There is a lot of work that goes into getting ready for the big interview. There are three things to remember before we get started. No matter how big the position is, the people interviewing you are… people. They have everyday responsibilities just like you, so don’t stress about it. Another thing to remember is that the worst thing the interviewer can realistically say is “it was nice to meet you.” These people are the face of a company, they will be polite and let you talk. And if the inevitable happens, and you don’t get the job.. you got great practice reps to get better. After all, the only way to get better at something is to continue to practice it.
Make sure to check out our free guide to creating a killer resume to ensure your resume is top tier, because before any interview you better already have your resume nailed down.
Tips To Nail Your Interview
Tip #1 – Know Your Resume
If you are putting something down on your resume, it means it is important enough for the people across the table from you to read it and ask you questions. If that is the case, then make sure you know each bullet point and your why.
Be willing to explain what you learned during that internship or job. If you can’t talk about it right away then don’t put it on your resume. Talk about how your internship that was a few years ago helped you for the next job and continue to build. You are showing the interviewer you are willing to learn and grow without even saying it.
Tip #2 – Gauge The Interviewer
Believe it or not, there are different styles and methods interviewers use. Some interviewers may want to guide the entire conversation, if that is the case then let them talk and wait for the question.
Some interviewers may be extremely quiet and want you to lead the conversation. Make sure you can tell it is this method before committing. It is one thing to not say enough, it is completely different when the interviewee talks way too much and ends up saying something they regret.
Most interviewers ask about your work experience but the great ones ask questions to see your soft skills. While it is important that you work hard and get internships, companies aren’t going to hire you solely because you worked. They want to see how you hold a conversation and respond to questions. They want to see your soft skills put to work. Because when it really boils down to it, all construction is.. is relationships.
Once you know the style of the interviewer, model the rest of your conversation after their style. The hardest thing about this particular step is that it takes practice and time. If you need help practicing and gauging interviewers, we offer 1:1 career coaching that might be the perfect fit for you.
Tip #3 – Know 2 to 3 Facts About The Company
Know 2 to 3 facts about the company you are interviewing with, it is important to show up and have your homework done. This step sounds so simple, but you would be amazed the amount of people who will not take 15 minutes to learn what makes the company they want to work for tick. It is a no-brainer, if you truly want to have a career at this company then show up acting like you care.
Tip #4 – Ask Great Questions
Never leave an interview without asking at least 3 questions. This is your opportunity to shine. If you ask great questions you greatly increase your likelihood to be remembered. When you ask a great question, you show the interviewer you care about who they are and what their respective company is about.
Examples:
- What are some characteristics of people who have been successful at your company?
- This question is so great because you are showing the interviewer that you are imagining yourself at their company and also wanting to be successful.
- How does (insert company) define a win? Is it hiring a great candidate? Is it living out the company values?
- You are showing the interviewer you want to be a winner and you imagine yourself with the company.
- I know there is an HR answer, but if you could take off the company hat and honestly tell me what it’s like to work here compared to other companies?
- This question really opens up the conversation, you are wanting to know why should I come and work here.
Asking questions is how you grow in relationships, it is how you get further in an interview, it is how you truly show you care.
Tip #5 – Mock Interviews
Practice makes perfect. If you feel rusty and unprepared ask a friend or family member to run through a set of questions to help you practice. The more serious you take it, the better the results. Take time working through each step and building to the next one.
Give yourself enough grace and allow room for failure. What do I mean by that? When you give yourself grace you are allowing yourself to learn from your mistakes and move forwards. Do not get stuck in a negative rut if you mumble a word or misspeak, take a second to regroup and come back stronger. If you practice enough, you will make the big day a walk in the park.
Nothing is more gratifying then leaving an interview feeling that you nailed it, no matter the end result if you follow these steps you will be prepared. If a company passes up on you then it could be that you weren’t the right fit, and that is fine because there are more companies out there that know your value and will show it.
