How to Prepare for Your Interview

Interviews are stressful, and we find that the best way to make candidates more comfortable and feel truly ready for an interview is all in the preparation. Practice, prepare, and have a plan! This will help you overcome nerves and be ready to make a great impression.

Here’s how to prepare for your interview:

Before the interview:

Purchase or clean your suit or interview dress. Always dress up for an interview, even if the job is more casual. Your clothing and personal presentation should say “I want you to choose me.”

Grooming. Make sure your hair is neatly trimmed, nails clean and trimmed, and that you look your best.

Practice introducing yourself. Prepare a 10-second intro that explains who you are and what you do: “Hello, I’m Robert Smith, I’ve been looking forward to meeting you and I hope my 12 years of Aerospace Engineering is exactly what your organization is looking for!”

Practice your handshake. A firm, but not crushing grip, with just 2 or 3 small shakes and let go.

Practice answers. There are a ton of behavioral interview questions on the internet to study and practice answering. These are the “zinger” questions that are supposed to reveal your character. Have a few mistakes you’ve made in mind, and a story about how you recovered from it, a time you failed at something and what it taught you, etc. Practice sharing your success stories too! Your recruiter can help you decide if your answers are appropriate or need some thought.

Print out your resume. Have a copy for yourself and multiple copies available for your interviewer. Your recruiter will know how many people will be interviewing you, but always have extra copies on hand. Prepared is good!

Do your research. Learn a few facts about the company where you are interviewing. Study their website by checking out every page, not just the first one.  Think of a question to ask about the company, too. Type up and print out a few notes about the job and the company itself.

Plan ahead to tell interviewers what you want, if you’re asked. Know what salary range you require, and know your lower limit. Know when you can start work. Know what schedule you prefer.

On the day of the interview:

Eat. It sounds simple, but you don’t want to have shaky hands or a complaining stomach during an interview.

Dress for success. Wear your suit or dress, a conservative shirt and tie, good polished shoes, and minimal jewelry.

Grooming. Hair should be neatly trimmed, including facial hair. Nails and hands clean and neat, no perfumes or aftershave, and go conservative. A bright smile and fresh breath are great accessories, too. Do not smoke before your interview, the smell lingers.

Be early. Give yourself at least 30 minutes more than you think you’ll need. Traffic or poor directions are no excuse for being late.

While you wait, review your own resume, the job description, and any notes you took on the company itself.

What to bring with you to the interview:

A positive attitude. Be friendly and positive with the interview and every employee with whom you interact.

No companions. If someone drives you to the interview, have them wait in the car, or at a nearby coffee shop. Do not bring anyone else into the building or the interview.

No food, coffee, or gum. Leave all this in the car or at home.

An envelope, file, or portfolio. Inside, bring two copies of your resume, a copy of the notes you took on the company and job. If you have certificates of accreditations you think the interviewer might want, you can add those, too.

Cell phone. Only bring it if you can turn it off and don’t look at it or use it during the wait or the interview itself. The ONLY reason to bring it out is to schedule the next interview if there’s a follow-up.

Accessories. Tuck your wallet and keys into a small purse or jacket pocket. No need for a bulky briefcase or handbag.

Money for parking. Just in case you have to pay to park.