Q: With the economy the way it is, I am thrilled to have an interview for a new job. But,I want to be sure that I make the absolute best of my time there. Do you have some tips that will help me ace the interview?
A: Alison Green of US News writes,“Whoever said 80 percent of success is just showing up wasn’t thinking about job interviews.” Instead, she advocates for serious preparation before an interview – not only because you will perform better,it will cause you to feel significantly less anxious at the meeting itself.
The good news: if you got the interview it means the company is already interested in you. They wouldn’t spend precious time interviewing people they felt were not suitable for the job. Now, it’s your task to show them that you are the perfect candidate. Here are some steps to take in order to prepare yourself for the interview:
Get to know the employer. If you learn about the company or the person who will employ you, you will be showing a sincere interest in the job. It only takes about a half hour to find out information about the company through its website (if possible), discreetly talking to a current or former employee, or asking friends who are familiar with it. Coming in with this background knowledge not only lets the interviewer know that you are serious about the job, it helps you answer questions in a relevant and knowledgeable manner.
Study the job description. Make sure you understand the responsibilities associated with the job you are applying for. Think about how you fit the job description; however, don’t force yourself to match it on every single level. Rather, see the ways the job is suitable for you and the way that you can accommodate the demands of the job through your strengths. Then, when the interviewer asks you questions about challenges, you will be better ready to answer.
Practice makes perfect. Ask someone you trust to play the part of the interviewer. Then, spend time rehearsing questions and answers with that person. The more comfortable you feel at the actual interview, the more natural and composed you will appear. This will make the interviewer believe that you are calm and cool under pressure, an attribute that all employers are looking for.
Pick out appropriate clothing. Not every job or company requires the same dress code. Some might be business casual, while others might be more formal. Find out before the interview and you will feel comfortable showing uo in appropriate clothes. Feeling at ease in your own skin and clothing will only facilitate the interview process.
Breath. Anxiety is not productive. Therefore, once you go through the four steps above, work on your breathing and your mind to make your anxiety go away. Tell yourself, “I am successful. They will hire me.” This positive, calm thinking will ultimately work in your favor. Good luck!
Register now for a mindsets and ADHD workshop by Dr. Robert Brooks on November 13, 2018. Please call Mrs. Schonfeld at 718-382-5437 for more information.