Prepare for Your Best Interview Yet in 5 Steps
5 Steps to Prepare for Your Best Interview Yet
You’ve landed an interview. (Congrats!) Although there are many different types of interviews (job, scholarship, promotion, athletic) they can all be boiled down to the same root… You’re looking to take that next step.
Everyone has their own tips and tricks to prepare for interviews. But, these five interview tips are going to help prepare you for any kind of interview out there!
List of 5 Steps
- Prepare 5 Questions
- Know What’s On Your Resume.. Don’t Read It!
- Maintain Good Posture
- Know The Type Of Interview You’ll Be On
- Define Three Stories Of Yourself
1. Prepare 5 Questions
So the end of the interview comes and the interviewer asks you.. “Do you have any questions?” The worst possible answer you could have is “No, I think you covered it all!” Although it might seem like that makes you sound informed and educated, it actually makes you seem like you are uninterested, didn’t pay attention during the interview, or didn’t do your homework. Have at least five questions prepared in case a few are already answered during the interview. Coming with questions proves you are prepared & interested!
2. Know What’s On Your Resume
Always, always bring copies of your resume… but not for yourself. (You should already know what is on there.) Bring extras to give to your interviewer(s) and when questioned about certain aspects on your resume you shouldn’t have to look at it to refresh your memory of your life experiences. Also, make sure that your resume is in tip-top shape.
3. Maintain Good Posture
Keep good posture, but also make sure your back is touching the back of the seat. Sitting so far off the seat comes off as very rigid and like you are uncomfortable. (Have you ever caught a glimpse of someone sitting a mile away from the back of their chair just hanging off of the front of the seat? It’s awkward for everyone.)
(Courtesy: DVIDS)
4. Know The Type Of Interview You’ll Be On
Don’t ever assume the type of interview you will be going on. There are MANY types: one-on-one interviews, group interviews, behavioral interviews, skype interviews, and phone interviews to name a few. Ask the person who is scheduling your interview what type it will be so that you can prepare appropriately. If it is a group interview, ask the name of the other interviewers so that you can do your homework on each interviewer you will come in contact with.
5. Define Three Stories Of Yourself
Instead of wasting time preparing 20 answers to 20 possible interview questions, go through your resume and choose three work experiences or accomplishments with concrete results. Among these stories you should touch at least once on your strengths and weaknesses. These stories should be versatile enough to expand on in multiple different interview question situations. Also, pick stories that are interesting! That way you don’t have to worry about memorizing, and most likely your interviewer will be more engaged.
Again, congratulations on landing an interview and best of luck!
(Featured Image Courtesy: DVIDS)