Prepare, Practice, Test –
The Keys to Interviewing Successfully
by Coral J. Evans, CWDP
The three keys to interviewing successfully are Prepare,
Practice and Test. The more you prepare, practice and test the more
successful your interview will be; the ultimate success being a job
offer.
Often individuals mistakenly believe that all they have to do is show
up to the interview on time and answer the questions truthfully.
While being on time and truthful are key components, being prepared is
very important as well.
Prepare – This means driving to the place where your interview
will take place the day before. This will ensure that you have the
right address and that the directions that you were given are correct.
If you have a disability this is a great opportunity to ensure that
the place is accessible. A pre-visit to the interview site will
eliminate the chance of getting lost and arriving late to the
interview.
Practice – Practice the answers to the interview questions
before you get in the interview. Although you can't know before hand
what questions will be asked, you can determine that some questions
are universal. For example the question, "Why do you want to work for
our company?" or "Why did you leave your last job?" or "Describe the
skills and qualifications that you have that are relevant to the
position for which you have applied." or the standard, "Do you have
any questions for us?" I would recommend sitting down and writing
out your answers to these and other interview questions on 3" x 5"
cards that can be made ready at a moment's notice.
Test – Take a "practice run" before the interview. Dress up in
the clothes that you plan on wearing to the interview. Ensure that
buttons are on tight and not in danger of falling off, that the
garment(s) fit appropriately and are not too lose or tight, too long
or too short. I would not recommend wearing a brand-new outfit to an
interview. Wear the outfit at least once or twice before just so you
get used to how it moves, fits and feels. It is important that you
don't come across as being "dressed-up" and that you appear
comfortable in your outfit. Have a friend or colleague interview you.
Practice the delivery of your answers – remember to come across as
confident, not stiff or rehearsed.
The interview is a crucial part of the job search process. It's important
that you take the necessary time to prepare, practice and test before
going into the interview. The difference between a person who has
prepared and one who hasn't is often the offer of a job.
About the Author: Coral Evans
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