Changing jobs is a stressful time for many reasons. There is a great deal of uncertainty, particularly if you are changing careers or out looking for that first real job. Once you have created a great resume been asked to interview for that dream job, the pressure to interview well can be overwhelming. However, there are a few things that can help to alleviate that pressure, and ensure that you put your best foot forward during your initial interview.
Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
Going directly into an interview with no preparation is likely to make you more nervous, and therefore make you seem less qualified than other applicants. There are several things a person can do to prepare for that big interview. First of all, go online and read up on common interview questions; answer these questions out loud and preferably in front of a mirror. Secondly, research the company you are interviewing with. Most companies have a website that you can look up information on. Take note of a few areas that interest you, this can come in handy at the interview. Using this information, come up with a couple of questions to ask the interviewer about these subjects.
Take Part of the Day off Work
It is important to have some prep time before an interview to ensure you're dressed properly, at the interview early, and have a chance to breathe along the way. If your interview is in the morning, take the morning off of work, make sure to give yourself plenty of time before you're due at work because the interview may last longer than you expect, particularly if it goes well. If the interview is in the afternoon, make sure you take the afternoon off and leave early enough the have the prep time mentioned before.
Dress Well
Dressing properly is something that is perhaps reiterated ad naseum in many articles on this subject. However, this is the case for a reason; dressing properly to an interview is simply one of the most important things you will do for yourself. Regardless of your personal style or your belief that society is too driven by appearance, dress appropriately to your interview. You will help yourself by waiting to show off your personal style after you have landed the job. In nearly all instances appropriate dress will be a dark suit, preferably black or dark blue.
Confidence is Key
Make sure to arrive 10-15 minutes early for your interview, walk in with good posture and with a confident gait. Look the individuals you meet in the eye and with a smile on your face. You never know who will have the hiring managers' ear. Try your best to stay as relaxed as possible; it is helpful to concentrate on taking deep breaths. Once the meet the interviewer, shake his or her hand firmly and make sure to maintain eye contact most of the time. Remember to smile, this may be a difficult time for you to do this but it will help you and the interviewer to feel more relaxed.
Respond to Questions Honestly
Interviewers will likely be able to tell if you are trying to claim more experience than you actually have in one particular area or another. Make sure you respond to these questions honestly, but try not to allow the interview to become focused on these. Instead, when asked a question you don't know or are unfamiliar with, respond as such and move on. Make sure that in any extended discussions on these areas you emphasize the fact that you are willing to learn and that you would be more than happy to have that opportunity.
When a question arises regarding a subject you are familiar with or experienced in, make sure to go into your experiences more in-depth. Keep the interview focused on what you have done by emphasizing these areas and keeping the discussion of the areas you haven't brief.
Ask Questions
Most of the time toward the end of the interview, the interviewer will ask you if you have any questions. This is the point where the research you did before the interview will really pay off. Take the questions you prepared beforehand and ask a couple that seem to fit into the flow of the interview. Make sure to have the questions (or the gist of them) memorized. You may also wish to ask if they will be conducting second interviews or when they expect to make a decision regarding the position. This knowledge may help while you stare at the phone waiting for them to call, especially if they don't expect to make a final decision for a month or two, as is the case is some larger companies.
Attitude and Enthusiasm
Above all, go into your interview with a positive attitude and enthusiasm for the position and the company. Your attitude will set you apart from other applicants far more quickly than your experience as many other applicants will likely have similar experience to your own. Sell yourself and your personality first; sell your experience second.
Make sure you send a thank you note, via email or regular mail directly after the interview as well. This will keep your name fresh in the interviewers' mind and make a good impression.
