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Jessica Schanberg What is the best way to prepare for an interview? I try to get all of the information I can line up and I feel prepared but I manage to get stage fright right before anyway? What are your thoughts on how best to put anxiety and worries at bay?

100 weeks ago from We're Hiring

Michael Dvorscak: Congratulations on getting to the interview stage. I would say scout around online for some common interview questions. I haven't done it, but ...MoreCongratulations on getting to the interview stage. I would say scout around online for some common interview questions. I haven't done it, but when I go on the market in the next 6 months. I am going to rehearse on them.
100 weeks ago
Ashley Nicole Campbell: Hey Jessica! I have a friend who sent me a few links to her blog the other day before my phone interview. They helped me a lot:
MoreHey Jessica! I have a friend who sent me a few links to her blog the other day before my phone interview. They helped me a lot:
http://ow.ly/1fLEw
http://bit.ly/dgC9Ra
Hope they help you too! Good luck!
100 weeks ago
Jessica Schanberg: @Michael Thanks Michael. I think that's a great idea! @Ashley Thank you for the links and the well wishes! I'm going to check them out!
100 weeks ago
Nathan Ng: Try doing some practice interviews with a friend playing the interviewer. They can ask from a set of common job interview questions that you can ...MoreTry doing some practice interviews with a friend playing the interviewer. They can ask from a set of common job interview questions that you can pull from the Net or get at any public library. A little bit of rehearsal can help your answers come out smoother on interview day, since you've already practiced responding out loud.

Another tactic you can use to fight anxiety is to go for a very light run or do some light, light exercise somewhat prior to the interview. [obviously you need to leave adequate time to shower, change, then get to the interview!]. Physical motion can help your body relax and not be so tense. You get your blood flowing and you get fully awake/alert. If you actually feel physically good going into the interview, it translates subtly in your posture, attitude, enthusiasm etc.

Good luck.
99 weeks ago
Mehul Kar: Short term: don't prepare at all. Let the real you flow out :)
Long term: develop your brand so you know your values and yourself really well. ...MoreShort term: don't prepare at all. Let the real you flow out :)
Long term: develop your brand so you know your values and yourself really well. Blogging has helped me develop this brand tremendously. I rarely have to think now to answer generic interview questions, even though the answer isn't exactly the same every time.
99 weeks ago
Leslie Juvin Acker: Know yourself. Prepare. Research. Practice interviewing with someone who can help you communicate clearly and concisely. The mid and upper level ...MoreKnow yourself. Prepare. Research. Practice interviewing with someone who can help you communicate clearly and concisely. The mid and upper level professionals I coach spend months researching and practicing. Don't just rehearse answers, but fully understand the context of what they're asking you. If you need to take psychological/competency tests, I suggest doing some practice tests online or borrow a book on the topic. You will always experience some level of stress and anxiety; this is natural. If you are prepared and focused, you will overcome it and use the energy to your benefit; very much like athletes. Good luck!
99 weeks ago
Christina: Great advice everyone! I agree with everyone also make sure that you have questions for the person interviewing you as well. Be confident in ...MoreGreat advice everyone! I agree with everyone also make sure that you have questions for the person interviewing you as well. Be confident in yourself and what you have to offer. A good book to read is "what color is your parachute". I can't remember the author Boles perhaps! But check it out it's an easy read with tons of information!
99 weeks ago
Leslie Juvin Acker: I'll have to piggy back on Christina's book suggestion; I always recommend How To Interview Like A Top MBA by Leanne. It helps for all of my ...MoreI'll have to piggy back on Christina's book suggestion; I always recommend How To Interview Like A Top MBA by Leanne. It helps for all of my clients from entry level to executive level. :D
99 weeks ago
Sharalyn Hartwell: I also suggest making a list of other accomplishments in your career that are not highlighted on your resume. You have to start thinking in ...MoreI also suggest making a list of other accomplishments in your career that are not highlighted on your resume. You have to start thinking in examples. Pretty much any question they ask, you'll want to use an example in your answer. Start thinking of those other things now. Good luck!
99 weeks ago
Ty Unglebower: Yes, act like you are interviewing them. And really in a sense you are. You are not a beggar hoping for a scrap of bread. You are an accomplished ...MoreYes, act like you are interviewing them. And really in a sense you are. You are not a beggar hoping for a scrap of bread. You are an accomplished professional who is trying to find a company that suits her. So enter the interview remembering that. You are finding out things as well, not simply being interrogated. I am sure all will be well.
99 weeks ago
Mike Fieseler: Jessica - You are getting some good advice from your followers. An item to remember - 70% of jobs found are through networking.
- Find ...MoreJessica - You are getting some good advice from your followers. An item to remember - 70% of jobs found are through networking.
- Find someone you know who works / worked at the company, better yet, find someone who knows the hiring manager, get some information about them (and what they are really looking for - not what is in the job description). Have them put in a good word for you.
- LinkedIn is probably the best tool for finding people in a company and reading about their backgrounds (pay attention to people who have the same title you are interviewing for). If you don't have a lot of contacts for the company, use the advanced LinkedIn search or use this google search to find more profiles - you can even add a title if you know it - site:linkedin.com "company name” “Location as Linkedin has it”
- Find out as much as you can about the company and it's competitors - know what is happening there and in the industry
- If it is a phone interview - #1 make sure you have a professional voicemail. #2 Get rid of all distractions and background noise - lock up the dog, turn off the TV, have the neighbor watch your child, etc. #3 Sit at a desk if possible, put on interview clothes, sit in front of a mirror. These are tips / tricks I have seen people use to keep focused and attentive. Your voice reflects how you feel and what you are seeing. #4 Have notes in front of you including a copy of your resume.
- There are seveal interview techniques that people use - a common one is the STAR technique - lots of information including sample questions on-line
- Have some questions prepared - I like "What would you like me to accomplish in the first 90 days?" As Ty said, you are also interviewing them, just make sure you avoid coming off as arrogant.
- First interview, stay away from the "me" questions - pay, benefits, vacation, etc.
- If it is an on-site interview - take samples of your work or a list of other accomplishments as Sharalyn suggested.
- Close the interview by asking about the next step(s), ask where you stand, if there are any areas where they would like clarification . . . Close the next step if you can.
- Practice - find one of your friends, or someone they know who interviews people frequently - record this - watch your what you do (finger tapping, slouching, hair twisting, etc.) listen to what you say - do you tend to fill voids with "uh"
99 weeks ago
Jessica Schanberg: All of your suggestions are great! I want to thank all of you for your stellar recommendations for my interview. I ended up using a combination ...MoreAll of your suggestions are great! I want to thank all of you for your stellar recommendations for my interview. I ended up using a combination of: being myself, lots of research and examples, to sell myself. I also asked questions of them. I wanted to know if it was a good fit for me too. Thanks again for your terrific input!
99 weeks ago
Ty Unglebower: Well just make sure to keep of posted if you get the position!
99 weeks ago
Delta Waters: good luck! trust your unique selling proposition...that's YOU!
99 weeks ago

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