The interview is one of the most important parts of the job-hunting process. After sending out application after application, you finally get that call back that might lead to your dream job. If you do have an upcoming interview, the first thing I want you to do is to congratulate yourself. You deserve it!
Now, let’s get to work and land you that job.
A solid interview takes a lot of preparation, study and practice. Many great resources have been created to help you perfect the art of the interview. Here are some library-exclusive services, as well as some quick tips and recommendations.
Library Resources
Lynda.com
Lynda has many great courses and videos for many different interview types, including for industry-specific interviews and instructions for giving interviews.
- Mastering Common Interview Questions
- Expert Tips for Answering Common Interview Questions
- Interview Master Class
Brainfuse JobNow!
I have already written extensively on the many benefits of JobNow!. Especially their Live Job Coaches who can run mock interviews over chat with you 2–10 p.m. every day. Use it Now!
eBooks
We have many wonderful eBooks in our collection that can help you find success.
- The Everything Job Interview Question Book: The Best Answers to the Toughest Interview Questions by Dawn Rosenberg McKay Read It Now
- What Color is Your Parachute? A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers by Richard Nelson Bolles Read It Now
Job Club
Check out our Job Club on Thursday, June 4 at 10 a.m. where we will practice these skills and more over Zoom! Register Now!
Things to Remember
- Read and reread the job posting. Look for keywords. These are what the company will be looking for when you give your answers.
- Practice with a friend. One of the best ways to prepare for an interview is to stage a mock one. Reach out to someone to go over the most likely questions you will hear. Not only will this make your delivery more natural, but it will make you better able to tackle the questions you didn’t plan for.
- Don’t forget: you are interviewing the employer as well! Do you like the company culture? Can you meet all the demands of the job, like working late or travelling? Even if the salary is good, it won’t matter if every day on the job makes you want to tear your hair out.
3 Quick Tips for Phone or Video Interviews
- Smile! Even if they can’t see you, it will help you carry enthusiasm through your voice.
- Control your environment. Interviewing somewhere outside of a traditional office can bring all sorts of distractions, like family members, pets or outside noises. Try to hold your interview in a quiet place. Ask your housemates to lower any noise for as long as the interview will last. Walk the dog. Get everything done before the interview starts, so it doesn’t become an issue during the interview.
- Lighting is everything. Try to do it in a well-lit room with natural light, you’ll feel better. It’s one advantage over an office interview, so enjoy it.