Continuing her “Knowing How” series on how to find work,  Lil Miss P deals with interviews and more particularly…

“How To Ace Any Interview”

One of the biggest things I do before everything major in my life, be it a first date to a major business meeting, is take a little time and think about how I want to handle that situation. When it’s something fun or personal, it could be remembering to put work behind me. For a major business meeting, however, it can be as elaborate as jotting down points I want to make to rehearsing what I want to say to prepare. You would be surprised at how much this helps. Not only do I go into situations more confident, but also, if things get a little sidetracked in a meeting it helps me stay focused. If you’re getting ready to interview for a job, take a business meeting, etc. here are the five best ways to prepare:

1.     Know your value. You can’t sell a product without knowing what it is and why people may want to have it, and the same goes for your skills. Before you head to your meeting or interview, be sure to take a little time and ask yourself “What do I bring to the table? What skills, experience, etc. do I have that makes me a fit for this position? Once you have this established, write it down into short, simple points. These are your “message points,” and by having them set in your mind will help you communicate them better.

2.     Be the part. Another strategy I’ve used that has worked is focusing on not just looking the part, but being it – in what I wear, how I style my hair, what I do, how I carry myself, etc. It doesn’t mean I’m not being myself by any means – I’m just pulling out the qualities and elements that I know can set me apart in business.  A good suit is of course a starting point but don’t forget the whole package. Take confidence in yourself and your work, remember to keep your presentation of yourself tight and pulled together from what you wear to how you walk into the room.

3.     Practice, Practice. No matter what  I do, I always practice and “pregame” before any big meeting or interview. Once I’ve got my message points about myself pulled together and know what I want to say or get across, I practice, practice, practice – in the car, in the mirror, as I’m on my way to the meeting location. If it’s a really big meeting, I’ll even talk it out with friends and/or business partners. It’s just another way to making sure I am confident, ready and prepared.

4.     Do research. I always, always make sure that I take a look at the companies I’m meeting with and even the executives, if I can, to ensure I’m well prepared and versed in who they are, what they offer, etc. It can be as simple as a quick Google search or just taking a good look at the company description in a job listing. Not only will it help you feel more confident, prepared and comfortable going into a meeting or interview, but an effort to get to know the company, etc. can also show your attention to detail and hard work – and impress prospective employers.

5.     Be prepared with a few questions. During your interview, it’s more than likely prospective employers, business associates, etc. will ask if you have any questions. This can be an awkward time because you might feel put on the spot, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s always a great opportunity to find out if the job, relationship, etc. is the right fit. To be prepared, think of a few questions you’d like to know before you go in. Great things to ask include “What would you consider the ideal candidate?” and “Is there opportunity for advancement?”

A little pregame and preparation can go a long way to make an impact no matter what you’re doing. When it comes to job hunting or work, it can help edge you above other candidates and help you get the gig.

Also in this series:

Identifying your talents

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