If you’re reading this, chances are you already landed an interview.
Your resume was stellar and your cover letter knocked your potential future employer’s socks off. If so, congratulations. You’ve probably already beaten hundreds of other candidates for the position.
Now you must meet and prove you are indeed the perfect candidate for the job. While each interview is sure to be different from the next, there are some general things you can do in order to make a positive and memorable impression on your interviewer. Thanks to both experience and numerous how-to books, P&B presents a lesson in acing the interview. Good luck!
Look the Part
Dressing in business professional attire for an interview should be a given for any position, regardless of how “professional” the job description seems. Look respectable and presentable, and make sure to dress for your age. So often young people think business professional means wearing what your grandmother might wear to church. It is okay to dress with some style, as long as it isn’t too over-the-top and remains professional. Get inspiration from Victoria Beckham.
Usually, you will not be asked to bring your resume or professional portfolio. We suggest bringing both anyway. This will not only allow you to show your interviewer on-the-spot what you are capable of and spark conversation, it also lets the interviewer know you are responsible. Many times these seemingly small actions are what makes one candidate rise above the rest.
Research
Never walk into an interview without having done extensive research about the company. For example, if you’re interviewing at a marketing firm, find out who they represent currently, any big names they have represented in the past and in general previous work they have done. Know who the top guys are and what the philosophy of the company is, what they are seeking to achieve as a business and ways that you can help them succeed. Remember that a business is ultimately looking for what you can do for them.
Practice the Part
The P&B staff agrees that practice indeed makes perfect. For many, walking into an interview without practicing beforehand is a recipe for failure. Nerves are sure to be on edge when the pressure is on, so making sure you are prepared for potential questions is a way to instill confidence in yourself. Do your best not to ramble. Aim for clear, concise responses to show the interviewer you are knowledgeable and confident.
Be Yourself
This might sound silly, but most people think they must have the perfect answer to an interviewer’s question, when in reality there may be no perfect answer. While there are many great answers, it is best to speak honestly and confidently above all. It will be appreciated, especially when asked generic questions such as “What are three weaknesses?” Most of us have just begun our careers, so employers don’t expect us to be perfect. Try to answer honestly as well as professionally. For example, “Having just graduated X months ago, my biggest weakness right now is my lack of experience. I understand there is a lot I need to learn about the career world and how to operate in it. But I am a quick learner, and I know I will be able to execute the transition gracefully and successfully while being an asset in your company.”
Feel the Flow
Strive to make the interview seem more like a conversation than an interrogation. Many times, if the connection between interviewer and interviewee is real, both parties will feel it. If relevant, tell a short story to portray your sense of understanding and possession of a desired quality the business is seeking in an employee. Even better: talk about the successful experiences you have had with a skill the company is looking for. You made an amazing website for your college’s tennis team? Fabulous. Make sure to tell them and reference screen shots of it in your portfolio. Keep it brief and to-the-point. You don’t want to start rambling, but you also want to give the interviewer a sense of the type of person they may be hiring.
Ask Questions
Another big no-no is leaving the interview without asking any questions. Asking questions shows you were engaged and interested in the interview. Also, it can be another small test interviewers use to separate one candidate from the rest. If you can’t think of anything, ask how they rose to their position, and if there are possibilities for advancement within the company. This question shows initiative and that you’re looking for a long-term position.
Say “Thank You”
Literally and physically. Shake the interviewer’s hand, say thank you for taking the time to interview you and ask about next steps. Get their business card. Ask what the best way to reach them is. When you get home write a handwritten thank you card and send it via good ole snail mail. If you hear nothing after a few days or one week, call the office and inquire about the situation. Persistence pays off.
(Feature Photo via Lewis Paige)