Job interviews

People go to college to expand their knowledge and to better prepare themselves for the working world. You can get straight A's in every course out there but there is still one obstacle that must be overcome before securing a job. If you cannot get over this one obstacle, I can almost guarantee you will not get the position you are looking for. This obstacle is, of course, the dreaded job interview. There are a number of tips you can utilize to increase your interviewing skills. I have found many of these tips useful but none have really quelled my nervousness before any interview. I know I am not the only one who feels nervous before an interview. In fact, according to an unsupported statistic that I found on a completely random forum, 99% of people get nervous before a job interview. This is clearly an exaggeration but it gets the point across.

I'm writing about this topic because I recently had an interview at a radio station. I was interviewed by 4 people separately in one visit and I found this out after I arrived there! Talk about dropping the bomb. This wasn't the half of it. After the first interview was wrapping up I was told I had to go meet the studio technician and record my voice. Needless to say, I am not a fan of being put on the spot. Regardless of all these curveballs thrown at me, I still think the interview went really well.

Here I will discuss things that I have learned through my job interviewing experience.

First thing's first. Preparation is key! Mental and physical preparation. Get your mind and body right. You can have all the right answers but if you smell like a dumpster then you wont get the offer. Also on the other hand, just because you look good and are well groomed doesn't mean you will get the offer if you can't answer a question about yourself. Basic things to know about yourself are strengths and weaknesses(try to make weaknesses sound like a benefit if possible). Also be ready to answer a question as simple as, "what do you like to do?" You would not believe how clueless I was the first time I was asked this in an interview. I froze up for a second. This is how I learned to change my mindset for a job interview. Set your mindset to force yourself to come up with an answer for every question (try to make it a few sentences at least. Remember, a perfect interview is really just a conversation). I don't know is the absolute worst answer you can use in an interview unless you can explain it. One way I have used this is when I was asked where I see myself in 5 years. I answered, "I don't know. I haven't found my niche yet so I'm really looking to use this experience to help guide me in my pursuit of a career." Now, I'm not sure how the interview took that but I thought it was a decent answer. One of the most important things is to BE CONFIDENT. Confidence is a very admirable characteristic. You will go much farther if you embody this, I promise.

My personal way of executing an interview can be is by following these steps.

(Up to a week prior to interview)
1. Prepare for any questions related to the specific job or company.
2. Prepare for any questions about yourself.
3. Prepare questions to ask them (don't ask a question that could easily be answered with little research, you will come off as lazy)
4. Prepare some more. They may ask you something you would never think of.
5. Get a full nights sleep the night before the interview.
(The day of the interview)
1. Have a good wholesome meal for breakfast.
2. Get your mind ready.
3. Review your resume.
4. The three S's (S**t, Shower, and Shave)
5. (This may not be for everyone) Have an energy drink shortly before the interview. (no more than 2 hours prior)
6. Expect for delays in your commute so worst case scenario you will still be early.
(At the interview)
1. Be polite to everyone you meet. (You may be working with them if all goes well)
2. Greet your interviewer with a firm confident handshake and use their name shortly after you learn it (ex: Hi John Smith, thank you for giving me this opportunity).
3. Build rapport with your interviewer.
4. Eye contact is important.
5. Be energetic and speak clearly
6. Thank them for their time and say something like "I look forward to hearing from you soon."
7. Ask for a business card. (Very simple task that can make you stand out but it is often overlooked)
(After the interview)
1. Send them a letter or email thanking them for the time. (relate it to a unique part of your interview to stand out better)
2. Try contacting them after some time if you don't hear from them but don't be annoying or seem desperate.

This may seem like a lot to you but it is very straightforward. By following these steps I have minimized my pre-interview anxiety and had successful interviews. With all this good information you would think that I have a great corporate job somewhere. No such luck haha. I've had great interviews but so far to no avail. This is a tough time to get a job. You really need to be the perfect candidate. Don't let this discourage you though because if you don't apply then you are definitely not the perfect candidate. You never know unless you try. This is yet another day, yet another interview.