Interviews are a very important part of any job search both for the company hiring and the person looking for a job. If you don’t take anything else away from this post remember this.
Job Interviews are just as important for the candidate because it gives them a change to interview the company.
From a candidate’s perspective, this is crucial. I have turned down a few jobs where during the interview process I felt something was off about the company or I got an insight into how their department runs.
But enough of that let’s get into the X things you should do to prepare for an interview.
1. Get a hair cut
Just because IT jobs are a little laxer environments doesn’t mean that you should look that way for your interview. A cheap haircut to tame that mane is a quick and easy way to make yourself look more professional.
2. Make sure that outfit is professional
Like the previous suggestion just because you can work in jeans and a T-Shirt doesn’t mean you should wear that to your job interview. You should look professional and put together. The company interviewing you needs to know that you are professional.
3. Research the company
The company you are interviewing with has researched you to make sure you are a good candidate and person. You should do the same because this is a two-way street. You need to make sure this company is a good fit for you just like they are making your sure are a good fit for them.
There are plenty of sites like https://www.glassdoor.com/index.htm where you can research a company for free and even see what the employees are saying about the company. I don’t ever go into an interview without looking here first to see if there are common problems.
4. Rehearse interview questions
This suggestion has been around forever but there is a reason for that. Rehearse possible interview questions so that you can answer them quickly and thoroughly. You don’t need it to look like you didn’t rehearse the questions. If I was interviewing a candidate and I can tell they took the time to rehears possible questions and were prepared I certainly would be more inclined to give them a job. There is nothing worse then long pauses of silence while you try and think about how to answer a questions. You probably already nervous so thinking of stories and experiences on the spot can be difficult so come prepared.
5. Know the job
You probably read the job description when you applied. At least I hope you did but read it again (and again) and make sure you know the job you are applying for.
6. Be 100% truthful
Be 100% honest about what you know and what you don’t know. Candidates get points with me when they are honest and tell me that they don’t know about specific software or operating system. In many IT jobs people can be trained in technology and policies and software. However honesty and integrity are items that cannot be trained and go a long way.
7. Know your resume
There is nothing worse than being caught in a lie or fabrication of the truth. So similar to number 6 know your resume and what you have on it and don’t lie or embellish on your resume. The truth will come out.
8. Have extra copies of your resume
Depending on the type of interview you are doing you could be meeting with HR, Department Heads, and other team members. Not all of them may have gotten a copy of your resume or they may have just forgotten to print it out. Make sure you have at least 4 (6 is better) extra copies of your resume for anyone who forgot it or never got one. Being able to provide someone with an extra copy shows them that you come prepared which never hurts in an interview.
9. Be On Time (or early)
I always try to show up at an interview at least 15 minutes early. The interview may not be ready but that is fine. I would rather sit in the waiting room and wait on them than have them waiting on me because I got stuck behind a school bus or an accident. Regardless of the reason you were late the fact remains that you were late.
Know where you are going well ahead of time and how long it will take you to get there. Once I actually test drove to my interview the day before so I knew exactly how long it would take me to get there. You can typically trust Google Maps nowadays but that the time I didn’t 🙂
10. Come up with questions to ask
I am always impressed by the candidates who took took the time to do number 3 (Research the company) and actually came up with some very good questions. When a candidate asks good questions I know they are trying to determine if the company is a good fit for them and they really value their work and work environment.
11. Take a deep breath an relax
Take a deep breath before going into the interview and remember that you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. Make sure that this company is going to be a good fit for you as well.
