6 Step Process to Ace Any Job Interview

You have worked diligently to generate leads from the hidden job market. You have also used your contacts to forward your resumes and cover letters to hiring managers for advertised positions. The phone screeners have called and you successfully answered their questions. As a result of your efforts, you have an upcoming interview.

Reality has kicked in and you are now nervous about this interview. You know that there are not many opportunities to interview in today’s job market. Likewise, you do not want to waste this opportunity.

To help you prepare to ace your interview, below is a six step process you can follow.

First, research the company you are going to interview with by reading its website. If the company is public, view its annual and quarterly reports. Check with your local library to see if you have access to analyst reports and review them if they are available. Also see if you have access to industry reports as well.

If the company is too small or private, identify its main (preferably public) competitors by conducting a Google search or visiting Hoovers.com. Next, quickly view its competitors’ financial statements, analyst reports, and other information to locate issues that are industry specific. The company, you are interviewing with, could be facing similar issues.

Next leverage your network to either identify or generate referrals to current and previous employees who worked for the company. Conduct informational interviews to learn about the issues and challenges the company and the department of interest are facing. Also learn about the culture, profile of ideal employees, your interviewers, and any other insider information. You may have to generate additional referrals to current and former employees to accomplish this.

Create customized responses to common traditional and behavioral questions using the information you gathered including the job description (if you are interviewing for an advertised position). For behavioral questions, prepare responses using the STAR method. The STAR method consists of identifying the situation, the task at hand, the actions you took, and the results you generated.

Next reach out to a career coach or interview expert to participate in mock interviews. Provide the interviewer with the job description, skills, and behaviors you believe are important to the company. After your first mock interview, gather feedback, make adjustments, and participate in a second mock interview (if feasible). As a result, your mock interviews should help you sound unscripted and spontaneous during the real interview.

From your conversations with former and current employees, hopefully you asked about the appropriate interview attire. If not and if you are unsure, feel free to call the company’s human resources department to find out. Next make sure your professional attire is available, neat, and pressed in advance of your interview. At least a day before the interview, drive out to the interview location to avoid any surprises on interview day.

On the day of your interview, leave a few minutes early to ensure you arrive at least 5-10 minutes before your interview begins. If you arrive too early, remain in your car and either review your notes or relax. On your way to the building, turn off your cell phone and display friendly, polite, and professional behavior when you interact with the company’s employees.

Once you are greeted by a potential interviewer, smile, give a firm handshake, and maintain good eye contact. Be yourself and participate in any small talk on your way to the interview room. Once you arrive, sit down only when the interviewer asks you to do so. At the appropriate moment, thank the interviewer for taking the time to interview you.

During the interview give brief, accurate, and structured answers. The key is to be yourself and clearly articulate who you are and what you can do for the company in terms of creating value. Keep the interview positive and avoid mentioning anything negative about your previous employers. For any perceived weaknesses you may have, provide information that can minimize any potential concerns. Finally, exhibit confidence in your capabilities but do not come across as arrogant.

Near the end of the interview, ask questions about the company, department, position, and the interviewer’s experiences. Also ask the interviewer if there is anything he or she will like for you to clarify. Acquire information regarding next steps and when a decision regarding your candidacy will be made. Finally, thank the interviewer and send a thank you letter and/or email.