DO INTERVIEWS HAVE YOU IN PANIC MODE?
RELAX AND JUST DO THE FOLLOWING…
Congratulations! Your resume secured an interview with one of the top companies in your industry. Now you are as nervous as a cat because you don’t know what they are going to ask you and you feel unsure about your interviewing skills.
Relax!! As a career expert, I have to tell you that you are half way there. That’s right! You made the cut and are 50% to home plate because you have the skill sets and the qualifications they are seeking for the position. You are already a viable candidate or they wouldn’t waste their time interviewing you. There, don’t you feel better already?
Now there are a few things you need to know about interviews—
- An interview is a sales call. That’s right. You are the product and you are selling yourself to the interviewer. You need to market and package your product to differentiate yourself from the other candidates (products). Be prepared to sell yourself by highlighting your key strengths and abilities.
- If you build rapport with the interviewer, you’ll ace the interview. The interviewer is looking for a good fit within the organization. People hire people they like and feel comfortable with. Use your charm to wow them!
- Know something about the company. Be prepared for the interview by knowing something about the company and asking a few questions. With all the information available on the internet, you should have no problem learning the company’s products and/or services, and contributing something intelligent during the interview process.
- Practice interviewing, even for positions you don’t want. The old adage, practice makes perfect applies here. Practice answering possible interview questions so you won’t get tripped up. This also helps you from rattling on and on. Try to answer questions in a few short sentences or a concise paragraph.
- Dress to match the corporate culture. When in doubt, dress one level up. You can never go wrong with a solid color suit or sports jacket and pants.
- Handwritten thank you letters (snail mailed, not emailed) make a lasting impression. Pen one in your own handwriting and mail it within 24 hours after the interview.
Remember, interviewing isn’t rocket science, it’s a sales call. Simply build the rapport with the interviewer and sell your product—you!
Cheryl Harland, Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Job & Career Transition Coach (JCTC) is Founder and President of Resumes By Design, a well- recognized Houston resume services company.
