You've worked
hard to get here. You've sent out 31 resumes, networked, attended
job fairs, enrolled in school for more education – you've taken all
the right steps.
Then,
one afternoon the phone rings. “Yes, we'd like you to come in for an
interview. Is next Tuesday at 10:00 alright with you?” Alright???!!!
You can be there in 10 minutes! But you gather your composure,
pretend to rifle through your “appointment book” and calmly reply,
“Yes, Tuesday at 10:00 works for me. See you then.” Now what?
The
sequence goes like this: the resume gets you an interview;
the interview gets you the job. This is when you become more
than a bunch of employment dates and workplace
accomplishments. This is your opportunity to shine. It's
show time!
Go in
cold and you're working at a disadvantage. You prepped the
perfect resume, now it's time to prep for that all-important
interview. Here are ten steps you should take before
you show up at the interviewer's door.
1.
Review your resume.
Sure,
you know it by heart. But what was it that caught the eye of
this recruiter or the HR pro? Specialized experience? Unique
training? A steady history of career advancement? Revisit
your resume from the point of view of the interviewer. It
may provide insight into the company's employee needs –
something that would certainly be advantageous to know going
in.
2. Get
back on-line.
The
Internet served you well in the preparation of
personalized cover letters targeted at the recipients'
needs. Okay, visit the company web site again and start
taking notes. Corporate officers, the latest press releases,
the company's annual report. Gather as much information as
you can on your soon-to-be-employer.
3.
Study, study, then cram.
The
more you learn about your callback company, the better
you're going to feel walking in that door. Knowledge is
power. Knowledge will make you more confident in your
attitude and your answers. You know this stuff. You've
studied it! Knowledge of company products, services,
protocols and procedures shows the interviewer that you're
proactive, with an eye for detail and an appreciation for
the power of preparation. In other words, you'll make a
positive impression.
4.
Rehearse your interview.
How
can you rehearse for something that doesn't have a script?
Write one. You know the typical questions you'll be asked so
write down some of your most insightful, witty thoughts
regarding the state of your industry and profession. Be
prepared to describe past positions, responsibilities and
accomplishments. This is not a time for false modesty, so
don't be afraid to highlight your professional strengths and
play down your terrible typing skills. Remember: it's no
brag if it's the truth. Ask your spouse, your child or a
friend to play the role of interviewer so you become more
comfortable speaking about yourself in front of others.
Again, this is a confidence builder. The more you practice,
the more confident you'll be.
5.
Develop your list of questions.
Your
interview shouldn't be seen as some type of interrogation.
It's a “getting to know you” meeting, so feel free to ask
questions. However, your first question shouldn't be “How
much do I get paid?” or “How's the 401k plan, here?”
Instead, ask questions that show you understand the job and
the company's needs. Be quick to pick up on the
interviewer's comments and ask relevant questions.
Interviewer:
We've had some issues with field reports coming in late
recently.
You:
How are the reports transmitted?
(Oh,
you're good. Very good.)
6.
Dress for success.
An
interview is a performance with people playing different
roles. Your role is successful job prospect. Play the
part. Whether you're female or male, the conservative
business suit is the recommended attire for any interview.
If your business suit needs a pressing, send it to the dry
cleaners. If you don't own a suit (you'd be surprised at the
number of us who don't) go out and get one. It doesn't have
to be an $800 designer suit, but it should be conservative
black, blue or gray.
7. Get
cut or coiffed.
You'll
have 15 minutes to make a good impression. Treat yourself to
a visit to the local hair stylist. You bet looks matter.
They'll be plenty of time to show your talent once you land
the job. For now, look like a success, feel like a success –
be a success.
8.
Practice positive visualization.
Professional athletes do it. So do actors, yoga instructors
and new age thinkers who sleep under makeshift pyramids to
absorb that mystical energy. It's called positive
visualization – and it works. It really does. In the
days leading up to the interview, picture yourself sitting
opposite the head of HR. Picture yourself relaxed,
comfortable, at the top of your game. Play that clip over
and over in your mind until it becomes so familiar, it
actually becomes a part of your self-image. It simply can't
be stated too often – your confidence during an interview
should be obvious and genuine.
9.
Gather your materials.
The
day before the interview, gather your materials and place
them in a briefcase or attaché. Don't have one? Buy one or
borrow one. It's another opportunity to project that
professional image you wear so well. Bring extra copies of
your resume in a manila envelop. Bring a pad and pencil to
take notes. Bring a calculator (you never know). Bring your
address book and copies of your business card. If you've
been asked to provide additional information (school
transcripts, e.g.) make sure you've got clean copies ready
to hand over.
10.
Sleep tight.
You've
done it all. You've prepared yourself; you've built your
confidence so you can look the interviewer straight in the
eye. You are ready to rock ‘n' roll! Okay, too
psyched. You'll never get to sleep. The night before the
interview, go to bed early. Have some warm milk, coco or
herbal tea (stay away from the 3rd scotch).
Relax. Set the alarm and sleep comfortably in the knowledge
that you're as prepared as you'll ever be. No, not every
interview will be a success. You won't get the job every
time – but don't take it personally. It's not about you;
it's about the needs of the company. However, you can
increase the chances of success by presenting a
professional, prepared, and confident you to the
interviewer. That's how you turn an interview into a job
offer.
You're hired!
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