Do you have a big interview coming up? Are you freaking out? Here are some simple ideas for you to channel that nervous energy into an awesome interview.
Below are some standard interview questions that you are likely to be asked some version of and you should be prepared to answer.
They are more likely to ask for one of each but this is a pretty standard question so it is important to be ready with multiple responses. It is important to be just as open about your areas for improvement as your strengths. In an interview, when someone cannot tell me what their areas for improvement are, it makes me think they are either very self un-aware or they are hiding something big.
No matter the industry, they will want to know about how you handled a problem. So even if this is your first job, you have to be able to talk about a time you worked through a problem.
You may not have a formal, written five-year plan but you certainly have an idea of where you want to go in life. Are you wanting to get your feet wet in a new industry? Do you want to be the CEO of the company you are interviewing for? Is it that you need a job while you get through college? Let people know you are ambitious. People who don’t have goals can be difficult to motivate, let them know what you are seeking, even if it isn’t to work there until you die.
Do not trash talk your current or previous bosses. It may be that your current boss is a the nightmare of all nightmares but it’s not a good first impression to make with the interviewer. PLUS, you never know if they could know each other so be polite no matter what. If they ask why you are currently leaving, you can talk about seeking a new opportunity or upward mobility or even that you have always been interested in their company and jumped that the opportunity to get an interview.
Practice giving your answers out loud so that you are familiar with how you want to word things. Also, practice repeating questions before you answer them. This will accomplish two things; help you calm down and buy a few seconds to come up with an answer and it will help you actually answer the questions. A lot of times when people are nervous they just start talking and instead of answering the question, they get lost in tangents that may or may not be useful. Slowing things down will help you avoid that trap.
At the interview, get direct contact info for your interviewer(s) if you don’t already have it. If you want the job, write a thank you note and talk more about why you are a good fit. Hand written notes are great if they are legible with good spelling and grammar. If you are more comfortable with email send an email. This will absolutely help you stand apart, especially if it is a close race between you and another candidate.
As always, I’m here. If you are ready to live your best life, call me and let’s get started!
Are you terrified of interviews? For the me the best way to address my anxiety is typically to take some actions. So I have made you an easy to follow list of 9 steps to take to help you walk into your interview with confidence, known you are prepared.
Show up 10-15 minutes early.Do this every time, no exceptions. You never know when could happy on the way there or what parking will be like. Also, you set yourself up for stress when you get there rushed and flustered. When someone shows up late for an interview, it suggests to the interviewer that you don’t take their time seriously and that you will likely be late for work. Not a good look. You can solve all of these issues by showing up early.
Even if you have already submitted it online or emailed it to them, bring it anyway. It will show the interviewer(s) that you are taking their time seriously and you prepare for things.
AND READ IT. This should not take you more than 10-15 minutes and you are on your phone anyway. This will help you with number 4.
Feel free to make notes and write them down if you are worried you will forget. Again, it will show the interviewer(s) that you are taking the job and their time seriously. If they answer your questions before you get a chance to ask them, that’s ok ask different ones. The types of questions to ask depend a little on the job and the company but asking questions about culture and where the company sees itself going in the future are always a good idea.
You never know whom you are talking to. The person at the reception desk may actually be an executive who has stopped that the desk for a few minutes. Or the receptionist may get a say in new hires. So be nice… to everyone.
Use the job description to talk about your experience and skills. If you are able to relate the questions they ask you to why you are perfect for the job, that will likely score you bonus points.
What does that mean? Dress up! Take a shower, get cleaned up. Nothing too provocative and avoid a lot of heavy make up. When you leave, you want them to think you were ready to take on the world.
A lot of the skills required for a good interview are similar to those required to make new friends. Make eye contact, smile, shake hands, give a compliment (one is plenty here-you don’t want to overdo it).
They expect you to be nervous. But whatever you can do to help yourself out here is a good idea. Get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy meal, meditate, work out, do all the things above. When you are more relaxed you will do a better job of listening and answer the questions they ask you.
As always, I’m here. If you are ready to live your best life, call me and let’s get started!