Kathleen Daub
August 16, 2017
Newsletter ArticleThere are a handful of steps and different methods you can take to prepare for an interview, ensuring you make a memorable first impression. When you are walking into an interview you always want to be prepared to bring your best foot forward.
Come Prepared
Interviews in some ways are similar to presenting to a large group of people. Generally, you wouldn’t wing a presentation, therefore you shouldn’t wing an interview. Before the day of your interview, make sure you know yourself. This may sound a little odd but being aware of your strengths, weaknesses, and accomplishments will not only help you when answering questions but how to effectively you answer those questions. On a piece of paper jot down your strengths and weaknesses for reference later.
Research the Company
A quick 5-minute look at the company website will not do any good. You need to spend a good amount of time not only looking at the company website but their blog posts, social media pages such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and any other accounts the company has. Once you have finished researching you will have a better understanding of the company culture and will be able to connect their culture to your answers. You will also be able to determine if the company culture fits with you, for example, if you enjoy and devote your time to help within the community and the company you have an interview for does as well this would be a good fit for you.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Make sure you practice answering to some of the most common interview questions. Not just in your head, write down your answers on a piece of paper so you can quickly review them before going into the interview and days before practice with a family member or friend. To get the most out of practicing with another person, film yourself so you can later watch your body language, eye contact or movements along with evaluating how you answered the question(s,) then make the necessary changes.
The Rule of 3
This goes along with ‘Practice, Practice, Practice’, sometimes hiring managers ask the same question 2 or 3 times to see if you are paying attention or to get more information. When you are practicing with someone, practice answering the question with different answers giving different examples every time. During the interview, you then avoid the chance of repeating yourself or stumbling to answer, this will also make you look prepared.
Choosing your Outfit
It’s always a good idea to choose and lay your outfit out the night before. To make sure you stand out and are remembered, choose a piece of clothing that has a pop of colour. For women, a scarf or a bold neckless can do the trick, for men a fun patterned tie or dress shirt will make you stand out.
Take the necessary time to prepare for your interview. The work and time you put into being prepared the more likely you are to get the job. Don’t forget to follow up after your interview, this will also help the chances of you receiving an offer.
