Searching for a job and interviewing can create a labyrinth of headaches and fear… but it surely doesn’t have to! Our interview best practices will guide you how to invest time preparing, make a game out of it, and powerfully connect with your interviewer as a fellow human being.
Observe these rules of the interview road and have some serious fun in the process!
Arrive no more than 5 to 10 minutes early.
It’s okay to get to the general interview site well in advance but not such a great plan to announce yourself too early. Your interviewer will likely feel rushed to attend to the person eagerly waiting to meet them.
Come with knowledge of the company and questions about the position.
You may not even get the chance to ask anything if your interview turns out to be a whirlwind affair. That said, preparation never hurt anyone’s chances. Spend 15 – 30 minutes reading up about the company and brainstorming questions in advance.
- Q&A Yourself: Don’t just prepare questions – be prepared to answer them. Search online for a list of common interview questions and supply specifics from what you know about the position.
- Role Play: Spend 10 minutes in the interviewer’s shoes and come up with at least 10 questions you think would be fair game. Ask friends and family for input and to help with your interview role playing. Have fun with it!
Pay attention to clues the interviewer is giving about how much information they want.
Interviewers usually allot a specific amount of time to meet with you so scattered and lengthy responses do not send a powerful message. Collect your thoughts before you speak, and if you need a moment to respond, ask for it – employers will be impressed that you are taking a moment to think. Strive for concise responses that deliver maximum impact. Role playing in advance will help.
- Specify: Incorporate specifics about past achievements and how you operate in a work environment. Know how to speak about the strengths of your experience, skill set, and personality.
- Offer Solutions: Be honest and solutions-oriented – be able to acknowledge gaps or weaknesses in your skill set or approach to work, and be prepared to offer up a solution or plan of action (avoid excuses).
- Clue In: Read articles or books about effective communication and nonverbal cues, and experiment with the suggestions in social settings and role playing. This type of know-how will serve you far beyond the interview room.
Smile genuinely and act confidently…even if you don’t feel it inside.
You may be nervous, but if you are qualified for the job or know that you would make an excellent fit, nervousness will prevent you from conveying it.
- Practice: Role play to practice a confident handshake and eye contact.
- Be Humorously Human: If you sense it’s appropriate, break the interview ice with a little honest humor. Let your interviewer know upfront that you’re a little nervous like all interviewees, and that you’ll try to make him/her as comfortable as possible.
Dress It Up.
Yes, it’s 2010 and many work places honor a casual or even denim-decked dress code. However, you don’t work there yet, so respect the traditional convention and don a professional ensemble.
- Short on Ideas: If professional outfitting was never your strong suit, search websites that offer business attire ideas.
- $ Restrictions: If designer interview duds aren’t in your budget, get creative: borrow from friends or family, shop sales, or consider renting.
On the bright side, each interview is an opportunity to learn about yourself and how to communicate more effectively and comfortably under pressure. Harness this approach and pretty soon you won’t be interviewing anymore!
