There is a lot more to acing a job interview than practicing your answers to common interview questions and pressing your trusty interview suit. There are many pieces that come together for a phenomenal first impression at an interview, everything from your own appearance to the answers you give and the questions you ask. Here are some tips to get you on the path to preparing for your best interview yet.
1. Dress to Impress
Dressing for the job you want is more than just a saying, it’s the truth. Take a look at the way people are dressing at the company. The clothes that you choose to wear for your interview will be a signal to the interviewer that you can easily fit into the culture of the company.
Does the office look like a layout for a Men’s Warehouse ad? Is the atmosphere more casual, with only the occasional necktie presenting itself? Or is it a completely laid-back atmosphere where vintage t-shirts are the apparel of choice? If you know someone who works for the company, ask them for some insight into the dress code. If not, do a little investigative research on your own to get a picture.
Remember, it’s always better to dress a step above your expectation. You can always remove a tie or jacket, but if you go in jeans and everyone else is in business formal then you’re stuck.
2. Give Your Appearance Some Extra Attention
You want to feel at your absolute best, so if that means getting a manicure or facial, getting a new outfit or pair of shoes, go for it. Gentlemen especially might consider a fresh hair cut. Doing a little something to boost your confidence will show through during your interview.
3. Be Ready
When you go into an interview, always have the things you know that you will need, and even a few things that you might not. Clean out your bag or briefcase. Make sure that you have several copies of your resume in there (in a folder to avoid them getting mangled) plus sample work if appropriate. Keep a notepad and pen handy for any notes that you want to jot down. Also, include a few emergency supplies as well: bandages, breath mints, cough drops, stain stick, umbrella.
4. Do Your Homework
You don’t want to go blindly into your interview. Do a research about the company as well as the important people who work there. Look for recent press releases as well as any media mentions about the company. Have at least a basic understanding of the product or service that the company offers.
Check out the company’s social media activity and blog if there is one. This gives you an idea of the company culture and the people who work there. You also want to look up the company on sites like Glassdoor in order to get a glimpse of the company from current and former employees’ reviews.
5. Be Ready for the Questions
Whether you have been an interviewing machine the last few months or it has been years since you’ve had an interview, take time to practice your answers to some of the most common, and a few uncommon, interview questions. Be ready to answer questions about your skills and accomplishments. Know what your strengths and weaknesses are and be ready to sell yourself. Have stories that illustrate your character as well as your work ethic.
6. Ask Questions of Your Own
One thing that impresses an interviewer is when you come in prepared with a few questions of your own. No, not questions like, “How much vacation time do I get” or, “What’s the starting salary?” Think more along the lines of getting information about the company culture, why he/she likes working for the company, and what is the projected for growth with the company.
There are many things to do to prepare yourself for your best interview. Take time to do your research, make yourself look and feel ready, then get a good night’s sleep and wake up ready to put your best self out there for the job you want.