Being interviewed for a job ranks high on many lists of “things that produce anxiety.”
But the process doesn’t have to be stressful, especially if you’re prepared for the interview.
Monster.com, a global job search company that has matched millions of job seekers with prospective employers, gives a list of suggestions for those preparing for a job interview.
■ Do your research. Find out as much as you can about the interview situation – who will be conducting the interview, who else might be present, what is the dress code.
Make sure you know how to get there and where to park. Make sure you have some way of contacting the interviewer if you are detained or need to postpone.
Find out all you can about the job – the duties, the hours, the benefits, the salary.
Make sure you know some facts about the company or business where you’re applying – what it makes or sells, how many employees it has, etc.
■ Prepare your presentation. Choose what you want to say about yourself and how you want to say it – and practice it out loud.
Prepare two or three short stories that highlight your skills and achievements.
Also try to give hard facts about your contribution to past employers, such as “increased sales by 11 percent” or “cut customer wait time by 5 minutes” or “brought in 12 new clients in a six-month period.”
Non-work-related stories can help illustrate your strengths. Tell about the time you organized a food drive, overcame a challenge as a Scout leader or helped avert a crisis as a student.
■ Go to bed early! Getting a good night’s sleep will help you appear better, think better and feel better about the whole thing.
■ Dress for success. Choose professional attire that is compatible with the company’s dress code.
Even if it’s a T-shirt and jeans, make sure they’re clean and neat, and you are well-groomed, especially your hands. Dirty fingernails can be a deal-breaker.
■ Bring support documents, including several copies of your resume on quality paper, and a copy of your references.
Having a pad of paper handy to take notes is optional but might come in handy.
■ Close strong. Thank the interviewer and offer a firm handshake. Ask for a business card. Then send a follow-up letter within a few days.