Congratulations! Your application has been accepted and you have been asked for an interview. Now what?
It is time to prepare, execute and follow up to ensure you stand out amongst the other applicants.
Prepare
Research the company – Google will be your best friend as you prepare for the “What do you know about this company?” question.
Good things to look up are their quarterly reports, blog posts as well as mission and vision statements. Tying these into your interview show the interviewer you are willing to go the extra mile.
Practice – We all have an idea of the questions we will be asked in an interview. Try practicing your responses in front of a mirror or with a friend.
The key to responding to questions is to use your previous experience to convey you have got what it takes to fill the role. The STAR Interview technique will help you to establish credibility in your interview so check out some tangible STAR techniques.
Execute
Dress to impress – You want to ensure that you are taken seriously, so make sure you look neat and tidy. Try to dress in the same category as the interviewer. If you are unsure, a safe bet would be business professional.
Be on time – You are still late if you are five minutes early; be sure to arrive 10-15 minute before the interview is to start. You want to make sure you have enough time to catch your breath and relax before entering the room.
What to bring – You should come with a small portfolio with your resume, pen and paper. This way you can reference your resume if needed and take notes as they come up. Don’t pull it out unless it is needed, you want to stay focused on the interview and maintain eye contact.
Follow Up
Thank you note – It is always a good idea to send a follow up email to the interviewer within 24 hours of the interview.
Be sure to thank them for meeting with you and reiterated why you are a good candidate for the position. Something short and simple will do and there are many templates available online.
Good luck and happy interviewing!