Anticipation + Preparation + Execution = A Great Interview.
If you can master the art of the interview, you’ll have a major advantage as you move through life. Your ability to give a good interview will give you a huge leg up in getting your job, as well as a lot of other opportunities. The key to a successful interview comes long before you walk into the room, though.
Once you get the interview, it’s time to anticipate. Think through questions like:
- What about me interests the interviewers?
- What image do I want to convey of myself?
- What are they looking for in this role?
- What questions might the interviewers ask of a candidate?
When that’s done, it’s time to prepare:
- Identify what makes you a strong candidate.
- Rehearse your talking points until they sound the way you want.
- Have someone help you practice, so that you can get feedback on your responses.
- Make sure your answers don’t come across as rehearsed, though…..that’s not good.
- Have something professional to wear, and for the love of all that’s good and holy, get it dry cleaned.
Finally, it’s execution time:
- Bring something to write with, something to write on and copies of your resume.
- Stay calm, relaxed and respectful throughout the interview.
- Never lie in an interview, because a good interviewer will sniff it out and immediately write you off.
- If it’s a job you really want, you’ll likely have some adrenaline and/or anxiety. Accept that and lean into it. You’re going to crush it, so enjoy the ride.
Most importantly, remember that every interview is a 2-way street. You’re interviewing them as much as they’re interviewing you. Make sure you ask enough questions of the interviewers to understand the details of the position. Gather enough information to make the decision when that offer comes. Just because they’ll extend an offer doesn’t mean you have to accept it. There is no harm in turning down a position that isn’t a mutual fit.
You can get any role you want with a great interview. So go get it.
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