So you’ve followed our instructions in Parts 1 and 2 of this series. You know everything there is to know about the company that will be interviewing you, you’re dressed to the nines, your resume and cover letter are (of course) in stellar condition, and now you’re sitting twiddling your thumbs in front of your computer wondering what’s next. There’s an easy answer: preparation!
It never hurts to be overprepared for an interview, so really go crazy on this step. Part 2 of this series got you started—it’s imperative that you’re familiar with the position you’re interviewing for and the company that’s interviewing you. But there’s a lot more preparation you can do, and not just research-based either. Here are a few simple things you can do to make a great impression.
• Rehearse. Think back over all the other job interviews you’ve had. What were the toughest questions the interviewer asked you? What questions have popped up over and over again? Which ones have stumped you in the past, and which do you wish you’d answered differently? Write them all down, then come up with an answer for each. Call up your most intimidating friend and arrange a mock-interview. Dress in your interview outfit, have them put on a blazer, and give them the questions you’ve prepared. You don’t have to memorize your answers—in fact, that might be a bad idea, since it’ll be obvious if you start rattling off a laundry list of personal achievements. Instead, keep a general idea of each question and its answer in your head. It’s unlikely the interviewer will ask exactly the questions you wrote down, so it’s a good idea to have some flexibility. Once you can answer any question your “interviewer” throws at you with confidence and poise, it’s time to move on.
• Psych yourself up. No matter how well you know your answers, it’s always possible to get stage fright. Look in the mirror, square your jaw, and tell yourself how awesome you are. Go ahead, do it. It feels great (who doesn’t like looking at themselves in the mirror?) and it’s guaranteed to make you more confident. Do this as much as possible in the days leading up to the interview, and if you can, do it in the restroom right beforehand! The more confident you pretend to be, the more confident you’ll appear to others.
• Figure out how you’re getting to the interview. Some of the best candidates in the world have been passed over because they showed up late. Give yourself way more time than you think you need. 15 minute subway ride? Leave an hour early. Half hour drive? Two hours. Worst case scenario, you get there too early and can spend more time psyching yourself up as above.
Your specific preparations are going to depend on how you react to pressure, as well as the company itself and the position you’re interviewing for. If you work with your hands and you think they’ll ask for a demonstration, limber up your fingers beforehand. If the job requires a foreign language, read an article in that language the night before and spend the day chatting with foreign friends. Any and all of these steps could be the ticket to landing the perfect job. So go ahead—start preparing!