So you got the call to come in for an interview—now what?!
Here are some tips to help you prepare.
1. Research. Make sure you research the organization where you are seeking employment. If your career is one that gives you the flexibility to move between industries, such as a role in finance or IT, you may not be familiar with it. Check the company website, Google them, and learn as much as you can about them. If you are a LinkedIn member, see if you know anyone who works there or has knowledge about the company. The more you know about the company and industry prior to your interview, the better off you’ll be. Even if you’ve worked in the same industry and are familiar with the company, it makes sense to get some more information. Being knowledgeable about the company will prepare you to discuss any recent changes or developments at the company and arm you with the information you need to speak intelligently during the interview.
2. Plan Ahead. If you are scheduled for an interview and have never been to that geographical area, make sure you know how to get there before the day of your interview. You don’t want to show up late for your meeting because you got lost. Waking up that morning and realizing you have no idea how to get there will affect your timing, and can create additional anxiety that will hamper your interview. If you are taking public transportation, make sure you know the schedule, and give yourself extra time to get there. You also want to have enough time to ensure you look presentable and not walk into the interview looking disheveled.
3. Prepare. Make sure you properly prepare for the interview. Try and anticipate what questions you will be asked, and have some answers formulated in your mind. If you know that there are certain aspects of your experience you want to highlight, think of ways to steer the conversation to that area. You may want to practice your interview skills against someone else. Ask someone you trust to sit with you and ask you some questions. Answer them out loud and have them provide feedback—not only on what was said, but how your answers were delivered. Another option is to use a mirror. Many actors will prepare for roles in front of a mirror. While it seems a little silly at first, it will give you a chance to practice your answers out loud, which will hopefully give you some insight into your interviewing skills.
4. Relax. This is definitely easier said than done, as the interview process can be very stressful. Most people are nervous when it comes time for the actual interview, which is understandable. At the same time, you want to exude confidence in your abilities. Prior to the interview find time to relax by watching TV or reading a book. Take your mind off of the upcoming meeting. If you go into the interview anxious or uptight, the recruiter can easily read your body language and it could have a negative effect on your chances of getting the job.
Keep in mind that recruiters can get hundreds of applications on a daily basis, so if a recruiter called you for an interview, it means they saw something on your résumé that caught their attention. That being the case, it means you have at least some of the skills and qualities that they are looking for, so carry yourself with confidence.
Yoni Lieber is a certified HR professional with over 15 years of experience in the Human Resources field. He currently works as the Human Resources Manager at Hackensack UMC at Pascack Valley in Westwood, NJ.
By Yoni Lieber, SPHR
