Interviews can be daunting, nerve wracking, exciting, and everywhere in between. While every job interview and position you apply for will differ in form – there are some key principles to tuck away for your big day.
1. Breathe
Relax, you already caught their eye – you’ve passed the first test! In order for your interview to launch well, it’s important to prepare yourself beforehand. This can look like driving to the interview location the day before at the same time to determine traffic patterns, interview with a friend beforehand, and giving yourself plenty of time to sit in the parking lot beforehand to acclimate yourself and not arrive flustered.
2. You are an expert on you
An interview is ideally a professional conversation – an introduction to your experience. And no employer knows you better than you. Don’t hesitate to talk to a former co-worker to gain some anecdotes that will serve as examples of your professional skills and experience. An excellent way to tie in your candidacy with the company is by researching the organization and communicating the ways in which their values and mission are illustrated in your personal and professional life.
3. Perfect your story
An interview is basically a massive storytelling session. Your interviewer is not asking what you can do, they are curious how you do it. Make sure you have a bucket of stories and examples of how you have been a problem solver, how you have navigated conflict in the past, and the various ways in which you have excelled that place you as an ideal candidate for the role.
4. Ask Questions
Interviewers are looking for a candidate who has done their research and are knowledgeable about what they are walking into. Some great questions to ask are,
“How have you seen the company evolve from the time you were hired until now?”
“From someone who has formerly had this role, what were their major complaints, what was their favorite aspect?”
“What is the community of employees like outside of work, do people often engage in activities outside of the office?”
“How will I be measured in my role? What type of communication should I expect from a supervisor?”
5. Follow Up
The biggest way to stand out to a potential employer is to reach out immediately after the interview. Send a follow-up thank you email to address their willingness to meet. Ideally, write a handwritten note thanking them for their investment and time – you can easily drop a note off on your way out to the front desk or stick it in their mailbox on your way home.
Lastly, no interview is wasted. Whether you get the job or not – every encounter is worthwhile and one step closer to finding a role ideal for you. Use every interview experience as a tool to learn, prepare, and better yourself for the many more opportunities ahead! Check out TOPS resources for more pages on managing anxiety and general public speaking tips.