Sometimes, it seems like getting the interview is the hardest part, but in reality, once you’ve got it, your work is just beginning.
Preparing for your big job interview can be very stressful, depending on just how big it is, but there are things that simply must be done, however, to ensure that you’re at the top of your game before going in to meet your potential employers.
Men: suit and tie; women: appropriate business attire. Unless you’re interviewing somewhere exceptionally lax, chances are you’re going to have to look your best when you go in. This means that men should have a clean, pressed suit with a buttoned shirt and tie while ladies must be sure that whatever they’re wearing is appropriate for a workplace. It may mean a pantsuit or even a business suit with a skirt, but ensure that the skirt is not too short.
For men, I’ve been told in my own experiences that white shirts and “power ties” are standard for interviews, but I’m not so sure. I’ve gotten jobs before wearing non-white shirts to interviews. You may be surprised to know that I have about 30 button-down shirts, and only one is white; most are different colors ranging from dark red to forest green to goldenrod. Something too vivid might be off-putting for whatever reason, however, so I might recommend a light-colored shirt that does not necessarily have to be white. Be sure your tie matches or comes close enough.
Ladies, the same applies with colors. Hot pink is definitely not going to work in a job interview; something more conservative like a black, gray, or white business suit would probably work well. Remember, you want to look professional, but you’re not there to wow them with your outfit: you’re there to wow them with your responses and your resume.
Apart from clothing, make sure your appearance is neat. You should not go into an interview looking like you just got up 20 minutes ago. Understood, some guys wear their hair messy, just like they prefer some facial hair, but it should be a controlled mess. A haircut or a shave might work, but if you insist on having facial hair, wily won’t cut it and 5-o’clock shadows scream “unkempt.” Ladies, same deal: hair brushed, some makeup if you use it, etc. Shirts tucked in, shoelaces tied, belts buckled, teeth brushed, yada yada yada.
You might need one of these, but know the way there before you go anyway
Know exactly where you’re going ahead of time. Be absolutely certain you know the route to the place where you’re interviewing. After all, you should be arriving at least 15 minutes early, and you do not want to get lost — trust me. One time, I was literally two blocks from the office and figured to arrive about half an hour early for an interview, but I got boxed in by a car to my left, missed the turn, had no choice but to feed into the nearby highway, and because of traffic and not knowing my way around, it took me close to an hour to double back. Despite being so close, I was unfamiliar with the city and I was late for the interview; you can imagine how things went from there.
Know what’s on your resume and cover letter. Aside from the general BS you’re asked at interviews (such as “what do you think you’ll add to the company,” “why do you think you’re a good fit,” “are you familiar with our company’s policy on x, y, and z,” et al.), the interviewer(s) will ask pointed questions about you. The resume and cover letter are all they’ve got on you.
If they ask you about something you put in one of those documents and you’re stumped, or even worse, what you’ve said doesn’t match what you wrote, that will be a big problem.
Further along those lines, be sure you know why your experience is relevant to their company and be able to explain your background in detail.
Bring copies of your resume and cover letter. This demonstrates preparedness, and not everyone sitting in on the interview might have one. This is virtually a requirement for going to an interview nowadays.
Be ready for hardball questions while maintaining composure. I have been on at least two interviews where I was asked questions from straight out of left field. Sometimes, these questions had absolutely nothing to do with the position for which I applied. There is only so much you can do to “coach” yourself on what to say; the best thing you can do to prepare is be calm, loose, and able to find a way to draw back upon your relevant experience.
Of course, another biggie is to make sure that what you’re saying is honest.
Get a good night’s sleep beforehand. Tired interviewees aren’t sharp interviewees, and the only person it hurts is you.
