What?
Your work is nowhere near done, just because you scheduled an interview. Even this dog knows something isn’t right.
Job seekers often have to contend with much disappointment along the way to securing a job. So when you have succeeded in securing an interview, it is important to take a moment to stop and celebrate this victory!
After congratulating yourself for the win of securing an interview, get right back to work, and prepare for this opportunity. If you haven’t yet landed an interview, don’t stop reading–these tips are a great way to ensure you are polished and interview-ready when the time arrives.
Perform a SWOT Analysis on You
Commonplace in the business world, a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis can not only help you answer critical interview questions but can also create a better resume and cover letter. This exercise will help you articulate your related strengths and create an awareness of areas where you may need improvement.
Additionally, listing opportunities can help you identify future goals such as furthering your education, developing new skills, and traveling to new places. Job candidates who are invested in lifelong learning and self-improvement are often able to set themselves apart in an interview.
Practice Your Stories
Take the list of strengths you developed in the SWOT analysis and further develop it. Put each strength/skill in the context of a success story that exemplifies that skill in action in your professional life. A compelling success story gets ‘em every time!
Do a Videotaped Mock Interview
You’ve (hopefully) practiced your success stories at this point and can share them readily. Take your preparation up a notch and conduct a practice interview complete with an interviewer and a video record of the occasion. There is no better way to get an idea of how you present yourself than to watch yourself in action.
The day before your interview, take some time to organize the following:
–Name and job title of contact person/interviewer and his/her phone number. Bring this information with you on the day of the interview in case you run into any problems.
— Directions to the company provided by the company.
— Details of where you can park.
— Several copies of your resume printed on high-quality resume paper.
— A list of the names and contact information of 3-5 professional references.
— Relevant work samples/brag book/portfolio.
— Your business card.
— Review your SWOT analysis and company research and consider how you will use it in your interview.
— You should prepare at least five insightful questions about the job, the company, and management.
— Organize the clothes you plan to wear. Make sure they are in pristine condition. Shoes should be polished and professional.
Have a great interview!