Preparing for an interview begins when you start looking for a new position. If you are utilizing professional media, such as LinkedIn, try reaching out to some of your connections for warm leads on companies or positions you are interested in. When networking, try to bullet point your skills so that information can be quickly passed on to potential interviewers.
Once you have been invited to an interview make sure you have plenty of flex time around the appointment. There is no excuse for being late to an interview, and if your interviewer is behind schedule, you do not want to end the interview early. If offered an appointment for a phone interview, the same rules apply.
Generally phone interviews are vocal business cards. The interviewer is looking for experience, education, and skills. They usually describe the position and responsibilities and will verify if this is an interest to you. If you meet their qualifications and express interest, generally that will lead to a face to face interview.
After you have received an inviation to a face to face interview do your research. Go to the company's website and read the mission statement, any media links, the position you are interviewing for, philanthropical endeavors, and company statistics. Write down questions you have that you would like to learn more about during your interview.
When dressing for an interview, overdressed is always better than underdressed. Men should wear a suit, freshly cleaned, preferrably in a charcoal or navy color. Conservative shirt color and tie to accompany. Men should not wear jewelry except for wedding band and watch. Women should also invest in a classic colored suit. However, ladies are encouraged to wear a current style, or color, blouse. Always wear modest necklines, conservative jewelry, and a matte finish shoe. Both men and women should always remember to go easy on cologne and perfumes and give some attention to your nails and hands.
Arrive at your interview about ten minutes early. Again, allowing some flex time can save you if you went to the wrong part of the building or if parking was difficult. Always bring a few copies of your resume. If, by chance, a member of the interviewing panel is without your resume, providing one to them exemplifies your organization and preparation.
Face to face interviews are typically 'psychological interviews'. The focus of the panel's questions will not be about your resume. Instead you will be faced with questions like 'Give me an example of a time when you encountered a problem and what did you do to fix it?' The intention is not to get information about the past or present position you are working in, but rather, how your perform under stress.
Everyone always asks me what they should say when asked this one particular question in an interview. They always ask this one too, 'Tell me your biggest strength and your biggest weakness.' The last thing you should do name a weakness that is actually a strength. I know everyone has been told to do that, but honestly, interviewers hate that. Really be honest about a weakness, and maybe mention some steps your have been taking to turn it into a strength. For instance, a weakness may be balancing work and personal life. Perhaps you have learned some new digital organizing software that has helped streamline your schedule and your life isn't as conflicted now.
Towards the end of your interview, provide a closing. Recap some of the questions you had and the answers they provided. Point out some of the requirements and needs of the position and how you are qualified to meet them. Also, thank them for the opportunity to interview and also for the information they provided to you.
I recommend writing thank you letters within a couple hours after the interview. Each member of your interviewing panel should receive one, including details specific to their questions and your answers. This reminds them of your conversations, and most importantly, you! Be honest and tell them what you found interesting and what excites you about the position.
Here are some helpful links to help your prepare for your interview!
Practice answering some questions!
http://www.jobinterviewquestions.org/questions/behavioral-questions.asp
What to wear?!
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewsnetworking/a/dressforsuccess.htm
Professional thank you letters!
http://www.writeexpress.com/perfect-thank-you-letter.html
(template)
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