Shon's Six Steps for a Perfect Interview
Now that you’ve gotten your call back, it’s time for the interview. Here are Shon’s Six Steps to a perfect interview.
1. Relax. -Yes, relax. It’s normal to have butterflies but don’t let your nerves get the best of you. You are qualified for this position, now show them that you’re the perfect candidate for this position.
2. Become a detective. Now that you have the opportunity to interview it’s time to do a little digging into the company. Find out pertinent information about the company such as their mission statement, their board of directors, any news (good of course) in the media about the company, ect. This shows the hiring manager that you’ve done your homework.
3. Practice makes perfect. Haven’t been on an interview in a while? Is this your 3rd interview with no luck? Getting in front of a mirror and practicing answering mock questions can help your confidence tremendously. It’ll feel a little silly at first but it’ll pay off once you’re sitting in front of HR.
4. Be Professional AND Personable. Professional doesn’t mean robot. Hiring managers has a 6th sense when it comes to authenticity. It’s okay to smile. Its okay to show that you’re human.
5. Dress for Success. Before you utter one word in your interview, your appearance will speak for you first. ALWAYS go to an interview in professional attire. That attire includes ironed well-fitting items of clothing, closed-toe shoes, neat hair, tasteful makeup, and of course deodorant. You have to look the part before you get the part.
6. Be Prepared
1. Relax. -Yes, relax. It’s normal to have butterflies but don’t let your nerves get the best of you. You are qualified for this position, now show them that you’re the perfect candidate for this position.
2. Become a detective. Now that you have the opportunity to interview it’s time to do a little digging into the company. Find out pertinent information about the company such as their mission statement, their board of directors, any news (good of course) in the media about the company, ect. This shows the hiring manager that you’ve done your homework.
3. Practice makes perfect. Haven’t been on an interview in a while? Is this your 3rd interview with no luck? Getting in front of a mirror and practicing answering mock questions can help your confidence tremendously. It’ll feel a little silly at first but it’ll pay off once you’re sitting in front of HR.
4. Be Professional AND Personable. Professional doesn’t mean robot. Hiring managers has a 6th sense when it comes to authenticity. It’s okay to smile. Its okay to show that you’re human.
5. Dress for Success. Before you utter one word in your interview, your appearance will speak for you first. ALWAYS go to an interview in professional attire. That attire includes ironed well-fitting items of clothing, closed-toe shoes, neat hair, tasteful makeup, and of course deodorant. You have to look the part before you get the part.
6. Be Prepared
- Always arrive to your interview at least 15 minutes early. Have your transportation, gas, gps route, bus schedule, uber solidified the night before your interview.
- Have your outfit chosen and ironed the night before the interview.
- Have at least 2 printed copies of your resume and coverletter.
- Have 2 pens.
- Also have 4-5 questions to ask about the company/position.
- And MOST important, if you have to bring your cell phone with you, make sure it’s turned OFF. Why off? Sometimes we think we put our phones on vibrate/silent then 10 minutes into the interview, here comes a ringtone. It won’t kill you to have your phone off for 30 mins but it could cost you the job by leaving it on.
“I had a job interview at an insurance company once and the lady said ‘Where do you see yourself in five years?’ and I said ‘Celebrating the fifth year anniversary of you asking me this question’”
-Mitch Hedberg