For those of you job hunting out there, we all know which part of the process is the most nerve-wracking: the dreaded job interview. Just thinking about it gives the bravest of us anxiety. But the good news is that there are tons of ways to prepare yourself for success. In my recent stint of looking for and landing a new job, here are some methods I’ve found to be the most helpful:
- How do you look on paper? The first impression your potential employer will get of you is the info they see in your resume and introduction letter. Take the time to design your resume so that it is pleasant to look at as well as streamlines the information about your qualifications. Cluttered or sloppy resumes are often overlooked as being too busy or unprofessional. There are many different ways to put together a resume that will help make yours stand out. When making your resume consider doing an online search for current examples of good resumes. This will give you some ideas and pointers on how to put yours together so that it contains the necessary information as well as attracts the attention of potential employers.
- Do your research. You don’t have to know everything under the sun about the company you’re interviewing at, but here are three things you should research before you walk in there:
- The company’s website and blog—Find out what the company does, their primary goals, and how your skills fit in with those goals. Does this company support something you’re passionate about? Now is the time to find out because a little enthusiasm in an interview goes a long way.
- The person who’s interviewing you—I admit this can feel a little creepy, but it’s definitely in your best interest to jump on LinkedIn and learn about your interviewer. If you have things in common or their experience interests you, it can be a great conversation starter.
- The job description—Hopefully, this goes without saying, but know the details of the job you applied for and what you’ll be doing at the company. While we’re on that subject, it also takes five minutes to glance through your resume. Anything on there is fair game for your interviewer to ask you.
- Practice, practice, practice. I know it sounds hokey, but practicing your interview with a friend, a mentor, or even yourself in the mirror will get you ready to present yourself and your experience. There’s also a lot of great resources online to help you think about what your interviewer might ask, like this great article from Forbes on the 50 most popular interview questions.
- Dress for success during the interview. Being well-groomed will go a long way in making a good impression on those you interview with. Dressing for success means more than just choosing the right clothing to wear. Dressing for success involves your overall personal hygiene. Also, consider your hairstyle when dressing for a job interview; choose a style and cut that is representative of the job you are seeking.
- Think about your long-term goals? Where do you see yourself in five or ten years? What’s your ultimate dream job? What are you doing right now to get there? Articulating these fundamental ideas about yourself will show your interviewer how thoughtful and valuable you are.
- Find ways to translate your military experience into civilian terms. If you’re applying for jobs outside the military, you’ll want to present yourself in the best possible light. You’ve gained so many skills in your military career that any employer would want on their team, so now it’s your job to help your interviewer understand all the reasons why your background is excellent. Here’s an excellent blog post on exactly how to do it.
- Plan ahead. Figure out the logistics of your interview before the big day arrives. Put together your most professional outfit for the occasion and make sure you know exactly when and where your interview is happening. Also, make sure you have the contact information of your interviewer or the recruiter who found you. If you get caught in a massive traffic jam, you’ll want to let your interviewer know precisely what’s happening. And yes, this scenario has happened to me.
- Relax. I know this can be a very tall order. For most of us, job interviews can be more stressful than public speaking, but whatever you have to do to calm yourself down before you walk into your interview, do it! Be positive, be friendly, and smile because your interviewer wants to get to know you.
- Have a good follow-through. Most often, you will not be offered a job on the spot during the interview process; during the interview itself, you may be given very little feedback as to how you did and what the interviewer’s thoughts are. Learning to be proactive in following up and thanking employers for the opportunity to meet with them and the consideration they have given you for the job goes a long way to show your dedication to business etiquette and your pursuit of the job.
In a job market where there is a lot of competition, it is important to put your best foot forward and set yourself apart from the competition through your resume, the interview process, and your dedication as a potential employee. As you set yourself apart from others and represent your skills and knowledge well, you will have the advantage in landing your dream job.