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How to Prepare for a Big Interview

January 9, 2017 by Vicki Tillman Leave a Comment

Here is how to prepare for a big interview.

How to Prepare for a Big Interview VickiTillmanCoaching.com

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!

How to Prepare for a Big Interview

Filed Under: Life transitions, Skills for Success Tagged With: Career Coaching, Interview skills

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