Make the Most of Your Next Interview

by Mel Rhoden

So you finally landed an interview, now what? How do you stack up against the rest of the competition? Here are a few suggestions for ways to make an impression and stand out as an excellent candidate:

1. Prepare some questions of your own for the interviewer. Candidates rarely ask questions of the interviewer, as the interviewer is the person who drives the conversation. This can seem intimidating, so even candidates who have questions often forget to ask them in the moment. Plan ahead. Have some questions with you, written down. Bring an attaché, folder, or notebook with you to keep your resume and questions all together. Interviewers will be truly impressed by the candidate who has written questions and takes some light notes during the process.

2. Research the company you are interviewing with. Check out their website, social media, and perhaps even read some of the reviews from employees on Glassdoor, Google, or other job search sites. You want learn as much about the company as possible. This interview is not only for them to get to know you, but for you to get to know them, as well. The placement should be a good fit for all.

3. Prepare for questions you may have difficulty answering:

• What is your greatest weakness?
• Share a time that you had to overcome a challenge.
• What is your greatest professional accomplishment?
• What skills do you have to offer this company/position?
• Tell me about yourself.

4. Always dress to impress. Whether this interview is in person or over phone/video chat, dress the part. There is nothing worse than showing up and your shirt is wrinkled, pantlegs too short, or the button on your blazer is in the process of falling off. These types of things are distracting to interviewers, and although you want to be remembered, you do not want to be remembered for having a mustard stain on your collar. Also, the better you look, the more confident you feel.

5. Allow yourself some time before the interview to get your mind in the right place. Create a cushion of time so that you are not rushed and have a chance to clear your head of distractions. If you are into it, do a 5- to 10-minute meditation before the interview. Allow your mind to drift off to a place of peace. Clear your mind of all chaos or drama that may have happened earlier in the day or the night before so that you can present your best self.

These are just a few things you can do to land the big job. It is hard enough to get an interview, let alone get a job offer, so don’t blow it by being unprepared. Good luck out there!

______________________

Mel Rhoden is a Life Purpose and Career Coach. Her mission is people, passionately pursuing their professional purpose and calling. Read more of her blogs on her website: YouGotMel.org/blog. Mel provides several different resources on her website, if you are interested in learning more about how to find your dream job or life’s purpose. She offers free 30-minute career coaching consultations. Schedule you appointment today.