible.
Clearly align what you have to offer with their greatest needs - I usually have my clients do a matching exercise where we list the company needs and their (the client's) skills and experiences and connect what matches, to see their strengths and potential weaknesses as a candidate - then we fill the gaps on the weaknesses with some quick research and learning online. Try this, it's amazing how much it helps.
2. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE
Practice interview questions - practice all the standard questions common to interviews, keeping your answers short and succinct, about 2 minutes long, and always ending on a positive note.
Find a good friend, mentor or coach to practice questions with. This is the most powerful way to fully prepare for the interview, in front of someone that can give you objective feedback on your answers, tone, delivery, and body language.
Practice behavioral and scenario questions - behavioral questions help them determine your state of mind and your fit into their culture.
Scenario questions are made to see how you work with teams and solve problems common to the role. Plan and prepare for questions on working with difficult customers, coworkers, or managers and your ability to act fast to resolve process problems.
Practice your smile, your tone, your body language - This is very important. As mentioned before, having someone to practice with is key, but at the least practice in front of a mirror or record yourself answering common questions and your best answers. Then review for the quality of your eye contact, posture, smiling, etc.
3. LOOK GOOD, SMELL GOOD, FEEL GOOD
Dress for success, just one up of the company norm. Research the company online, through FB and LinkedIn, particularly to find out how they dress and handle themselves. Then one up from there, as far as dressing for the job.
Smell good, but not too good - shower fresh, deoderized, and lightly perfurmed is all you need. Don't overdo it as that will put them off for sure.
Get lots of sleep, eat well, drink water - this is very important. A few days before the interview, start sleeping just a bit earlier, to make sure you're rested when you wake up. Try to eat healthy as well, to make sure you feel well, and drink water every day to stay well hydrated. This will all contribute to you being your sharpest the day of the interview.
4. STAY CALM AND POSITIVE
Keep calm, composed and confident - realize that you have a lot to offer or they wouldn't have offered you the interview. Their goal is to confirm what your resume says with reality.
Also keep in mind, they need you as much as you need them. They have a problem to solve and you are the solution. Be proud and confident that you can assist them in achieving their mission as an organization.
If you've done all the other steps, you should feel very good about your chances, which will help boost your confidence.
A last tip on this that I suggest to clients is to apply for other positions prior to the interview, if you haven't. This will remind you that although you should give your all to the interview, there are other opportunities out there and if you get this, great, but if not you will move on to the next...and maybe even better opportunity.
5. FOLLOW UP
Bring a portfolio to jot down everyone's names and titles, to follow up with Thank You notes. This is critically important, as it shows consideration, follow through, professionalism, and persistence - all qualities any good company wants in their staff.
So, prepare for it then do it. Follow up soon after via email or snail mail thank you notes (even better, since few do this.)
If you do this, you'll set yourself apart and add another positive impression to reinforce you as the candidate they want and need on their team.
I have many more tips, but this is a good start to get your ready for success and deliver like a pro at your next interview.
Good luck, and if you need me, I'm here!
Your coach, always.
To get Full Interview Guidance and Support, sign up for my interview coaching session!
Here are some of the tips I share with my clients that could make all the difference for you, and get you the offer.
1. RESEARCH THE COMPANY
Research the companies website and learn all you can about them, their mission, vision, goals for year, anything in the news about them, info about their competitors...anything to show that you do your homework, and are taking this very seriously.
Connect with someone within the company, or that has worked there in the recent past and learn all you can about their culture, their challenges, and their benefits. If the person is a positive force in the company or influencer, have them put in a good word, if at all possible.
Clearly align what you have to offer with their greatest needs - I usually have my clients do a matching exercise where we list the company needs and their (the client's) skills and experiences and connect what matches, to see their strengths and potential weaknesses as a candidate - then we fill the gaps on the weaknesses with some quick research and learning online. Try this, it's amazing how much it helps.
2. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE
Practice interview questions - practice all the standard questions common to interviews, keeping your answers short and succinct, about 2 minutes long, and always ending on a positive note.
Find a good friend, mentor or coach to practice questions with. This is the most powerful way to fully prepare for the interview, in front of someone that can give you objective feedback on your answers, tone, delivery, and body language.
Practice behavioral and scenario questions - behavioral questions help them determine your state of mind and your fit into their culture.
Scenario questions are made to see how you work with teams and solve problems common to the role. Plan and prepare for questions on working with difficult customers, coworkers, or managers and your ability to act fast to resolve process problems.
Practice your smile, your tone, your body language - This is very important. As mentioned before, having someone to practice with is key, but at the least practice in front of a mirror or record yourself answering common questions and your best answers. Then review for the quality of your eye contact, posture, smiling, etc.
3. LOOK GOOD, SMELL GOOD, FEEL GOOD
Dress for success, just one up of the company norm. Research the company online, through FB and LinkedIn, particularly to find out how they dress and handle themselves. Then one up from there, as far as dressing for the job.
Smell good, but not too good - shower fresh, deoderized, and lightly perfurmed is all you need. Don't overdo it as that will put them off for sure.
Get lots of sleep, eat well, drink water - this is very important. A few days before the interview, start sleeping just a bit earlier, to make sure you're rested when you wake up. Try to eat healthy as well, to make sure you feel well, and drink water every day to stay well hydrated. This will all contribute to you being your sharpest the day of the interview.
4. STAY CALM AND POSITIVE
Keep calm, composed and confident - realize that you have a lot to offer or they wouldn't have offered you the interview. Their goal is to confirm what your resume says with reality.
Also keep in mind, they need you as much as you need them. They have a problem to solve and you are the solution. Be proud and confident that you can assist them in achieving their mission as an organization.
If you've done all the other steps, you should feel very good about your chances, which will help boost your confidence.
A last tip on this that I suggest to clients is to apply for other positions prior to the interview, if you haven't. This will remind you that although you should give your all to the interview, there are other opportunities out there and if you get this, great, but if not you will move on to the next...and maybe even better opportunity.
5. FOLLOW UP
Bring a portfolio to jot down everyone's names and titles, to follow up with Thank You notes. This is critically important, as it shows consideration, follow through, professionalism, and persistence - all qualities any good company wants in their staff.
So, prepare for it then do it. Follow up soon after via email or snail mail thank you notes (even better, since few do this.)
If you do this, you'll set yourself apart and add another positive impression to reinforce you as the candidate they want and need on their team.
I have many more tips, but this is a good start to get your ready for success and deliver like a pro at your next interview.
Good luck, and if you need me, I'm here!
Your coach, always.
To get Full Interview Guidance and Support, sign up for my interview coaching session!
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