Mastering the Interview Is all About the Preparation  

You did it! You landed the interview and you’ve done a little happy dance in your room to celebrate, but now the panic is setting in: What do I wear? What do I say? What if there is lipstick on my teeth?

Don’t worry! Think of the interview as an audition. While it’s usually the hardest part of the process, it’s also a skill that you have to constantly practice. If you do it right, it can even be fun! You can learn great ways to showcase your strengths and best attributes and be your most confident self. Below is everything you need to know to slay this interview, and every interview thereafter.

What to Learn

• Do your research on the company. Even if you’ve already done it, do it again! You should know about the position you’re interviewing for, the people who will be interviewing you (if you’re given names beforehand), the culture of the company, where the company is located, when the company started and, most importantly, what the company does. Familiarize yourself with the company’s website. Recruiters and interviewers will notice and it will come in handy for other parts of your interview.
• Do your research on salary. There are great online resources that can give you insight into the job position you’re applying for, what companies in the area are paying, and how they stack up against one another in culture, compensation, and work/life balance. Reviews on Glassdoor are written by current and former employees, so you get an insightful look into what working at that company might actually be like. People can also write reviews about interviews they’ve had at certain companies and include what questions were asked, which is a great resource.
• Use the power of social media. LinkedIn has a private search function for a reason! Read up on current employees or people who maybe be interviewing you. Better yet, see if you have any friends in common; you might be able to make a connection that way. If you have a close contact who can recommend you in person, all the better. It also makes for a great ice breaker: “Oh you know so-and-so? I went to college with him/her!”

What to Wear

• “Dress for the job you want” is more than a cliché.  Even if you’re applying to work at a burger stand, dress up! It shows that you care about yourself and that this interview is important to you.
• Dress according to the vibe of the company. Are you interviewing at a fashion house? Look at the latest trends and try to incorporate them into your interview outfit. Are you interviewing at a finance institution? Everyone loves a good power suit. We can’t all hope for a “Devil Wears Prada” transformation, so try to look the part from the very beginning!

What to Prepare

• Bring a copy of your résumé and your portfolio, where applicable. Chances are, the interviewer will already have a copy of your résumé with him/her, but having a copy of your own shows that you’ve prepared and that you’re taking this interview seriously. Most portfolios are online these days, but if you have any physical examples of work you’ve done, it’s a good idea to bring them to your interview.
• Practice interview questions. It’s safe to assume that you’ll be asked about your current work situation or why you’re looking for a new job. Have a good answer ready that is honest, but still puts you in your best light. Be positive about your current employment situation and your current co-workers; no one wants to work with someone who complains during the first interview. Practice talking about a time when you solved a difficult problem or a time when you really succeeded and felt confident in your work. It’s joked about a lot, but be prepared to answer questions like:  “Tell me about yourself,” “What is your greatest weakness?” and “Where do you see yourself in five years?”
• Prepare for the money questions. You should be prepared during the first interview to talk about your salary expectations. By the final interview, you should be ready to negotiate. Cindy Gallop says in her spotlight in AdAge “Ask for the highest number you can say without bursting out laughing.”

What to Ask

This is incredibly important because it shows that you’ve done your homework.

• Do ask interesting questions. Hiring managers or the people interviewing you have probably seen a lot of people just like you, with your same qualifications and your same sharp outfit. This is your chance to really stand out and impress them with thought-provoking questions that show your knowledge of the industry you work for and your understanding of what it takes to be a really great employee. Consider starting with questions such as:
  • • What is a typical day like in this position? What would my daily responsibilities be?
    • What do you enjoy most about working here?
    • How does this company measure success?
• Don’t ask questions that send the wrong message. Avoid any questions related to religion, politics, and sex. If it’s something that you wouldn’t feel comfortable talking to your grandmother about, don’t bring it up in an interview. Focus on what you can offer the company, and don’t spend too much time on any questions that might seem like you’re just interested in this job for its perks, whatever those may be. You can be curious about what kind of fun celebrations this office might participate in from a culture perspective, but you aren’t really joining a company just for the free cake, right? Below are some resources that can give you great ideas for questions:

• • • Ten Questions You Should Always Ask in an Interview
    • 9 Questions You Should Ask in a Job Interview to Ensure the Position is a Good Fit for You 

What’s Next?

• It might seem a little old school, but follow up with a thank you note or email. You want to make sure that you’re remembered by the people who interviewed you, and a friendly note thanking them for their time is a great way to make your first impression last a little longer.
• If you haven’t heard back from the hiring manager within a week to 10 days, follow up via email or a quick phone call. Patience is key. These people are busy and most hiring decisions aren’t made by a single person, but rather, by a team.

Now put your best foot (clad in a great shoe) forward, make copies of your résumé, and brush up on your best interviewing skills. The interviews is not only about determining if you’re the right fit for the company, it’s also about determining if this company is the right fit for you. Good luck!