Five Easy Tips To Help You Get Through the Interview!

The interview process can be an intimidating experience for many looking to secure a new position. The experience can become almost terrifying for those who are extremely introverted. They become so nervous that they risk completely bombing the interview. The uncertainty of “being good enough” weighs heavily and their confidence quickly begins to erode. The question of “What if” pervades their thoughts: 

·         What if I have a panel interview?
·         What if they ask me (fill in the blank)?
·         What if I mess up?
·         What if I’m not good enough?
·         What if I don’t get the job, how will I pay my bills?

What if I told you that the job interview doesn’t have to be a nightmare experience?  When approached from an optimistic, proactive perspective, the job interview can be productive for both the candidate and the interviewer. The following tips help provide insight on how to successfully get through the interview:

1)      Take a positive approach to interviewing. Face your greatest fears by removing the “unknown” elements.  

One of the reasons most people fear the job interview is the fear of the unknown. For most, the natural approach is to gravitate towards negative answers to the “What if” questions. Embracing an optimistic approach can be a potent motivator.  Simply changing the perspective, changes the expectation.

·         What if I have a panel interview and totally crush it?
·         What if they ask me (fill in the blank)? - I’ll respond with this and provide an example to support it.
·         What if I mess up, but redeem myself with (fill in the blank)?
·         What if I’m perfect for the position?
·         What if I don’t get the position? I will be well practiced for the next one. 

The reason why I didn’t change the last statement to “What if I don’t get the position?” is because realistically it is possible to be the perfect candidate and still not get the position. Do you stop trying?  Absolutely not!  Learn from the experience and use it to your benefit during the next interview.   

2)      Develop a plan. A plan makes the “unknown” less intimidating.
§  Plan out the logistics. How will you get there? How early should you arrive?  (At least 30 minutes). 
§  Resources: Do you have extra copies of your resume? (Always bring extra; even for technical positions).
Do you have a pad and pen for taking strategic notes? – (Do NOT use your cellphone or electronic devices).
§  Dress for success. Dress appropriately for the position and company culture.
(Note: Some companies advise on what to wear to the interview on their website).
§  Plan for each step of the interview.  (Phone Screen, physical interviews, tour, testing, your questions).

3)      Prepare and practice for the interview. Focus on how you can solve their problem. Research the following:

§  The company history – Mission/Vision |Core values/Operating Principles |Key Leaders |Culture
§  Greatest assets and challenges of the organization. How can you solve their problem?
§  Industry trends in comparison to the direction the company is headed.
§  Testing based on the position type.  (Situational judgment, programming, general aptitude, etc.)
(Online resources can be found at http://www.mycareerquizzes.com and http://www.practiceaptitudetests.com.)
§  Practice Interview questions:  Tell me about yourself? Why should I hire you? What do you know about our company? Why do you want this position? (Record yourself on audio and/or video).
§  Know your resume. The initial phone screen will consist of resume verification questions.  Verify accomplishment statements with a concise story that corresponds to the metric.  Note: A well written accomplishment statement that answers What-How-Result makes the verification process easier for you and the interviewer.
§  Don’t over-practice. Use bulleted notes. Trying to memorize a full script can cause unneeded stress and distraction. It will throw you off your game. Remember, the interviewer doesn’t know if you miss a word of your script, but will notice if you become uneasy and possibly think you’re trying to hide something.

4)      Take strategic notes and display confidence during the Interview. 

§  Ask for a business card from each interviewer.  If not, note the interviewer’s name, title and email address for follow-up correspondence.
§  Make special note of specific comments of interest and areas of focus for each interviewer. This information will be used for unique reference in your follow-up correspondence.
§  Have a firm handshake, smile and show enthusiasm (be authentic) during the interview. 
§  Ask questions during the interview that demonstrates your interest.  What did you learn about the company or industry trends through your research? Why is the position open?  What does an excellent 90 day performance review look like for this position?
§  Interview from a position of confidence. Remember that it’s a two-way street and you have worked hard in your career.  You are also interviewing the company.
5)      Follow-up.

§  Always send a Thank you or Follow-up Letter.
§  Send a separate letter to each interviewer.  Reference key items of interest specific to each one.
§  The letter should be concise and provide details that warrant your hire.
§  Reiterate your interest in the position.  

Additional interview tips are available in the whitepaper:  You Got the Interview! Now Get the Job! Downloadable here: http://bit.ly/2kCfEVd.      
 
We recently lost Mary Tyler Moore who as an actress paved the way for many women to pursue their careers with the expectation of equal compensation. The following video is of The Mary Tyler Moore Show (S1E1 “Love is All Around”) posted by Samuel Bolton on YouTube. Mary goes on an interview for a secretarial position in a busy newsroom with a sexist boss played by Ed Asner. Let’s just say her “spunk” worked well for her. Rest in Peace Mary!



Video of the Mary Tyler Moore Show S1E1: The interview starts at 5:16. http://bit.ly/2jnhBzD  




Nanette Kirk is the President and CEO of NetKi Enterprises, A resume writing and motivational services company. We are taking a step to improve our perspective and help our clients reach newer heights in their career. To learn more about us or receive career tips and in email go to www.netkienterprises.com or be inspired at www.netkient.com. Follow me on LinkedIn and the NetKi Enterprises Company page on LinkedIn.  

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