The top ten strategies of a great interview

You just received a call to interview with the company of your dreams. Do you know how to prepare for the interview to feel safe, have a good experience and differentiate yourself from others? Try following the steps below and not only will you be well prepared, but you will present yourself as a true professional.

1. Research the company.

Do your homework, for example, go to the company’s website and read about the vision, strategy, competitive advantages, products, finances, departments, etc. of employers. If the business doesn’t have a web presence, look them up at the library, call the Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce, find out who they are, what products they sell, and something about their competitors.

2. Prepare your elevator pitch.

This is your two-minute opportunity to brief the interviewer on your top accomplishments. Please note that this is not the same as your responsibilities. Employers want to know what you did, not what you were accused of doing.

3. Prepare your talking points.

Make a list of your 4 greatest strengths and the 4 things you are currently working on for professional growth. Be prepared to give examples of each.

4. Identify the innovations / process improvements you made in your most recent job.

Employers want to know how hiring you will improve your organization and help you execute your strategy. (Assuming you did your homework in step # 1, you can offer examples of innovations or income saving ideas that will appeal to the potential employer.)

5. Dress for success.

The way you dress makes a statement about you. Regardless of the job you’re applying for, it’s a good idea to wear a freshly laundered suit … even in a casual business setting.

6. Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment.

Besides making sure you’re not in a rush, you can learn a lot using this strategy. Observe company employees as you sit in the lobby. Do they greet each other and say hello? Are they smiling and happy or exhausted and frustrated?

7. Participate in a dialogue.

A conversation is a two-way exchange. Be curious and ask lots of questions to get a good understanding of how the company, department, and management operate. Ask about job responsibilities and company culture, such as employee recognition programs, opportunities for personal and professional development, current and future challenges of the position, etc.

8. Tell the truth.

When you answer the employer’s questions, tell the truth! If you made a mistake, say so positively, take responsibility for it, what you learned, and how you have benefited from the experience.

9. Don’t talk about salary or benefits.

The goal is to put in as many options as possible, so don’t talk about compensation too early in the game, it can be a deal breaker. Sell ​​the employer everything you can do for them. If they are interested, they will make an offer and then you can start negotiating both issues.

10. 50% of the responsibility for the right work mix is ​​yours.

Remember, you are interviewing the employer just as they are interviewing you.