Getting Ready for the Interview
Your cover letter and resume did their jobs. They caught the attention of the hiring manager and you are now scheduled for an interview. Now what?
The job interview can be nerve racking. Being nervous before a job interview is normal. You can alleviate some of those nerves by being prepared for the interview. This is where doing research on the company you are interviewing with will really pay off. It shows a genuine interest in the company and it can help you come up with questions for the interviewer.
Here are a few things you can do to help the interview go smoothly.
Make sure you know where to go for the interview. Try driving the route you will be taking prior to the interview. Being familiar with where the interview is will help you stay calm.
Arrive early. You will probably have to fill out an application before the interview begins. Being late may also raise a warning flag about you even before the interview starts.
Dress professionally. Hopefully this goes with out saying. Your clothes should be clean and wrinkle free. Your shoes should not be scuffed up. You only have one chance to make a first impression.
“Don’t fidget.” This is the one piece of advice I remember my Mom giving me before an interview. Non verbal communication is important in interviews. Standing up straight, making eye contact and a firm handshake are all good non verbal communication tools.
Be flexible. Every interview is different. Remember that the purpose of the interview is for the company to get to know you and for you to get to know the company. There is no set formula for how to do this. The more calm, prepared and relaxed you are the better off you will do.
Do you have any tips for a successful interview? If so, we would like to hear about them.
Tags: Interviewing Tips