PRACTICE CAN MAKE PERFECT (PART 2)

By Christian Hasse on February 19th, 2009

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I would love to start this week off saying the news has improved and the job market is hot … but I think we have a little longer to wait before we can make those positive claims.

Last time, we covered off presenting the right brand image in your interview, and making sure you come into the interview with the right mindset.

Let’s cover off some more tips for acing that interview and getting one step closer to landing that dream job.

Do your homework
One of the worst things that can happen in an interview is having interviewers ask you, “So, what do you know about us?” and you look at them with a “deer-in-the-headlights” look and stutter. It happens more times than I can count. You might as well pack up your portfolio right there, you are done!

Before going to the interview make sure you have done your research thoroughly! Go to the company’s website, read press releases, annual reports, and speeches. Do a Google search for press coverage of the company and analyze the press perspectives of the company. You should know what is making news, both the positive and negatives. You can’t be too prepared!

360 Interview
A good interview is a two-way street. The conversation should provide the interviewer with an opportunity to get to know you, your background, experience, your passion and your goals, as well as how you think and make decisions. But, it should also be a time for you to find out as much as you can about your new boss and the company you might join.

Ask pertinent questions about the job, what is expected of you, both in the short and long-term, the corporate culture, company goals and opportunities for growth. You want to be sure that if you get the job you know exactly what you are walking into. You might also ask what the next steps are in the interview process. Companies are taking more time to make hiring decisions so this will help you to know what to expect from the process.

Speak up!
The soft, sultry voice or limp handshake might have its place, (well maybe not the limp handshake), but never in a boardroom. These traits make you appear timid, shy and unsure of yourself, which has a negative impact on your creditability and professionalism.

One way to crack the “shy factor” is to wield a more powerful presentation style. Turn up the volume (but don’t shout). Speak in a manner that commands attention and speak with conviction.

When you are meeting someone for the first time, offer a firm (but not knuckle busting) handshake. This simple gesture speaks volumes about your confidence.

Ask a friend
Solicit help from friends, partners, parents, or whoever is available to help you practice your interviewing skills. Have them stop you whenever you start twitching, use inappropriate body language, punctuate answers with “Umm” or “like” and to get tips on the right amount of pressure when firming up that all important handshake.

With practice, I guarantee that you will appear more professional and confident, which will improve your results in that all important interview.

Think of an interview as an audition. It’s you moment to shine and nail the part of a lifetime. But, like everything worthwhile in life, interviewing takes practice and a dedicated effort. I promise you it will be worth the effort when you reap the rewards … and land your dream job!

Christian Hasse joined the recruitment firm Cramer & Co. – following more than a dozen years of senior public relations experience. His focus is on supporting searches in PR, Communications, Investor Relations, and Public Affairs, and building on his background in journalism and sports PR. He is also an industry guest speaker at various educational institutions and CPRS events.