Personal Note from Julie: Two Crucial Keys to Acing Your Next Interview

You landed an interview at a company you’d love to work for…now what?

To ace an interview you need to be as prepared as possible, and that means doing two crucial things.

First, practice your interview techniques. Find a friend or family member who you can ask you questions until you get comfortable responding. And make sure you have a polished response to this important one: Why are you looking for a new position and/or leaving the company you’re currently at? You have to be able to answer this question positively without faltering or being frazzled. Until you can do that, you’re going to struggle with the interview. Once you’re comfortable answering potential interview questions, practice over and over again. I even recommend practicing in front of a mirror so you can see how your body and facial expressions look to others when you’re sitting in front of them.

Second, do your homework on the company you’re interviewing with. Read the latest earnings report, blog posts, and press releases. Research the company’s culture, and figure out how your skills and abilities fit in with it. Remember, an interview is a two-way street. You need to be prepared to ask and answer questions. What do you need to know about the position and company to make a decision about whether you want to work there? Ask the interviewer these questions. Also, keep in mind that even if you’re offered a job, you don’t have to accept it if it’s not a good fit for you. But finding out what you need to know in the interview will help you make that decision.

There are also a lot of great interview resources on our Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn pages this week.

An interview can be stressful, and it’s OK to be nervous. But if you properly prepare for it then you’ll be better equipped to field questions, ask your own, and gain the knowledge you need to make a smart career move.

Supporting your administrative success,

Julie