Henry Hartman, famous Illustrator of the 20th century was quoted as saying “ Success always comes when preparation meets opportunity”.
This is true of many an endeavor, and certainly so for interviewing. Even if you have the “gift of gab”, going into an interview unprepared is foolish. In most organizations today, interviewing a potential employee is a multi-level process involving different layers within the organization. Do not expect to receive an offer on the first interview. Your goal at the first interview is to get a second interview! Push too hard for an offer in the first interview and you may come off looking too aggressive or worse…desperate! Also, many a major mistake is made prior to coming to the interview that set you up for failure so pay close attention to the following Best Practices in Interviewing.
There are a few standard practices that you should observe when you do get the invitation to interview with a prospective employer.
- Start Ahead of Time. Allow yourself to get to know important facts about the business, time to prepare what you are to wear and what you are to say. Consult the internet, the company’s website, the Chamber of Commerce, The Better Business Bureau and any relevant professional organizations to see what kind of employer they are and how they contribute to their community at large and specifically within their industry. Find out the company’s philosophies and trends and see whether your values match. Remember – this is the biggest selling job of your life – selling yourself!
o Know the position title you are applying for and be prepared to answer how you can make an immediate contribution to the organization.
o Prepare a few well thought out questions in advance so you can engage the interviewer – it’s not an interrogation so look for natural places in the process to speak up and ask questions about the organizations goals for the position.
o Practice answering difficult interview questions with a friend. Role plat as the interviewer too. You might find it’s not the easiest either.
- Take with you: pen, paper (notepad in a neat folder or binder, leather is best), 2 or 3 professionally printed (laser printed) copies of your résumé, list of references, samples of your past work (if applicable to the position), and copies of: letters of recommendation, honors, awards and achievements if relative to the position.
- Look the part. Dressing for success is only the beginning. Obviously, you want to look very neat and unwrinkled, in properly fitting clothes that are appropriate for the position for which you are applying. Pay attention to accessories, jewelry should be understated, perfume should be light or not at all – same goes for cologne and after-shave. Don’t forget to check your shoes for scuffs and dirt/mud and to ensure that they compliment your attire. Men wearing ties, check for spots; Women wearing hosiery, check for runs in your stockings.
o Beyond your attire, physical appearance should convey a “put together” image. Get plenty of rest so you are mentally alert and the bags under your eyes are not noticeable.
This will give you confidence and convey to the interviewer a sense of well-being and health, which can be a big plus. Don’t forget to allow for plenty of time to prepare for the interview. Ladies, use moderation when applying makeup and men, a quick shave leaves your face broken-out. Give yourself just a little extra time to be more deliberate in your preparation for the interview.
o Smoking and chewing gum are obviously to be left outside the interview. Interviewers don’t like the scent of smoke or alcohol on your breath so just don’t engage in those activities at all prior to an interview. It is critically important to know your résumé, stand or sit straight without slouching and definitely make eye contact when you are speaking to the interviewer. Be very aware of your mannerisms, talking with your hands and pausing using “umm” and “uhh” a lot don’t tell an interviewer you are sharp!