So you passed through the screening phase and have been asked to come in for an interview. GREAT! You're pumped and if you're anything like me, you may have run around the house in happiness. But as it gets closer, you realize that your nerves are building. How are you going to get through it? Should you just wing it? No. Take that option, crunch it into a ball and throw it out.
Instead, read this and follow these seven helpful tips that'll help you nail that interview.
1. Research the company!
I cannot stress this one enough. Do your research. Find out the company's history, their core values, how many people work there, etc. Learn as much about the job you've applied for that you can. You don't want to go into the interview and know absolutely nothing. A common question that sometimes gets asked during the first interview is, "So tell us what you know about the position". Don't be that person that says "I don't know".
2. Practice. Practice. Practice.
Look up some questions that are commonly asked in most interviews. Practice what you would say for each of those questions. "Tell us about yourself", "What are you greatest strengths/biggest weaknesses?", "Why are you leaving your current job?". There are a ton of websites that'll give you examples of the most used questions and answers for them. Check out the Balance or Muse for some of those!
3. Get ready...early.
If your interview is at 1 p.m. that day, don't wait until noon to start getting ready. Wake up early and make yourself a good breakfast. Pick out your outfit and get everything you're bringing in order. Remember to dress to impress!
4. Bring extra copies of your resume.
At some interviews, you'll be speaking with more than one interviewer. The HR representative may bring in the manager of the division you're interviewing for. In this case, it's always good to bring extra copies of your resume in case they don't print it out. I suggest bringing a folder of four or five copies. They may be prepared and print it out themselves, but it will never hurt to have your own printed out.
5. Be on time.
But when I say on time, I mean be early.Being on time basically means you're late. Show up to the interview 15-20 minutes early. This'll give you enough time to check in with reception, have a look around the lobby where you could possibly be working soon (fingers crossed), and sit down to calm your nerves.
6. Make good first impressions.
First impressions can either make you or break you. That being said, while you're waiting in the lobby, smile at everyone who passes by. They could be the manager you're interviewing with or even just future coworkers. Don't give them RBF. Make sure you smile! When you get into the interview, shake hands and introduce yourself to everyone in the room. Remember to be smiling and make eye contact.
7. Remember everyone's name.
When possible, address people by name. This will show that you're able to focus in on small details. It'll also help for a point I'll get to soon.
8. Be cool, calm, and FOCUSED.
This may seem obvious but you would be surprised how easy is to get distracted during an interview. Make sure you listen to the question being asked. Take a second to think of your answer and how to word it. Speak slowly and make eye contact.
9. In addition to first impressions, last impressions are just as important.
At the end of the interview, shake everyone's hands and thank them for their time. This will be the last time you see them before they make any decision to move you on to the next round.
10. Send a thank you email.
Like I said before, remember everyone's name. This will be helpful when you have to send your thank you email after the interview. Send it in that same business day, if possible, and send an individual email to every person.
With all that being said, good luck with your interviews. Although you may be nervous, know that you got the interview for a reason and you absolutely can nail it. Happy job hunting!