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Interview prep tips
On the days before and on the day of the interview you will need to be getting yourself prepared for the upcoming interview. The world does not always cooperate with our plans so being prepared will help relieve the anxiety if things do go wrong before the interview. Good preparation and planning will always help to avoid surprises. Finding out whether the train or bus company is on strike days in advance of the interview will help you make timely alternate plans or listening to the weather station will help you decide on whether to bring that rain coat and save your suit from the wet. What about if there are major road works on your route on the day of the interview? You can generally find out about these kinds of challenges in advance and make the necessary alternate plans.
There are of course more obvious ways to be prepared that we will discuss these.
Dress
It is critical to be appropriately dressed and groomed for the interview to make a good impression. Remember that first impressions are very important so do not underestimate them.
So how should you dress?
This really depends on the type of company in which you are interviewing for a position. If you are applying for a job in the bank your attire will most likely be different than if you were interviewing for position in sale in a trendy retail store. Irrespective of the style of clothing you should always “dress up” for an interview. You want to make sure that your choice of clothing and accessories and your general grooming are what is considered normal for the industry. Remember, you do not want to make a fashion statement at the interview you want to fit in.
For men, for office type positions a dark suit with a white or light blue shirt and an understated coordinated type is acceptable. For women a suit or dress that is fashionable yet business like and not flashy is acceptable.
If you are uncertain of how the people dress in that company, visit the building and watch people go in and out to get a sense of what’s appropriate.
The following are some key points to consider when grooming and preparing your attire for an interview.
- Take it easy on the jewelry
- If you smoke, use breath mints prior to the interview
- Wear appropriate polished shoes.
Controlling Interview Jitters
Of course it’s perfectly normal to be a little nervous coming up to the actual interview. The key here is not to get so nervous that it affects your preparation for the interview and performance at the interview. Once could argue that it is important to have some pre interview jitters however you don’t want to be a nervous wreck. The following are some key points to consider if you do get nervous which will help with the jitters.
Be Prepared
Being prepared is discussed here again as it is or critical importance to the success of the interview so it is worth mentioning again and again. If you can honestly answer that you have done all you can, including getting info about the company and having a general understanding of how the company works and how you might fit in to the company prior to the interview this will give you a sense of confidence and inner peace.
Be Organized
Be sure to have your interview suit cleaned and pressed will in advance of the interview and make sure it is in good repair and still fits you if you have not worn it in a while. Don’t forget to check your shoes also. Listen to the weather forecast and for any highway road works on your planned route to the interview for the day of the interview so you can make alternate plans ahead of time.
Sleep
Get a good night sleep on the night before the interview.
Breath
On the actual day of the interview, watch your breathing and if you find yourself in a panic take slow deep breaths to slow you down and calm those nerves.
Slow down
In general slow yourself down on the day of the interview.
Be punctual
Leave yourself enough time to get there with at least a half hour to spare so you can gather your thoughts.
Arrival
On arrival at the actual interview location be on your best behavior. Who knows but maybe the interviewer will be the guy who cut you off in the parking lot. Remember the receptionist works for the company also and it is highly likely she knows the hiring manager. You could also bump in to the interviewer in the reception area so smile, be courteous and engage in conversation if you are invited.
If you arrive early there are several things you can do to get some more preparation in for the interview including.
Looking through your resume and notes.
Reading through company literature.
Use the restroom and compose yourself
Smile and be pleasant to everyone
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