The Interview Dress Rehearsal

I’m not one of those people who is great at talking on my feet. There’s something about the way I am wired that makes it difficult for me to act suave and say intelligent things under pressure. I’ll never be a politician, or an actor, or anyone behind a news desk. But I can overcome this “flaw” in certain situations with just a little bit of practice. It’s best to borrow a friend to help you out and ask you random questions to put you on the spot (although I must admit, I’ve had to resort to talking to my cat in the past). Here’s a bit of inspiration to get you thinking about potential questions.

Now don’t start memorizing answers to all of them. Obviously, that’s just ridiculous and you never know what the interviewer will ask. But I’ve found that if I concentrate my efforts in a few areas, this helps me draw out examples and provide some pretty solid, respectable answers.

1. First and foremost, be prepared with your elevator pitch!
2. Think of several examples of things you do well. Previous projects, situations that were difficult, times in which your boss or others absolutely raved about your work.
3. Be prepared by remembering a time when things did not happen as you wanted them to happen and how you overcame this. (this will answer those annoying questions related to challenges, weaknesses, etc.)
4. Give some thought to what your personality type is like and how you work with others – are you a very independent worker? Do you need others around for motivation?
5. Since you’ve done lots of research on this company and know all about what they do (you did that, right?) give careful consideration to forming a brief description of them in your own words, one that preferably gives the company a bit of an ego rub while you’re at it.
6. There are plenty of on-line resources for finding out what your salary range should be. Come prepared to tell them what you’d like to be making, as long as it falls within the parameters of the position, of course.

Last, but certainly not least, don’t forget that you also must (and I mean MUST) ask questions of the interviewer. Your inquiries should be smart, and show knowledge that you understand their business and have given some serious thought to how you can help them succeed.

All done? Take a bow. Then practice again. If you’re like me and end up resorting to using the family pet as your “audience”, I promise he won’t mind.