Where to start when I have an interview tomorrow...?
Basics: Do your logistics. If nothing else, make sure you know the exact address of your destination and the correct contact person for when you get there. Print out and bring with you: three copies of your resume in a folder. Also, bring a notepad and a pen. Check your clothes for spots, and press your shirt or blouse.
Chances are you've been pretty busy, however, sleep is critical to your interview preparation. You may be exhausted, and your mind may not be as sharp as you'd like it to be. Don't walk into the interview as a zombie. Be sure to get a good night's rest. Seven-and-a-half hours is the minimum. Sleep more, if you have the opportunity.
Take the Day to Prepare: If you feel unprepared for the job interview with less than 24 hours to go, take the day off from your job or cancel other plans and get some work done. Invest the time you need so you can be successful.
Work on your answer to, "Tell me about yourself". This question (or some version of it) is very likely to be the first one you are asked when you walk through the door. You might as well start off the interview on the right foot. Your response to this question should be an elevator pitch. It should last about a minute; then briefly describe your background, what skills you have to offer, and why you are excited about this opportunity. If this question isn't asked at the beginning, you can also close your interview with it.
See: Interview Question: "Tell Me About Yourself" for more tips.
Research the job and the organization. Know what the organization is about, how it is unique, how large it is, and what people do there. Review the job description so that you'll have some background regarding what the work entails. In this under 24 hour time-frame, consider pulling language from the job description to describe yourself. It's also a good idea to take a last-minute final review.
Interview Classics: Come up with three reasons why you will do well in this job and three reasons why you are excited to work at this firm. The vast majority of interview questions are trying to assess one of two things: whether you can do the job and whether you fit with the firm.
When you are asked a question such as, "What's your biggest strength?" you are being tested on the first, your ability to perform. Your answer should then include one of the three reasons why you will do well.
When you are asked a question such as, "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?" you are being tested on ambition and on your fit with the firm (the second thing they're trying to assess). Your answer should then include some of the reasons regarding what gets you excited to work at this firm.
As you are asked various job interview questions tomorrow, think about each one in the context of these two areas and the reasons you prepared. Then select one or more responses, as appropriate.
Next, craft and practice three stories that demonstrate your skills and abilities. You want to illustrate how you produce results. Think about the situation, the actions you took, and the results that you produced. Put the stories together in a logical sequence, and include vivid details and numbers to quantify information. If possible, one of these three stories should be the response to a question that asks about a mistake or failure that you faced in the past.
These stories will help you prepare for behavioral questions, which start with, "Tell me about a time when..." You can also use these stories to provide evidence of your skills and abilities, and include these examples in a variety of other answers.
Additional Resource:
For Interview Success Formula Members:
The best place to start is with your Self-Assessment Survey. It's the top left tile on your Member's Home page.
It takes about 15-20 minutes to complete. It's a 300 question survey that helps articulate your strengths, weaknesses, characteristics, professional mindset, goals, etc. Once you complete the survey, you will be provided with two reports. Read both of them carefully. The Cribsheet is where your survey results are turned into responses for 20 of the most commonly asked questions.
After that, you can start anywhere in the program or you can study through it in order.
There is the option to listen/watch the videos or you can read the course in text form.
The program is broken into four parts:
-
Research - Researching the job description, the company, the interviewer and creating an ideal candidate profile
-
Build - Crafting stories and responses. Prepping for behavioral questions. Overcoming objections.
-
Launch - Setting up the interview, questions to ask, building confidence, and exiting the interview.
-
The Close - After the interview. Sending Thank-You's. When and how to follow-up. Negotiating salary and benefits.
There are worksheets through out the course, to assist you in developing the art of interviewing. You can fill them in on your device, or print them out to have on hand.
Additionally, there is a Bonuses section, where you can access more worksheets, guides for writing Thank-You Notes, updating your resume and writing cover letters, advice on interviewing for leadership, marketing or sales positions, template for creating 30-60-90 day plan, a how-to on creating an Elevator Pitch and much more.