One of the best things you can do to make the best use of an
interview is to make sure that you are prepared. But what kinds of things should you do to
prepare yourself?
Check out these 17 tips and you’ll be sure to ace
that next interview.
3-4 Days Before the Interview…
1. Make sure you have researched the company you are
interviewing for a position with. You
should know what products and services they offer, who their target market is,
where they have locations, a bit about their history, and any other key info
that you can find.
2. Find out who their biggest competitors are and what the
differences are between the companies.
3. Make sure you have concrete examples of your skills that
pertain specifically to the company you are interviewing with. You should be able to talk about them
confidently. Practice answering
questions where you could use these specific examples. Be ready to make comparisons between your
skills and the needs of the position that you have applied for.
4. Know your weaknesses and strengths. You will likely be asked about your
weaknesses so try to find a way to turn them into a positive.
5. Have at least a few questions ready that you can
ask. Not having questions to ask when
they say, “Do you have any questions?” make you appear to be unprepared. Having questions make you appear sincere and
interested.
6. Pick out an outfit to wear to the interview. Make sure that it fits properly and is
clean. If you need to make adjustments
or get something new you will still have time.
One Day Before the Interview
7. Confirm the time and date of your interview by calling the
office. If you don’t know already, try to find out the name of the person that
will be interviewing you.
8. Make sure you know how to get to the interview. You can check for directions on Google
Maps. If it is in a location that you are unfamiliar with you might want to do
a trial run. If you are driving, find
out where you can park. If you’re
travelling during rush hour remember to give yourself some extra time.
9. Get your interview outfit ready. Double check for snags or wrinkles. Don’t forget shoes and accessories like a tie
or belt.
10. Get a couple extra
copies of your resume and cover letter ready, just in case. A back up copy won’t hurt. If you are interviewing with several people,
the head interviewer might be the only person with a copy of your resume.
The Day of the Interview
11. Make sure your brain is properly fueled by eating a good
breakfast. If your interview is right
after your meal, skip heavy amounts of carbs since they tend to make you feel
like having a nap.
12. Start getting
dressed early so you don’t have to rush.
Don’t forget to brush your teeth and check for lint and cat hairs on
your outfit. First impressions count a
lot!
13. Put your copies of your cover letter and resume in your
bag. Make sure you have something to
carry them in that will protect them from getting wrinkled. If you have a portfolio, bring it with you.
14. Give yourself lots
of time to get to your interview. If you
get their more than 15 minutes before you are scheduled, go for a walk or drive
around the block. DO NOT have a smoke
before you go in if you are a smoker!
Gum will not cover the smell.
15. When you enter the building smile. Shake hands when you
are introduced to someone.
16. RELAX! You’re
prepared and you are going to do great!
