Interview tips that you can also use at work every day
- Always arrive on time, and on time means 10 minutes early
- Do thorough research on the company you have an interview with and before potential client presentations or new projects
- Come to an interview prepared with questions
- Dress to impress – even if your boss is a casual dresser
- Bring your best self to work every day, be sober and well rested
- Don’t over-caffeinate before an interview or meeting
- Be yourself – don’t try to exaggerate your skills – especially what you might actually need to know once you’re hired
Starting a career can be a stressful process no matter what field you’re looking to go into. Here are a few tips and tricks, tired as some may be, to help get through the (sometimes) long and tedious process of finding a job.
On time is 10 minutes early
Being on time is crucial. It doesn’t matter if it’s for a first interview, a conference call or just an average Tuesday. If you’d like to keep up with the professional world, you should know that being on time is 10 minutes early. As some say, “on time is late, and late is unacceptable.” If you have trouble being on time, set your watch a few minutes fast and give yourself extra time to park and find where you need to be (this is especially important in an interview setting).
Do your research
Know what you’re getting into when you arrive at an interview. Do some research on the company and the person interviewing you, so you’ll be prepared to answer relevant questions about the position you’re applying for. You’ll be able to better answer questions, and your potential employer will be impressed by how much effort you put forth. If you want to feel even more prepared, put together a couple questions for your interviewer to show your interest in the company. Most likely, you will be given an opportunity to ask questions at the end of the interview. In an everyday work setting, doing your research will help you come prepared in all areas of the job, such as meetings, potential clients or new projects.
Dress for the job you want
Be prepared to look sharp, even if your boss tends to wear jeans and flip-flops. Until you’ve been at your job for a while, or someone gives you the ‘OK’ to dress down, make sure to dress to impress. Even though it can be expensive to dress like a CEO, it’s worth it for the job offer that comes after the interview. It should go without saying that your “power suit” should also be freshly ironed, dry-cleaned and whatever else you need to do to keep looking your best.
Bring your best self (all the time)
Whatever you do, whether it’s an interview or another day on the job, make sure to show up sober, well rested and prepared for (almost) anything. It’s also a good idea to carry a pen and notepad, just in case your boss gives you a last minute assignment (you’ll need to catch all the details).
Don’t over-caffeinate
When you combine caffeine with the adrenaline that runs through your veins before, during and after your interview, you make a mess — or at least some people do. Stick to a single cup, or the standard espresso shot in your drink of choice. You don’t want to be shaking mid-question, or suddenly have to use the restroom halfway through an interview.
Be Yourself
Can it get any more cliché? If you showcase your personality, then the right company won’t be able to say no. If they don’t want you, then clearly you weren’t a good match. Plus, if you pretend during an interview, what happens when you get the job and can’t be yourself at work? Nothing good comes of uncharacteristic behavior. The same goes for the skills you’re capable of. Be honest about what you can and cannot do, because you never know when your employer will need your make-believe Indesign skills.
So long as you go into your interview with confidence, things will go your way. Keep these in mind while you go forth and get employed.