April 25, 2017
Landing an interview after applying for a job is extremely exciting! It can be extremely intimidating too. What are they going to ask? What do you need to know? Where do you even start? I’m very excited to share with you how I prepare for a job interview.
Here are 4 steps that will put you in the right direction to slay a job interview.
- Know the position you are interviewing for. If you applied online, you likely have access to the job description of the position you are applying for. Read through this carefully and make sure you have a strong understanding of the characteristics the company is looking for to fill this position.
- Get to know the company. I like to read through [most of] a company’s website before an interview. If you do not have time to read through a lot of the website, make time to look over the “About” page. Here you will find a brief history of the company and their purpose or mission statement.
- Practice interview questions. I understand that you have NO IDEA what they’re going to ask you, but have you ever heard of the website GlassDoor.com?! People have submitted their interview experiences with specific companies, and sometimes you will even find the exact questions they were asked. If the company you are interviewing with can’t be found on Glass Door, Pinterest is full of practice questions. Print some questions and jot down your answers, or practice answering the questions out loud. This is not to help you answer questions quicker, but to help you prepare for what you may be asked. It is perfectly fine to take your time answering questions when you’re in the interview. Quality is key!
- Lay out your outfit a couple of days in advance. There’s nothing like realizing your blazer needs a good dry-cleaning the morning of a big interview! Check out my post on What to Wear to An Interview here.
After the interview I always send something to follow up. An email works, but for my last two interviews (in which I got the job in both situations) I sent a hand written thank you note to each individual that interviewed me. I have to hand this tip to my friend Eden. Thanks, sister!
Once you’ve followed up, the best advice I have is to be patient. Be confident in your preparation, and if the job is meant to be yours it will be!
How have you prepared for interviews? I’d love to know what tips and tricks got you the job!
Mary Blasingame Forkner
Spot on! As a retired upper management employee, I interviewed many applicants. The only extra advice I would give is to take great care in filling out an application. Many corporations/governments have an employee who reviews the applications and verifies the information before an interview is offered. Make certain all blanks are filled. Empty questions/blanks on the application leads to the application being rejected. Don’t “glamorize” experience or education. Many have lost an opportunity by attempting this.