The purpose of any interview is to land the job offer. With that said its important to be in the right mindset for the interview. Here are some real tips to get you in the right mindset and help you land the offer:
- REVIEW the job description in depth. You should know the requirements of the job for which you are applying. Knowing the requirements will communicate to the interviewer that you are ready for the job.
- RESEARCH and READ about the company. Start with the company website - the "about section". Read the mission, company story, some sites list the employees with bios, and if there are any white papers or annual reports available definitely take time to read through. Often you will discover what has been accomplished in the past year and their goals are in the coming year. Next read trade publications or trade association articles about the company. You may find articles written by individuals in the company. In addition, look up the names of the people you will be interviewing with for bios and see if they've written articles in the past. It will give you a sense of what's important to them and what you should be focusing on in the conversation.
- REASONS you are right for the job - when you spend the time to review the job description and do a bit of research the result is you'll have a. figured out why the company should hire you, b. why you want to work for them, c. be able to answer questions about why you are right for the job, d. you'll be able to answer those trick questions like "what are you strengths or weaknesses" and e. you will have created a set of unique questions for the interviewer.
- RELAX and REFLECT - now that you've gathered all this information, take time to think about what you've learned. Processing the information and making notes for yourself a couple of days before helps you be more natural in the interview. It also gives you time to practice responses to questions you might feel challenge your knowledge. Using a mirror or recording device are ways to help you practice. These techniques will help you relax. When you are relaxed in the interview, the interviewer will see your sincerity and authenticity.
- BASICS - its important to remember the basics -
a. Be on time. It's best to arrive 10 mins early so you can deep breathe, check your appearance center your thoughts, freshen up if you've had an exhausting trip and get through security and reception.
b. Plan what you are going to wear. Dressing to impress is simple if you remember to ask about he dress code of the company when setting the meeting. Follow the dress code, avoid strong colognes/perfumes, and don't smoke before the interview, avoiding noticeable smells is important given allergies these days. Make sure clothes are free of wrinkles, avoid jewelry that makes noise and polish, closed shoes are usually best. It's important that shoes don't make noise when you walk, for example, slapping noise on sandals or squeaky heels.
c. Eye contact and a dry, firm hand shake are important. If you are prone to sweaty palms make sure to have a tissue or handkerchief discreetly available to wipe your hands. Or, if you have a concerns about eye contact, you can let the interviewer know for example "sometimes when I am excited my eyes get watery and since I am very happy to be meeting you so it might happen while we are talking". - WRAP-UP, now that the interview is coming to an end its important to make sure you emphasize that you are the best fit. First ask a question for example "is there anything else you would like to know about me?" This will give you a chance to reiterate why you are a great fit, and bring clarity. Then let them know you want the job, an example is "I am very interested in this job, and if offered would accept. I hope I've shown that I am a great fit from my experience and attitude."
Lastly, ask about next steps one way to ask is "Is there a time I should follow up with you?" - THANK YOU, it's important to send a "thank you" note within 24 hours of the interview. Thank them for their time, mention a point that you bonded on in the interview, and reiterate how you will help the team, organization.
Following these steps will get you in the right mindset as well as help you in the interview. Getting in the right mindset takes preparation. Spend about an hour or so getting the information you need to set yourself up for success. When you are in the right mindset you will have a great conversation that builds rapport and leads to opportunity.