How to Prep for an Interview

Going to an interview is extremely nerve-wracking. We all know the many thoughts that run through our minds those minutes before walking through the door or picking up that phone call to answer five to ten of potentially, the most important questions that you will answer in your career, up to this point. Stress and nerves are good for some people and allow them to handle interviews like a pro, but for some, these nerves can totally take over their thoughts and control the way they perform. So how can you prep before an interview and what should you remember going in to it? Here is my list of what I do and how I stay confident during an interview:

1. Remember to be yourself. Cliché as it may be, employers want to see your personality come through. Show them a glimpse of who you are by smiling, being energetic and passionate. If you aren’t any of those things, a career in PR or social media management may not be the best option for you. And, if you’re going into a field besides PR and social media, feel free to continue reading. The remaining nine tips are for you too!
2. Research the company you’re applying to. Nothing is worse than your interviewer asking you “Which of our clients are you most excited to work with?” and you're not able to confidently and honestly answer that question. Make sure you research the company, the owners, history, etc. before stepping foot into that door or answering that phone call.
3. Apply what is relevant, trash what is not. Your first job as a sales associate at your local Target may not be relevant during your interview at a big corporate company. Of course, if you’re applying for a HR position at the corporate level of a retail company, use that past experience to your advantage. Use your best judgment here but remember, long resumes aren’t guaranteed to impress future employers.
4. Bring extra copies of your resume and cover letter. It never hurts to be too prepared and if your interviewer realizes they need to print a copy of your resume, you can quickly offer your additional copy to them. This shows you’re organized and always prepared.
5. Re-read the job description for your desired position. When asked why you are best for this position, relate back to the desired skills and experience needed for the position. Don’t quote the description word for word, but make sure you make it obvious you have the qualities needed for the position. 
6. Prepare to have thorough answers to these questions:
   1. Why do you feel you are best for this position?
   2. How would others describe you?
   3. What do you bring to the table?
   4. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
   5. How are you most qualified for this position?
   6. What can you do for our company?
7. Run through potential questions in your head and give your answers OUT LOUD. Just like when you’re editing a paper by re-reading it out loud, practice what you will say in your interview out loud. We all think things sound much more intelligent in our heads than they sound coming out of our mouth moments later. 
8. Wear something you feel confident in. We all feel good when we look good. Wear something you feel comfortable and confident in. We will dive in to what to wear to an interview at a later time, but for now, just remember to dress professionally and in something you are confident in.
9. Be early. Figure out how long it will take you to get to your interview and leave at least 30 minutes earlier than you think you need to. Chances are you will have trouble finding it, or finding parking, or parking your car in general (personal experience). If waiting in your car for 20 minutes before the interview is the worst thing that happens, you’re doing just fine.
10. BREATHE! It is totally normal to be nervous during an interview. Try to remember this will not be your last interview and it will not bring you immediate success or failure, either way. Know that it is understandable for you to be a little nervous, but try not to let those nerves overcome your ability to speak and formulate a sentence. You are a rock star, have great experience and can totally nail this job interview!

 
 
P.S. Immediately following the interview, write your interviewers a handwritten thank you note and get it in the mail that day! Sending an e-mail is a great way to thank your interviewers for their time, but chances are that e-mail will just get lost in the hundreds of e-mails they get per day. A handwritten letter is a great gesture and stands out among the hundreds of e-mails.
 

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