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Prepping for the Perfect Interview

Hey, you got that call-back you’ve been waiting for. HR wants an interview based on your stunning resume. Your one step closer to getting that job.

Of course, no one gets hired on a resume alone. It’s the interview that closes the deal and shows a potential employer that you’re the perfect fit. So, what can you do to nail that interview and nail down a new job? Take a look.

1. Use the web. Even small companies have web sites today so visit the business web site. What do they make or sell? How does your experience make you the perfect candidate? Learn all you can about the company.

This does two things: (1) it prepares you for the “out-of-left-field” question from the interviewer, a common tactic to see how you think on your feet and, (2) it shows you’re ambitious. You did your homework! You get a gold star!

2. Conduct a web search. Google the company name and the names of company principals. Who knows, maybe you went to the same school as the CEO! Couldn’t hurt.

3. Use your network. If you’ve been in “the biz” for a while, chances are you know someone who knows someone who knows something about this company. Make a few calls to learn the inside story – the story that doesn’t appear on the web.

4. Rehearse. Prepare a list of questions you expect to be asked:

• How can you help our company?

• What was your biggest accomplishment at your last job?

• How would you handle network down time?

• Who are your personal heroes?

A good interviewer works from a script of questions so s/he can compare apples to apples when reviewing interview results. So, practice your answers. Say them out loud in front of a mirror until you have your patter down pat.

5. Dress for success. Even if the interview is scheduled for casual Friday, wear your finest. Look the part. And carry an attaché – even if you have to borrow one.

6. Don’t wear cologne, perfume or after-shave. Something as simple as this can sabotage an otherwise great interview.

7. Drive by the office. By familiarizing yourself with the route, parking, the look and feel of the place, you eliminate some of the unknowns that often create interview stress.

8. View an interview as a give and take. It’s not you being interrogated under the glare of the spotlight. A good interview involves give and take so prepare a list of questions about job responsibilities, chances for advancement and so on. Do not ask what the job pays! You’ll find out soon enough.

9. Be attentive, but relaxed. Don’t slouch but don’t be a robot, either. Make eye contact and call the interviewer by name – the name used during introductions. If the interviewer is introduced as Ms. Smith, call her Ms. Smith. If he introduces himself as Bob Smith, Bob is cool.

10. Follow up with a thank you. You want to stand out and for all you know, that interviewer saw 20 people that day. A simple, hand-written thank you jogs the interviewer’s memory – especially if your note references something that took place during your chat.

It comes down to this: good preparation creates confidence in everything you do. So, prepare yourself to give the interview of a lifetime.

Then WOW ‘em.