Q: “Help! I have an interview tomorrow! How can I prepare?”
A: The best thing to do is to go home and get your body of work together. Here are five simple steps for prepping for an interview:
Step 1: Write out what you have accomplished, the skills you bring to the table, and how the two can help the company get to the next level.
Step 2: Study up on the company if you haven’t done so already. Use the Internet to search for news briefs, updates and the latest on the company.
Step 3: Also, check out the person interviewing you. Yes, that’s digging into someone’s business — but with social networking all ablaze, everyone’s biz is already out there. It’ll give you just enough ammunition to have a little small talk, and it’s also a great way to ask a question during the Q&A portion of the interview. You can say, “I noticed that you worked on that high-visibility project — how did you become a part of the team? What were the results?” It shows the interviewer that you’re on top of your game!
Step 4: Pick the right outfit. You may be thinking those hip-hugging slacks (the ones that are so tight the crease is gone) and that peek-a-boo blouse is THE interview ensemble… but it’s not. Invest in your wardrobe and keep the interview suiting clean, pressed and ready to go at a moment’s notice. There’s nothing worse than wearing dirty, ill-fitting or, worst of all, inappropriate clothing to the interview.
Step 5: Get a good night’s rest. It’ll keep you calm and give you great energy. Good luck!
Got a question for Tanisha? Ask it below — and follow her on Twitter @tanishastips.