How well you do in an interview has everything to do with how well you prepared for it. If you take the time to prepare well, you will perform well. It’s as simple as that! Essentially, there are three facets of the interview that merit some preparation and preliminary research: company facts, interview questions and logistics.
Company facts
If you want to make a good impression, it’s important that you to come to the interview ready to demonstrate a working knowledge of the company and its product or service. Nothing will shoot down your chances of getting hired faster than appearing clueless about the organization you supposedly want to work for! With so many online resources available, there is no excuse for not doing your homework. Social media, online review sites and company websites have opened the door to more information about a company than ever before. Get familiar with the company, its product or service lines, executive leadership, mission, the latest company news (press releases can tell you this), and the specifics of the position you desire. Then come prepared to show the interviewer you know your stuff!
Interview questions
While every company is unique, there are some foundational questions that almost every interviewer will ask, such as: Tell me about your last job. What are your biggest achievements? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Tell me about a challenge you faced and how you overcame it? What makes you the right person for this job? And, there are many more. Take the time to prepare your answers and provide strong examples. Then, rehearse them and role play if you have a friend or spouse who is willing to play the part of the interviewer. The worst thing to do is to wing it and hope the words magically and meticulously form in your mouth the minute the interviewer asks. Prepare ahead and you will do well!
Logistics
Come prepared and ready to succeed in your interview. This entails everything from the date, time and location, to the names and titles of your interviewers, professional attire, extra resumes, application information and a good night’s rest. Your mental and physical disposition are just as important as how well you answer your questions, so don’t forget to prepare for the logistical part of your interview.
Take the time to prepare well for your job interview and you will succeed!
