|
There are three simple rules to keep in mind while preparing for an interview: - Do your research...
- ...plan your meeting....
- ......rehearse, rehearse, rehearse!
Research: there are far too many tools available to claim ignorance of the firm or company you are preparing to meet. Familiarize yourself with the names and backgrounds of the people you are meeting. A good recruiter will provide you with much of this information. Planning: Every interview contains unknowables that you cannot anticipate or control. These include hidden agendas, personality traits and external pressures that affect the "chemistry" of the interaction. Trust that your professional instincts and personal sensitivity will serve you well as you navigate any unexpected obstacles that may arise. There are plenty of factors you can anticipate, and you can actually place yourself in a position of strength during the interview. What it takes is planning--the same meticulous, advance planning you do in preparation for any important meeting. An interview is simply a business meeting between two professionals conferring about a serious matter: the value of your services to the firm or company. It is not adversarial, litigious or a test of wills; but it is an ideal arena for you to demonstrate your ability to think clearly, articulate concisely and listen accurately. The format is essentially a question and answer session, with the interviewer doing most of the questioning. While it is impossible to predict exactly what will be asked, certain questions do come up over and over again, and it is to your advantage to rehearse responses. And we do mean rehearse! Rehearse: Practice your responses to typical interview questions and your own questions well ahead of the meeting in mock interviews. Work with a tape recorder and in front of a mirror so that you can objectively evaluate your answers and your body language. Watch for verbal or physical mannerisms that are distracting and correct those that can be corrected in time. Review your performance. Are your answers concise, positive, clearly stated? Do you project self-confidence, a relaxed yet professional demeanor, warmth and directness? |
