Preparing for an Interview
Job interviews are incredibly stressful events, even for the gregarious amongst us. You improve your chances of winning the job if you prepare for each interview as though it were the only one in the world. Preparing includes several steps:
Decide how you will answer common interview questions and write the answers down
Develop a strategy for answering unexpected questions or questions you cannot prepare answers for.
Write down the answers you will give for inappropriate or questionable questions.
Rehearse the interview process from beginning to end, including a couple of “dress rehearsals” with actual companies.
Keep a list of companies you have contacted, an up-to-date appointment calendar, and a pencil by the telephone so you have them when the scheduler calls.
Create an interview kit to take to every interview. This should include a checklist of what you have to do prior to leaving for the interview.
Buy or borrow a business briefcase or portfolio to take to interviews.
Check your wardrobe and buy, clean, or repair the clothes you need for interviews. Have your dress shoes repaired and polished professionally. Have at least two interview outfits in case you have to go to more than one interview at a company.
Maintain your haircut and manicure so that you can go to any interview on short-notice and look well-groomed.
Know what your transportation Plan B is in case your car breaks down when you have an interview or on the way to an interview.
Practice shaking hands to perfect the firm, brief business hand-shake.
