5 Tips for Effective Interview Practice
When you have landed that important job interview, you will want to put your best foot forward. Here are 5 good tips for how to practice for your big job interview. You need to be engaging and to ask good questions. And you will definitely need to do your homework on the company and on the specific position as well.
Start by doing your research on the company. You will need to learn about its growth and future plans for development. Learn who the key people are and a bit about their backgrounds. Read over the company's web site and its annual report. Go into retailers and get familiar with the company's products. Learn who the chief competitors are and what advantages the company has in competing with them. Call the company and tell them that you are coming in for an interview and ask what information is available. They will like that you did that. And make sure you prepare a list of questions that you want to ask the interviewer. It is important for the interviewer to perceive that you are trying to qualify the company as right for you as much as they are trying to determine if you are right for the job. They don't want someone who is desperate and will accept any job.
Now you are ready for your practice interview. Do it with a friend who is experienced in business or, if possible, one who hires or a human resources person who will know what questions to ask you. Videotape the practice interview if possible. After you finish, watch the tape critically with your friend. You want to be fluid in the interview, to look right, to not seem nervous or uncomfortable, and to have your answers ready for just about any question. You will also want to judge how clear and appropriate your questions about the company and the position are. If need be, go back and research some more to build up any areas of weakness that you might have.
Many employers employ behavioral techniques in interviews. They want to learn how you will draw on your experience to handle the day to day duties of your new job. Make sure that you are well aware of the skill set that you have developed from your experience and how it will apply to your new job. Make sure that your friend engages you with these types of questions and make sure that your answers are concise and on point. Think of examples where you have already brought your skills to bear and you will be able to apply the same approach to any questions that come up in your interview about the new job.
Finally you want to get to your interview about 15 minutes early. So drive or commute to the office building before your interview day to make sure you can find the address and to learn how long it takes to get there. That way you will appear well put together and relaxed when you meet the interviewer.
