1. REVIEW:
· Resume: Read over your resume and make sure you know what’s on it.
· Cover letter: Re-read the cover letter you submitted with your application to jog your memory regarding the stories you shared, skills you mentioned, and anything else that you might need to remember.
· Job description: Take another look at the job posting. Although you read it thoroughly when you applied for the job, now is a good time to peruse it again so you’re familiar with what exactly it contains.
2. RESEARCH:
· Do some digging to learn more about the company or organization with which you are interviewing. Look on their website, LinkedIn page, and social media outlets. Talk with any contacts you may have within the company or organization. Consider using databases available online to you through the library site (http://zsr.wfu.edu/databases/) such as Mergent Intellect and CareerSearch to learn about competitors, finances, and other pertinent information (Note: You must be on campus or login through VPN to access these resources from off-campus).
3. REHEARSE:
· Practice answering common interview questions. Be prepared to reply to “Tell me about yourself” or give a 60-second elevator pitch.
· Generate a list of questions to ask the interviewer. Steer clear of asking questions that have answers readily available through simple research on the company’s website. Include questions about things that genuinely interest you, or help you decide whether a company or organization will be a good match for you.
· Consider traveling to the location of the interview if it’s a place that you’ve never been or that’s unfamiliar to you. This will allow you to plan accordingly regarding the time you’ll need to get there for your interview day.
· Strike a pose! A power pose, that is. Watch this TED Talk about the power of body language. Think about taking a couple of minutes to do your own power pose to give yourself a confidence boost before going in for your interview.
(image from quickmeme.com)
4. Get READY:
· Gather your freshly cleaned and pressed suit, shined shoes, and any other materials you’ll need. Print out some copies of your resume and store them in a padfolio. You may also want to have a pen and your list of questions in there.
(image from suitupsunday.tumblr.com)
5. REST:
· Go to bed early or on time so you’re well-rested. You want to bring your fabulous A-game with you for your interview!
6. REFRESH:
· Eat before your interview! Regardless of whether a meal will be provided during the interview, you need to make sure you have eaten something. Think about taking a granola bar or protein bar in your (small) handbag with you too.
(image from eatmedaily.com)
7. RELAX:
· Take a deep breath and calm your nerves. You’re totally prepared to rock this interview because you’ve taken time to adequately prepare!
(image from corinawrites.com)
8. ROCK your interview!!! If you have questions or want more information on interviewing, feel free to contact me at longjw@wfu.edu, or come in to the OPCD for assistance!
Stay chic,
Jessica
Jessica Long is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Assistant Director of Career & Professional Development in the Office of Personal and Career Development (OPCD) at Wake Forest University. She is a Demon Deacon graduate, and has been empowering collegiettes and Campus Cuties across the state of North Carolina for nine years. She is a firm believer in the power of a good pencil skirt, an aspiring crafter, and has a serious weakness for chocolate chip cookies. Feel free to contact her with comments or questions at longjw@wfu.edu. Get connected with ways to stay fabulous after college by following WFU OPCD on Facebook and Twitter.