Help! I Got An Interview!

The other day, someone that I've been coaching called me with good news: "I've got an interview!"

I was happy to hear that. So many persistent job hunters are out there, putting in the hours each day, but not getting the traction that they seek. So when an employer shows some interest in you, that's great.

She asked me if I had any interviewing suggestions. Here are a few of the tips I passed along.

Go in prepared - Preparation for an interview is perhaps the most important ingredient in the recipe for interview success. The better prepared you are, the better you will feel about yourself and your chances.

Preparation includes a number of things, especially: Know the Company. Know your Self and what you bring to the table. Know the Position you are interviewing for. And know the Questions you want to ask.

Manage your stress - Interviewing can be incredibly stressful. The performance anxiety can run high and even keep you from getting a good night's sleep the night before.

To reduce and manage this stress, there are a number of things to consider, especially: Keep yourself in good shape via walking, running, swimming, dancing or some other form of exercise. Be sure to eat right. Find your own serenity via such practices as prayer, meditation, t'ai chi chih, or yoga. Breathe deeply and intentionally, using self-affirming thoughts.

Be ready to sell - In an interview, you are selling a product. The product is You. Your pitch is that You are the answer to their prayers, the solution to their problems. You want to come across as someone they could not possibly do without.

Of course, the employer will decide whether you are the right person or not. But you can influence their decision by pitching your Product to their Needs. By being professional, poised, and positive throughout this sales process, you will do your best.

Keep your answers brief - Many of us have a tendency to over-answer in interviews. We blab away when we should just shut up and await the interviewer's next question.

If they ask you hypothetical questions (which typically start with "How would you..."), take a moment to think before answering. Describe the process you would use.

Show interest in them - There comes a Moment of Truth in every interview when the interviewer asks "Okay now it's your turn. What questions do you have for us?"

This is when your research and your prepared questions come to the fore. While some of your questions may get answered as the interview goes along, be ready to ask several more questions when invited.

Yes, a lot is riding on the interview. Experts say that the employer makes up their mind about you within the first few minutes. Don't worry too much about that. Remember that you are also making up your mind about them as an employer. This is a two-way decision.

Posted by Terrence H. Seamon on Tuesday July 31, 2012

Terrence is an organization development consultant who provides leadership and team development services to employers in New Jersey. His forthcoming book Lead the Way explores the challenges of leadership. Additionally, Terry is a job search and career coach whose book To Your Success provides a motivational guide for anyone in transition. An alumnus of PSG, Terry co-founded and co-moderates the St. Matthias Employment Ministry in Somerset, NJ. He can be reached at thseamon@yahoo.com and via his website: http://about.me/terrenceseamon