You’re sitting in a waiting room, fists clenched, palms sweaty. Someone calls your name. You approach the interview room and as you reach out to shake your interviewer’s hand, the only thought racing through your mind is, “I wish I prepared more.”
To keep you from feeling unprepared for interviews, here is a list of tips to guide you through the interview process. The first time the seriousness of an interview crosses your mind should not be the minute you enter the waiting room.
Here are Career Planning’s tips for making it through the interview process; the four P’s of getting the job:
Preparation: Do your homework! It’s important to research the company. Ask around to find out what its interviewing process is like. When setting up the appointment there are a few things you should ask. Find out with whom you will be interviewing. Ask for suggestions on how to prepare. Showing interest in the company will help you earn some major bonus points. You’ll also feel a greater sense of pride and accomplishment after the fact.
Practice: Anticipate the kinds of questions that will be asked. It’s important to practice in front of someone. There’s the old saying to practice in front of a mirror, but it’s actually better to practice in front of someone who can give you feedback on your speaking abilities. You may even discover nervous habits you never knew you had. This is more difficult to endure, but it will better simulate a real interview.
Personal presentation: Think first impressions. Although it’s what you can do for the company that is important, first impressions are going to have a big impact on how the interviewer assesses your overall performance. For some interviews a suit may be appropriate; for others, you may just need a jacket. Make sure you understand the proper attire. The way you dress is the single-most important, non-verbal statement you make during an interview.
It is also important to have good etiquette. A firm, solid handshake, a confident smile and basic eye contact with the interviewer establish a sense of trust and demonstrate confidence.
Remain positive and upbeat. Talking about the good aspects of even a bad past working situation will convey professionalism. Never whine or complain; always be optimistic.
Punctuality is crucial. If you’re late for an interview, your interviewer will assume that you will be late for work on a daily basis, as well.
Posing questions: Asking questions is important. Interviewers love anwering difficult questions because it shows that you have put interest into the interview and the company ahead of time. It reflects negatively on you as a potential candidate if you don’t ask questions. Prepare questions ahead of time while doing your research.
Last but not least, always write a thank-you letter immediately after the interview thanking the interviewer for his or her time and consideration. Be sure to reiterate your interest in the position as well as the time frame you agreed upon to hear a response. This way, if you had agreed upon two weeks and two weeks pass without an answer, you know to contact the interviewer.
The top five things to keep in mind for your thank you letters:
1. Mail your letter as soon as possible. This will help refresh the interviewer’s memory of you.
2. Tailor your letter. Make each one personal to the person and company with whom you interviewed.
3. Be positive. Reiterate positive aspects of the interview as well as related points you may have forgotten to mention during the interview.
4. Double check everything. Make sure the letter is neat and has no grammatical errors or misspellings.
5. Don’t be overly grateful. Don’t beg but don’t brag.
Now that you have the skills necessary to cruise through the interview process, here are some tips on what to pack.
Always bring:
1. Extra copies of your resume. Putting it in a two-pocket folder, resume on the left, letters of recommendation on the right. It is proven that using blue folders is best because blue is a color that appeals to both men and women, and blue conveys a business feel.
2. Pad of paper and a pen. Taking notes during the interview shows a sign of interest. It illustrates that you are paying attention to what the interviewer has to say and have an interest in learning more about the company.
3. Business card. Giving your interviewer a copy of your business card gives him/her a tangible way to remember you.
4. Directions. Having directions with you will help reduce your anxiety. You may also want to drive to the interview location in advance so you can judge how long you will need to get there.
Last, but not least, always wear a smile. Despite how you may feel, a smile will mask your anxiety and help you appear confident. Enthusiasm will show that you are sincerely interested and a strong candidate.
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