LESSON 5:
SUCCESSFULLY INTERVIEWING
Interviewing takes strategy and practice to be successful, so I’ve outlined some techniques for you to prepare in advance so you can authentically engage with the recruiters and hiring managers for a successful interview. Watch the videos below for tips and tricks on how to have a successful interview.
INTERVIEW STORY PREPARATION
In order to prepare for a successful interview, start by thinking about the most interesting, fun, and successful moments in your career. Think back to the 5 best moments in your career – and if you’re preparing to interview for a specific role, you’ll want to prepare example that relates to the job you’re applying for. If you're feeling stuck trying to think of some of your achievements, start thinking about when you felt the most satisfied, and when you felt most proud of your work. Watch the video below for how to prepare your interview stories.
HOW TO ANSWER IMPORTANT INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:
1. How to answer, “Tell me about yourself…” or “Tell me about your experience…”
It’s common for hiring managers and recruiters to start the interview with a more casual sounding question in order to break the ice. Unfortunately, these questions tend to be vague and difficult to answer if you’re not prepared for them. Watch the video below for how to successfully answer these questions.
2. How to answer that first salary question…
Salary negotiation starts with the first interview - but it’s not what you expect! Watch the video below for tips on how to set the stage for successful salary negotiation later in the process.
LESSON 5: HOMEWORK
HOMEWORK 1: INTERVIEW STORY PREPARATION
In order to prepare for an interview, you need to think of about 5 stories of success in your career to demonstrate your experience and your achievements. If you can’t think of stories of success, start with stories of times when you had the most fun and were the most engaged. You’ll want to practice and prepare different stories about your career successes and achievements using this Interview Story Preparation Worksheet.
HOMEWORK 2: PHONE INTERVIEW CHECKLIST
The interview process often begins with a phone screen or a quick call with the recruiter. Be prepared for this meeting with the Phone Interview Checklist. They will ask unexpected questions like, “What is your salary expectation?”
HOMEWORK 3: INTERVIEW CHECKLIST
Review the Interview Checklist for the big day to calm your nerves and boost your confidence. This checklist will walk you through the questions to expect from them and the questions you should prepare to ask. Set aside some time before the day before to read over this checklist and get prepared to have a successful interview.