Here is how to prepare for a big interview.
How to Prepare for a Big Interview
Finally got that big interview you’ve been hoping for?
You don’t want to mess around with this one! Here’s how to prepare for a big interview.
*Research the company ahead of time. Know:
- A basic history of the company
- Company mission and values
- If possible, find out who will interview you and read their Linked in profile(s).
*Rehearse answers to basic interview questions. Give examples from your life where possible:
- Tell us about yourself. (How much can you fit in 1 or 2 sentences- make it an elevator pitch/squeeze your resume into 2 or 3 sentences.)
- Why do you want to work for us?
- What is your greatest strength/weakness?
- Give examples of how you deal with conflict with colleagues/bosses?
- What are your salary expectations?
- How have you overcome challenges on your previous job?
- Tell about a failure you’ve had at work and how you handled it.
- How do you deal with unexpected events?
- Give an example of your innovative thinking.
- Of which accomplishments in your life are you most proud?
- What have you learned about yourself during your career?
- Who has mentored you? What made them good mentors?
- How has your day been?
- Why should we hire you?
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
- Be prepared for a couple of goofy questions (not all ask questions like this but when they do, they are looking for creative thinking and the ability to problem-solve…thus, there are no right/wrong answers)
- What did you make for supper last night?
- How many beachballs fit in a minivan?
- What would you do if you won the lottery?
- Describe yourself in 2 words.
- Do you have any questions for us? Yes, you do. Here are some:
- What are some goals you have for new hires?
- What is a typical day for my job title?
- What is the training process for this job?
- What do you like best about this company?
- What are some challenges the company faces in the next few years?
- What is the corporate culture here?
- Where will the company be in 5 years?
- How soon should I follow up?
Be ready, be sharp:
- Know where you are going ahead of time
- Make sure clothes are clean, pressed and shoes shined ahead of time
- Dress professionally (If possible, find out what people wear in the office and mimic that, otherwise go full professional.)
- Bring several extra copies of resume
- Arrive 10-15 minutes early
*Before you enter the building, do this:
- Make sure buttons are buttoned and zippers zipped
- Turn off cell phone
- Put your hands on hips (arms akimbo) and count to 15 (gives a confidence-inducing dose of testosterone)
- Put your shoulders back, chin up and Mona-Lisa smile (Keep it that way as much as possible the rest of the time at the company.)
*Upon entering the building:
- Be warm and friendly to everyone you meet
- Use a firm handshake
*During the interview:
- Keep those shoulders back, chin up and smile where appropriate
- Keep hands on legs, sit straight, don’t fidget BUT
- Subtly match non-verbals of interviewers, if possible
- When leaving the room at the end of the interview, walk confidently (shoulders back, chin up, smiling)
*After the interview:
- Send a thank you note
Contact me for Career Coaching and help for the job search process.
You go! You’re going to do a great job at that big interview!