Posts Tagged ‘interview’

Preparing For The Interview

By Kathy Keshemberg, NCRW, CCMC

So, you’ve got your resume in order, have searched for openings, networked extensively, and finally, you have an interview. And then the panic sets in! Job interviews can be very stressful, but if you spend some time preparing, your stress level will be reduced. Here are a few tips to get you started.

First, research the company. Google will be a very helpful tool. Find out as much as you can about their products/services, challenges they currently face, upcoming expansion plans, new product releases, etc. Also find out as much as you can about the person(s) you will be speaking with. Once again, Google him or her, but also search LinkedIn and Facebook. Knowing that he is an avid golfer or she is very involved with a local charity will give you ammunition for “small talk.” Finally, set up a Google alert about that company so that you are armed with the most current information before going to the interview.

Next, you want to prepare yourself by knowing your own personal brand inside and out. What is it that you offer that others do not, or what sets you apart from the competition? Special aspects of your experience, key areas of expertise, strengths, transferrable skills, and personality traits— these are all components of your brand. Once identified, weave this information into well-rehearsed “sound bites.” And speaking of rehearsing, do so out loud with a family member or in front of a mirro — you will be surprised at how differently the words come out of your mouth vs. in your head!

Finally, develop answers (and rehearse) for questions you anticipate will be asked. For instance, the “tell me about yourself” can be answered with your branding sound bites, while “walk me through your resume” will require you to be able to succinctly move through the highlights of your experience and accomplishments. If you’ve been let go from your last position be sure to have a positive “spin” prepared to explain the circumstances. If you’ve been looking for a job for many months, be prepared to talk about professional development or volunteer activities that you’ve devoted time to.

My April teleseminar featured Carole Martin, the Interview Coach. To listen to the recording of that call, click here and sign up for the Recorded Teleseminars. While you are at my site, be sure to register for May’s Teleseminar, which will be about developing your personal brand.

For more than two decades, Kathy Keshemberg, NCRW, CCMC and her team at A Career Advantage have been providing professionals with world-class resume consultation and writing, career coaching and personal branding services.
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