Interviewing is no small task. We spend so much time putting together our resume and looking for our dream job that when we finally land an interview, we think “now what?”
When you have an interview scheduled, there are three essential actions you should take so that you can go in and conquer it: get prepared, be professional, and stay positive. All of these actions have different missions, but they go hand-in-hand and work together.
Preparation
We have all had interviews where we weren’t fully prepared and we tried to think on our feet, and sometimes that just doesn’t cut it. Being prepared is going to show the interviewer that you not only know how to bring it, but that you are able to do the work to bring it.
Step 1: Research the company.
There is nothing worse than interviewing for a position when you have no idea what the company does. This should be the first step before you walk into the interview. Have at least a foundational understanding of what the company does. From there, you’ll be able and more comfortable to ask deeper questions as they relate to the position. Look for the latest news on the company on social media just to see what they’re up to. Bonus points for commenting on a relevant project they are working on!
Step 2: Get comfortable with your strengths and weaknesses.
It’s completely acceptable to explain (humbly) what you’re good at. But when the interviewer asks, don’t be afraid to share your weaknesses and what you are doing to channel them to create positive results. More importantly, have a weakness to channel. Try not to make it sound like you only have strengths because no one does. Know both sides of your strengths and weaknesses and identify how they could both produce a good outcome.
Step 3: Prepare the night before.
Make sure your suit is ironed and ready to go, your keys are within reach, and your resume is printed and neatly stowed inside your work bag. It’s always a great idea to print off multiple resumes for each person you will be meeting with, as well as an extra two or three just in case the interview is going really well and someone else from the company decides to pop in and meet you. Bringing multiple resumes to your interview shows that you come prepared even when the interviewer might not be. Don’t expect them to bring a copy of your resume to the interview. Have some questions written down in your notepad about the position or company—you always want to have questions to ask! Bring a pen to take notes. Lastly, save your interview itinerary to your phone or print it out so you have it on-hand. If you get stuck in traffic or your flight gets in late, make sure you have the number of your recruiter so you can let them know what’s going on ASAP.
Professionalism
Showing professionalism in an interview goes way beyond your double major and sharp suit. Yes, it is extremely important to dress nicely and have a solid resume behind you, but just as important is how you are able to present yourself.
Step 1: Be the first one to offer an example of your work ethic.
Explain a project you initiated and completed, talk in detail about your relevant knowledge as it relates to the position you are interviewing for. Be careful of sounding presumptuous, but don’t be afraid of sharing your accomplishments. No one wants to hire someone who says, “Eh, I haven’t really done much to be proud of.”
Step 2: Respectfully acknowledge each person you encounter.
This includes people you meet in the elevator, the receptionist, or the custodian. Smile and say hello! This will let people know that if you land this position, you’re going to be a pleasant person to be around Monday through Friday.
Step 3: Mind your manners.
Try to avoid words that have a negative connotation, and never speak negatively about your current or former employer or about a co-worker. If they hear you say that your old boss was lousy, they might not be too excited about offering you a position at the company because they will be left wondering if you would speak that way about them. Again, every negative has a positive. Even if your boss was challenging, explain how you found value in someone that focused on getting results. It helped you prioritize and manage your time much better. Never interrupt, and always make sure that you thank each person you met with for taking time to speak with you. Send an additional thank-you note promptly after your interview while you are still fresh in the interviewer’s mind.
Positivity
This is the last action of the P’s, and it may be the one that ties them all together. One of the most important things to remember when interviewing is to channel your emotions and body language to communicate that you want this job. If you go into an interview with the belief that you are not going to get an offer, then you’re not going to persuade the interviewer to think any differently.
Step 1: Smile, but not too much.
Show the interviewer that you are not a robot. Know when to smile, and maybe even more importantly, know when not to smile. You don’t want to be smiling during the story of why the company just fired their best sales representative. If they crack a joke, give a little chuckle, but don’t take it too far. They might be able to sense the pseudo-flattery.
Step 2: Actively listen.
Actively listening and repeating back the information you are receiving shows that you are really listening to the interviewer and not just saying, “mhmm, yes, I see.” Anyone can do this. The interviewer wants to interview someone who shows they are interested, not someone who says they are. Show the interviewer you are attentive and curious.
Step 3: Share meaningful examples.
The interviewer will be able to see that the situation you are referencing had a genuine impact on you. Being sincere and authentic will set you apart from other candidates who have been rehearsing answers to standard questions. When you share an example that had a significant impact on you, the person you are sharing that experience with will be able to tell that you are genuine because people like real people, and real people have stories. Those examples will allow both you and the interview to connect and if you and the position are a good match.
Never forget that the person interviewing you also had to go through interviews too. The most important things to remember is to relax, be yourself, and let the interviewer lead the conversation. If you remember this, you will conquer it!