Start your interview off on the right foot. Knowing who you’re going to be speaking to in an interview can help prepare you psychologically. Have their names and positions in mind before you go in. It might be a good idea to do a little further research online. Find their LinkedIn profiles to see what they look like or find their information and background on the company website. It’s a good way to prepare mentally for an interview and feel a little more in control, prepared and at ease.
Being able to talk succinctly and specifically about your work experience is essential to nailing an interview. You really want to be able to draw the connection between what’s on paper, which your interviewers have likely already reviewed, and support it with anecdotal evidence. Relate this experience to what would be expected of you at this prospective job.
Although during the interview itself you’ll be learning more about the position and what it demands, you should already have an idea of what the employer is looking for and why you would be the perfect person to fill that position. Think about your strengths as an employee, your education and your professional experiences. If you’re a people person and the position would require a lot of interpersonal interactions, that’s important to mention, for example.
When you’re applying for a job, it’s not just about the specific position, it’s also about joining a larger institution and helping that institution reach its goals. It’s vital to know who works there, how many people work there, what the business or organization does and what role you would be playing in that broader company and industry-wide context.
Apart from being employed, you need to know why else you’re interested in this position. What are your long-term career goals and how can this position help you achieve those goals? What about the job interests you and why are you applying to the position here, rather than at another company or in another city? The more you can sell your interest in the position and company, the better.
It’s OK to have some reservations about a job position, in fact it reflects your genuine interest in the position if you’re thinking about it realistically. Asking about company culture, expectations, vacation policy and other aspects of employment is a vital part of figuring out whether a position is worth taking. Remember, as much as you may want a position, if you don’t think it’s a good fit it may not be worth going further in the hiring process.
In case contract negotiations start off during your interview, it’s a smart idea to have an idea of what you think fair compensation would be. Do some research and see if you can find out what others are getting paid in similar positions, with similar professional experience.
Photos
1. based on LV woman, by Marius Boatca, CC-by-2.0
2. based on on the phone, by Spiros Vathis, CC-by-ND 2.0
3. based on across the Avenue 9 de Julio, by Nicolas Alejandro, CC-by-2.0