| So you've finally landed an interview for that dream | | | | more you know, the more you will either be passionate |
| job you've always wanted. Now what? Do you go into | | | | about the opportunity or convinced it's not the role for |
| panic mode as you try and figure out how to best | | | | you. Research is easy with the internet at your |
| prepare for the interview or do you remain calm, cool | | | | fingertips. |
| and collected as you review your interviewing basics | | | | Another important thing to consider while preparing for |
| checklist. | | | | an interview is to understand your strategic advantage |
| Consider for a moment the purpose of the interview | | | | as an interviewee. What makes you the best |
| from your perspective, as well as from the | | | | candidate for this job? Know the answer. Prepare a |
| perspective of the interviewer. You want to provide | | | | brief outline of the points you want to make in the |
| the interviewer with key information about yourself as | | | | interview and practice them. You can practice in front |
| well as create a favorable and lasting impression. You | | | | of a mirror or role play with someone. Anticipate any |
| also want to make sure you receive key information | | | | skill and/or knowledge requirements and be prepared |
| you need to determine if this is the right fit for you in | | | | to address any shortfalls you may have in the hiring |
| terms of job, opportunity, culture, etc. The interviewer | | | | criteria. Lastly make sure you are displaying your most |
| on the other hand is looking to gather information about | | | | positive attitude before, during and after the interview |
| you that perhaps was not available on your resume or | | | | process. |
| to provide you with key information about the job or | | | | At the point of the Interview: |
| the company. The interviewer will be assessing your fit | | | | Turn off your cell phone |
| within the role and company culture as well as | | | | Be mindful of first impressions |
| determining if you can do the job. | | | | Listen to the specific question |
| There are certain things that are well within your | | | | Be direct and specific in your answers |
| control and some things that are not. | | | | Be concise, but don't say too little |
| Let's look at what's within your control. You can: | | | | Gauge the interviewer's style and experience |
| Be prepared and punctual | | | | Watch for clues and adapt to changing situations |
| Dress professionally | | | | Watch for non-verbal communications |
| Present a good attitude | | | | Be aware of your body language |
| Control what you say and how you say it | | | | Match and mirror your interviewer's body language |
| Use positive body language. Communication is | | | | Here are some of the most frequently asked interview |
| 55% body language. | | | | questions: |
| Prepare your questions in advance of the | | | | Tell me about yourself. |
| interview. Make sure you have at least 3 great | | | | What are your strengths & weaknesses? |
| questions to ask in the interview. | | | | What do you want to do? |
| Follow up (90% of interviewees don't follow up-this | | | | Why are you interested in this job? |
| alone will make you stand out as a candidate) | | | | What do you know about our company? |
| Now let's look at what is not within your control: | | | | Why should we hire you? |
| Who you meet | | | | What will your references say? |
| The length of interview or the type of interview (i.e. | | | | Why did you leave your previous employer? |
| panel vs behavioral vs structured, etc.) | | | | Make sure you take the time in advance of the |
| What questions are asked | | | | interview to develop some strong answers to each. |
| Any interview bias | | | | The better prepared you are to answer questions, the |
| The quality of interviewer | | | | more likely you will make a strong impression on your |
| Preparing for the interview is a key component of | | | | interviewer. Be prepared. |
| getting the job. It's important for you to do as much | | | | So now that you are prepared and you know what |
| research as you can about the job, the people in the | | | | you can and can not control you can relax and enjoy |
| organization, the company, the leaders, the goals and | | | | the interview. |
| objectives of the organization and much more. The | | | | |