Interview questions and answers are only part of the overall preparation for the interview. The interview is the big event. All of your time spent completing job applications, submitting resumes, tailoring cover letters and responding to job advertisements have led you to this. Over the next several posts, I am blogging on information that will provide you with key steps to perform at your best and put you in the optimal position for a job offer.
Step 1: Knowing the audience interviewing (as well as the company) always helps your interview questions and answers preparation. What type of interview will you be in? Will it be conducted by a panel or an individual? If it is a panel, how large a panel and what is the makeup? Are you being interviewed by the HR department or the person who will be supervising you, or maybe future colleagues?
Step 2: Anticipate and respond to their interview questions and answers. The typical interview lasts a good 60 minutes. During the first few minutes, the interviewer will usually set the tone by providing information on the company and the position. They will then refer to your resume, cover letter, portfolio, and any other information you provided, and begin asking you questions.
Step 3: Prepare penetrating interview questions for your audience. If it is a panel, make sure you have enough copies of your resume, cover letter, portfolio, etc, for each person. My standard rule of thumb is to have 20 questions ready to go. During the conversation, many of your questions will get covered, so by having 20, you are bound to have a few remaining to demonstrate your interest and critical thinking skills.
Step 4: First impressions: Again, preparing for interview questions and answers is only part of the equation. You have a single shot at making a dynamite first impression. Your audience is obviously eager to meet with you or else they would not have scheduled the interview. Capitalize on their enthusiasm.
Step 5: Communicate effectively. Nonverbal communication accounts for 93% all messages (38% tone and 55% body language). Leaving less than 7% of communication being the result of the actual words we say. To truly communicate effectively, your non-verbal communication has to be in agreement with what you are saying. Nod your head during the interview questions to communicate that you follow. Maintain eye contact. Sit facing your audience. Keep your arms and hands pointed toward your audience. Smile often and show enthusiasm to win them over.
Step 6: Follow up is critical. Make sure you collect business cards from everyone in the interview as well as everyone you interacted with along the way. This includes the person scheduling the interview, the receptionist you spoke with on the phone, etc. Everyone gets a hand written thank you note. Make sure all names and titles are spelled correctly and get the notes mailed within 24 hours. In the message, add something compelling in the message to confirm your personal skills and desire for the position.