Securing a job interview is awesome! But it can also be nerve-racking. Here is what you should keep in mind before you head to that interview.
1. STUDY
Always make sure to do some research and reading before your interview. The job posting will tell you some information you need but also spend time looking into the company, the team and the people who work there. Always go into the interview with a list of questions from what you find in your research. This shows your interest as well as illustrates you’ve spent time doing your homework.
MORE: Always do this after you apply for a job
The type of research you do may also depend on where you’re interviewing. I know people who have interviewed at companies like Google and Apple and had to go through rounds of interviews with sometimes unexpected questions like, ‘Why are manhole covers round?’ So if it’s a big company, you could also try searching for interview questions that may get asked.
2. PRACTICE
Doing a practice interview with a family member or friend may help you prepare more for the interview. Tell your stand-in interviewer what questions you want to be asked, perhaps some basics like: ‘Tell us a little bit about yourself,’ ‘What do you currently do at your job,’ ‘What are your strengths and weaknesses?’ Prep your interviewer with the job and encourage them to throw in some other questions.
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If you found something interesting online about your interviewer then this is a good time to practice including that information. For example, “Oh, I saw that article you posted last week about XYZ and I liked it a lot because of XYZ.” Make sure whatever you want to include sounds professional (which is why it’s helpful to practice saying it aloud in your practice interview) and shows you did your homework.
3. BE PROFESSIONAL
Be polite. This may seem obvious, but sometimes we don’t act the way we intend to act if we’re nervous or uncomfortable. So no matter what, be sure to use your manners and act professionally. Also, dress appropriately for the role – you want to look the part.
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4. FOLLOW UP
Sending a thank you note after a job interview is very important. It’s polite and shows you really care about the position. I have sent both hand-written notes and emails. In today’s world, I think emails are appropriate and a sure way to get directly to the interviewer if you’re worried a letter may take too long to reach the person or get lost in the office mail. Or you can send both.
Good luck!
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