Interview 101

You did it...you applied for the job and you got the interview. So now what do you do? Below are some tips to help make your interview a success.

-Show up prepared: Make sure you understand the job you’re interviewing for and do some research about the company online. Understand what the company does and what services they offer. Understand what your role and responsibilities will be. Come prepared to ask some questions, such as what will be expected out of you or what you need to do to be successful at the job. You want to make sure the job is a good fit for you; just as the interviewer(s) wants to make sure you will be successful at the job. Be prepared to answer questions (these are some examples of what you might be asked): Why are you interested in the job? Why do you want to work for this company? What skills do you feel you have that will make you successful at the job? 

-Dress to impress: Get a nice outfit together. Put on a button down and a nice pair of pants, a dress, a nice shirt and a skirt or even a suit. Show the interviewer(s) you’re serious about getting the job and dress to impress.

-Arrive early: Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early for the interview. This will give you an opportunity to have a few minutes to relax before the interview starts and prepare. You’ll likely be asked to sit and wait (the interviewer(s) may not be ready), but it will also help ensure no one is waiting for you to arrive. If you aren’t certain how long it will take you to get to the interview, do a dry run a day or two ahead of it, so you know how much time you need to arrive early. If for some reason you’re going to be delayed, let the interviewer(s) know as soon as possible.

-Be Yourself: It’s okay to feel nervous, excited or even anxious about the interview. The reason you got invited to interview is because the company liked you enough to ask you to come in. So be yourself and let the interviewer(s) see how awesome you are. 

Send a thank you note: After the interview is over and you’ve left, go home and write up a thank you (either hand write one and mail it or send an email). Send one to each person (if you met with more than one) that you met with. Keep it simple: Thank you for taking the time to meet with me. I enjoyed our conversation and feel like my {insert skill- name a skill that you know you have that makes you a good fit for the job} would make me an asset to your company. I look forward to hearing back from you. Sincerely, Write Your Name 

-Be Patient- You’ll likely have to wait a few days (or maybe longer) before you learn if you got the job. You may find out you didn’t get it, but that’s okay, don’t get discouraged. You may have to interview for a few jobs before you find the right one. The important thing is that you’re trying and putting yourself out there. Stay confident and remember there’s a company that will hire you and be lucky to have you on their team!

Good luck and happy interviewing!