Got a Job Interview? Prepare Now to Be Your Best Self

Delicia Ennis

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Getting ready for a job interview can be scary. But with some help, you can feel more confident and make a good impression. Whether you have a job already or are just beginning a job hunt, these tips can help you display your best qualities and set you up to do your best at the interview.

1. Research: Know the Company Well
Before the interview, learn about the company. Look at their website, their mission statement, and some recent projects. Read news articles about them. Be ready to answer, “Why do you want to work here?” with authentic reasons that show you did your homework.

Pro Tip: Share your skills and values that match the company’s goals. This shows you’re a great fit for the job.

2. Know Your Own Story
Look at your resume and think about your experiences. Be ready to talk about what you’ve done well and what you’ve learned from things that were hard. Employers like people who can show they’ve grown and can handle tough situations.When answering questions, use the STAR method.
Situation – Describe what was happening.
Task – Explain what needed to be done.
Action – Tell what you did.
Result – Share the positive things that happened because of your actions.|Pro Tip: Get tips on writing your resume here.

3. Practice, But Don’t Memorize Your Answers
Practice answering common interview questions. Try to sound natural, not like a robot. Practice saying your answers out loud or with a friend. Here are some questions you might be asked:

Tell me about yourself.
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Where do you see yourself in five years?

Pro Tip: It’s a good idea to record yourself so you can hear what you sound like and notice what you can improve.

4. Dress for Success
What you wear says a lot about you. But relax, this doesn’t mean you have to buy expensive clothes. Find out the company’s dress code and wear clothes that make you look professional. If you’re not sure what to wear, it’s better to dress up than dress down.

Pro Tip: Look for a nonprofit in your area that specializes in helping people dress for an interview. Or check out thrift shops and consignment shops for your interview outfit.

5. Ask Your Own Questions During an Interview
An interview is a two-way street. Come up with some good questions you want answers to. They show you care about the job and the company. You can ask things like:

What does success look like in this position?
How would you describe the company culture?
What opportunities are there for professional growth?

6. Pay Attention to Your Body Language
Body language is the way your body movements show others what you are feeling and thinking without using words. Your body language is just as important as what you say. In the interview, look people in the eye, give a firm handshake, and sit up straight. These simple actions show you are confident and excited about the job.

7. Handle Surprises with Ease
Some interviewers ask unexpected questions to see how you think. If you’re not sure about an answer, it’s okay to say, “Let me think about that for a moment.” Then take a moment to think and respond calmly.

8. Follow Up
After the interview, send a thank you email within a day. Thank your interviewer for the opportunity to talk. In the message, show you’re still excited, and mention something important you talked about.

Sample Thank You Email
Subject: Thank You for the Opportunity
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. I enjoyed learning more about [specific topic discussed]. I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to [company’s goals] and look forward to the possibility of joining your team. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any additional information from me.
Best regards,
[Your Name]

9. Zoom or In Person?

Make sure you know if your interview is on Zoom or in person.

Zoom Interview:

If your interview is on Zoom, check your phone, computer, or tablet the day before. Make sure the sound and camera work. Sit in a bright, clean place with nothing messy behind you. This gives you time to fix anything that is not working.

The person giving the interview will send you a Zoom link before it starts. Be dressed and sitting in front of the camera at least five minutes early and click the link. This gives you time to adjust the camera to give a closer view of you.

Remember, you can also practice Zoom interviews with family and friends.

In-Person Interview:

If your interview is in person, get there 15 to 30 minutes early.

When you walk in, smile and say hello to the person at the front desk. If they talk to you about the job, be polite and friendly. This person may have a say in whether you get the job or not. The interview starts as soon as you walk in, so always do your best.

When you are called in for your interview, stand up straight. Present yourself with confidence and show your beautiful smile.

If the person interviewing you is sitting, you should sit too. Lean in a little when they talk. It shows you are listening.

More Pro Tips:

Go to the bathroom before the interview.
If you are chewing gum, throw it away before the interview begins.
If you wear new clothes, don’t forget to take the tags off.
When the interview is over, thank the interviewer for considering you for the position.
You can ask when they will make a decision. Let them know you are grateful for the opportunity and will patiently wait for their answer.

Final Thoughts
Every interview helps you learn and grow. If you don’t get the job, it is not a defeat. Think about what you could do better next time. When you prepare well, you’re more likely to do well and feel confident about showing who you are.
Go into your next interview knowing you’re ready to be your best self!

Delicia Ennis currently serves as the Housing Program Manager for Maryland Reentry Resource Center. She is passionate about helping participants go past the barriers to successful reentry.