There's a funny thing about interviews--people think they're easy. If I can talk, I can interview right? Wrong. An interview is a sales experience. You're selling yourself and so is the organization. And selling and talking, well, they are two very different things.
Since we're moving quick in our "as you go online job search guide," here are the top 5 ways to best prepare for an interview. As with all of the "as you go" tips, you can read and learn more, (much more!) in The Right Job, Right Now.
1. Is it worth it? Do a "worthiness check."
Interviews are great practice. So if you get one in the beginning of your search, take it. Even if it is a job you're not super excited about. But as your search goes on, make sure the interview is worthy. When called for an interview, review the position with the recruiter and make sure it's the right fit and the right level. For example, if the salary guidelines are $50-60K depending on experience, and you can't take any less than $75K, don't waste your time. It's not worth it! You may get them to negotiate up a few K out of their band but not $15K.
2. Do your research. Actual, in-depth research.
Nothing impresses an interviewer more than a candidate who answers a question and actually references a challenge the company is facing, a recent company press release or an article where the company was mentioned. So do your research! Start with the company website. If it's public, be sure to review the financials. Use Google to search the names of the people you will be meeting with. Google the company name with keywords related to your job (i.e., ABC Company marketing if it's a marketing job), Go to your local library and do a Lexis Nexis or other online database search. Talk with contacts at the company. Use the company's products or services if you can. In-depth understanding of what the company does is imperative.
3. Don't get caught speechless. Create an inventory of stories.
Don't walk into the interview with just your resume. You'll be asked a question you won't be able to answer and glancing down at the resume won't help. Instead, come up with a list of topics you think you will be asked about based on your level, experience, job description and the company. Topics might include: strengths and weaknesses, leadership style, a time you met a deadline, an example of conflict at one of your jobs, budgeting experience, etc. You should have at least 20 topics. Then come up with a example story for each topic. This will help you know exactly which story you'll use when the question is asked.
4. Watch the babble-on (and on...) effect. Plan your stories.
Once you know which stories you're going to use, make sure you plan them out. Bullet point the details for each story you want to use. Try using a formal story structure like PCAR (Problem, Constraint, Action, Result) or SOAR (situation, opportunity, action result) to help you detail your stories. Don't spend too much time setting up the problem or situation you faced--focus more so on the results you achieved and how you'd face a similar situation at their company.
5. Practice. For real.
Don't make your job interview the first interview you do. Ask a friend, colleague or your university career services for help. If you don't have someone who can do a mock interview for you, tape yourself and listen to your answers. It usually takes 2-5 times to get it right before you're comfortable with what you plan to say if you're asked about a certain question or topic. You'll also catch if you're using alot of "ums" or "you knows" and can nip that bad habit in the bud.
Finally, don't overlook all of the details just because you think you have it together.
- Make sure you have pressed, clean, clothes with the new tags removed.
- Plan to arrive 30 minutes early and find out what the traffic and parking situations will be like.
- Don't drink a whole coffee or bottle of water right before the interview; 60 mins later you'll be in trouble.
- Have the names and phone numbers of all your contacts handy in case of bad traffic, an emergency etc.
And my secret, sure-fire way to impress tip?
Bring thank you notes with you the day of the interview. After the interview, write the notes (in the lobby, in your car, the Starbucks next door, wherever) referencing specific things Go back in and drop them at the front desk. Ask the receptionist if he/she wouldn't mind delivering them. Instant hand notes? Impressive.
