You did it! It’s ‘GAME DAY’ of your interview. You finally have an interview for a position you have been eyeing and you are ready to make a career game-changer. Below are a few tips that will help you in preparing for your interview ‘Game Day’.
Don’t wait until the day arrives to get your game face on. Start by preparing for your interview ‘Game Day’ well before the interview. We’ve included some tips on what to do after the interview is over, win or lose.
You got this!
After you read these tips – if you have tips of your own, jump on social media and @BeeYoungComms to let us know.
BEFORE YOUR INTERVIEW
YOUR NETWORK GOOGLE DOC
- Pull out the Google Doc you created of your network and reach out and ask to pick their brain. Learn more about making this the ‘Year of the Networking Conversation’
- Dp they have a list of questions they ask?
- What are questions you should ask?
- What are things they love and hate when interviewing a candidate?
- Don’t ask anyone to call — it’s too early and everyone else who can’t get the job is probably doing this.
PRACTICE!
- WELL BEFORE applying — ask co-workers and your boss what they might ask in an interview (remember that lunch …)
- If you are wondering what they might ask you, click here for a few questions you should anticipate.
- Prior to even applying for jobs, collect a file of questions you might be asked in the future.
- Practice answers with a friend, a spouse or your mom. It doesn’t matter if they know the subject matter. It’s more important you practice saying the answers out loud. Repeat this exercise a couple of times.
DURING THE INTERVIEW ‘GAME DAY’
GAME-DAY OF YOUR INTERVIEW
- MEN: Dress professional: Wear a nice shirt/pants. Hard soled shoes. Dress like you want the job. Be professional. Get a haircut! If you have facial hair – trim it. Clean shaven is best. If it’s for a managerial position – wear a TIE!
- WOMEN: Dress professional. You aren’t going to work out or to a club. Go light on jewelry and make up. Cut down on crazy hair, bright colors and trendy clothing
- Look SHARP!
- Stand up / Sit up straight
- Mention something one of your mentors has told you.
- Add something your parents have told you about success.
- Bring up a book you’ve read in one of your answers (be honest – they might have read it).
- In conclusion: have prepared questions. This is KEY!
IF IN PERSON
- First, shake their hand firmly (male or female).
- Look at them when speaking — eye contact is important
- You are on the clock interviewing from the second you step out of your residence to the second you step back in. And always remember – it’s a small world. You never know who is watching you or listening to you.
- For more on top tips for mastering your public speaking skills, click here (part 1) and here (part 2).
IF ON A VIDEO CALL
- Brush up on your video call etiquette by clicking here.
- Make sure you are in in a QUIET ROOM.
- And after you close the door, check your mic and background; and then close any open windows, etc.
- Log in the call 3 minutes early — not too early and not LATE!
- Wear headphones and mute when not speaking.
- And always remember to SMILE.
AFTER THE INTERVIEW
Do this within 3 Hours
- Put down the pros and cons of the position.
- Add to the list anything anyone said that you may need for the follow up interview.
- Send the hiring person a handwritten thank you note.
- Email each person you met. Follow up with a short email. But mention one thing they mentioned or that stood out for you.
- Before you press SEND, make sure you SPELLCHECK it. Ask someone you trust to proofread.
- For more on mastering the art of writing notes: click here.
IF YOU DIDN’T GET THE JOB
SEND A FOLLOW-UP NOTE
- Send them a handwritten note thanking them for the chance to interview.
- BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN ANOTHER JOB WILL OPEN.
- And you never know who they might know that could help you with a search later.
WE CAN HELP
If you are looking for assistance with your interview skills or perfecting your own brand, Bee Young Communications and Marketing can help you. Click here to learn more about Bee Young Comms.
Follow up by following @BeeYoungComms on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.