How to Prepare for an Interview

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For many people, interviewing can be scary, intimidating or nerve-racking. However, with a little help and practice it will be a piece of cake! Just think, with the perfect interview, you may just land your dream job!

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

A suit or nice business attire
A professional binder
A resume
A pen and paper

Step1

RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH! Know as much as possible about the company you are going to interview with. Also know as much as possible about the person who will be interviewing you as well as who the CEO, president, and major employees of the company are. Knowing the interviewees hobbies and interests can help you become more involved in your interview and hopefully make the interview more comfortable and interesting.

Step2

Dress your best. Even if you are interviewing at McDonalds, you can never be too overdressed. You want to look professional and respectful. Careful, however, you also don't want to look like you are trying too hard...

Step3

Bring in copies of your resume and cover letting in a professional binder. It is also helpful to have a pen and paper available.

Step4

Prepare some questions you have for the interviewee. Questions can be about the company, your responsibilities, recent events the company has been involved with, etc. You should also anticipate what questions may be asked and prepare your responses.

Step5

Act and be engaged in the interview. Sit with good posture and look at the interviewee in the eyes. Be yourself but make sure to remain professional. Ask intelligent and relevant questions and don't be intimidated.

Step6

Avoid going on long tangents when answering questions. Stay brief and to the point-never avoid the question asked.

Step7

Always follow up. Send a thank you card and email immediately following the interview.

Tips & Warnings

Pay close attention. By reading your interviewee well, you will be able to figure out what type of person they are looking for. This is a good time to figure out if your personality meshes will with the company and if it is a place you can see yourself.
Don't name drop unless you have something very relevant to say about the person you know.
If asked about your weaknesses, find a way to make it positive. Never put yourself down- you want to exhibit confidence and assurance.