Professional development doesn’t stop the second you receive an educational certificate. Most people have plans and goals they want to achieve in their careers. These days it’s more and more common for people to switch careers throughout their lives, or even have more than one!
Interviewing can be intimidating whether you’ve decided to switch careers or are new to the working world. These tips can help you feel calm and prepared for the big day.
1. Research the Company
You may already know a bit about the company interviewing you. You applied to work for them after all! Reviewing the company website beforehand will help you understand what they do and their culture. Knowing some basics will give you talking points for the interview and show your interest in the company and role.
2. Prepare What You’ll Want to Say
While you can’t predict what you will be asked, you can prepare some key speaking points. These can focus on your skills and strengths, what interests you about the role, and how you would be the best fit for the job. You can also prepare to tell the interviewer why you want to work there. Think about your and the company’s values (based on your research). Speak to how those values align with each other. Think about noteworthy accomplishments and how you can work those into questions.
3. Be on Time
Being on time means being at least 10-15 minutes early. Plan your route and figure out where to park the day before. Have your interviewer’s contact information on hand, just in case. Remember to be friendly to the receptionist since this is where the interview begins, and then thank them on the way out.
4. Look Sharp!
Plan your interview outfit ahead of time. Doing this will give you more time in the morning rather than scrambling to figure out what you will wear. It’s essential to be well-groomed to present a positive image of yourself. Don’t forget about non-verbal communication! Tone of voice and body language also play a role in how you present yourself. Practice speaking in a friendly yet assertive manner and pay attention to how you shake hands and maintain eye contact.
5. Ask Questions
Impress the interviewer when you arrive with a notepad and pen. Ask 3-5 well-thought-out questions you prepared and wrote down in advance. Try to avoid asking about salary and benefits; you can research these answers. Instead, pose questions that reflect your interest in the role and the organization. Use your company research to develop questions! Some sample questions could include:
What qualities do your most successful employees have?
Do you offer any in-house training or professional development opportunities?
What is the best part of working for this company?
6. Follow Up
At the end of the interview, ask for their business card so you can email the interviewer to thank them for their time. Doing this provides an excellent opportunity to reiterate your interest in the position or to mention something that interested you during the interview about the company.
Want more assistance to take your career to the next level? Our career specialists provide consultations on educational planning, career advancement and career changes, interview preparation, and resume preparation. Connect with your EAP today.
Tips provided by
Waverly Schneider
BGS Career Ventures