In a nutshell: Preparation and research can help you perform better when you’re seeking a new job.
Whether you’re a rookie or a pro, job interviews can bring on jitters. To even the most seasoned veteran, the anticipation of the unknown when you walk into an interview can cause undue stress. But, according to The Balance’s “How to Avoid Job Interview Stress,” the best way to gain composure – and get high marks – is to prepare!
With these four general business interview tips, you’ll be on your way to becoming an all-star interviewee.
Research the Company
You’ve probably conducted some research about the company to which you’ve applied – or else you wouldn’t have known if you were interested in the job opportunity. But that may have only gone as far as perusing the company website. What you should keep in mind about a corporate site is that it will feature what the company wants you to know. So, do a little more digging.
A Google search of corporate news in business publications, such as Harvard Business Review and Fortune magazine, can provide additional insight into a company. You may learn more about the company’s financial situation (if they’re public), as well as mergers, acquisitions or other business restructures. Be sure you’re filtering content by the most current date so you have an accurate understanding of what’s going on right now.
To understand the inner workings of a company and determine if its culture is a good fit for you, read the organization’s blogs to understand the people writing them. Social media platforms and other sites like Glassdoor.com or Indeed.com may also provide different perspectives.
Decide What to Wear
You’ve probably heard the saying, “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” And that couldn’t be more accurate when you’re headed to an interview. You’ll want to step it up a notch and wear something more professional than you would on any given day if you were already working there. That being said, it’s important to understand a company’s dress code before determining what’s appropriate.
Many workplaces require employees to wear professional business attire or business casual. Some start-ups may lean toward casual dress, but that doesn’t mean you should ever show up to an interview in shorts or sandals.
For more formal business environments, solid-colored conservative suits with color-coordinated shoes and belts are recommended. Neat and professional hairstyles, trim nails, and little or no perfume or cologne are good guidelines to follow. In a business casual environment, there’s a wider range of what’s acceptable. Pressed khakis or skirts with button-down or polo shirts may be appropriate.
Formulate Answers to Anticipated Questions
While you don’t want to sound canned, you should have a general idea of how you want to answer common interview questions. When someone asks you to talk about yourself, it’s easy to start chatting away. However, there are going to be certain points you want to drive home. So, study the job description and come up with some themes related to the position. It will be easier to weave those ideas into any other interview questions.
Another common question, “What is your biggest weakness?” tends to trip people up. But don’t try disguising a weakness as a strength. Instead, be honest about an actual weakness (maybe one that’s less important to the job) and share how you’re actively trying to overcome it.
Then there are the left-field interview questions. To answer these, rely on your research, particularly any company reviews. Candidates will often post odd interview questions online. According to NBC News’ “Quirky Questions You May Hear in Your Next Job Interview,” you may be asked, “If you were a Muppet, which character would you choose and why?” or “How many basketballs would you fit in this room?”
Follow Up with a Thank-You Letter
After an interview, thank-you letters are expected. It’s your choice of whether you send one through email or snail mail, but whatever you do, follow up immediately after the interview. So, what should you say?
You may be at a loss on what to write beyond “Thank you for your time and consideration.” But this is the last chance to make yourself stand out and reinforce why you’re the best candidate. A letter also allows you to fix any mistakes you made during the interview. Maybe you forgot to mention something critical or didn’t have a solid answer to one of the questions. Rephrase what you want to clear up in the thank-you letter.
With the proper preparation, interviewing doesn’t have to be so stressful. Take time to understand everything you can about the company, your interviewers and potential interview questions – then follow up with a well-crafted thank-you letter. It may help you stand out from other candidates.
