Be prepared!

• Know the Basics: First thing you need to do is know the basic information. I know this sounds dumb, but there are plenty of instances where I went to the wrong building, wrong door etc and ended up being late to my interview. Know exactly where and when the interview is, any security gates, checkpoints, sign-in instructions and so forth. This can save you a lot of time and embarrassment.

• Be Early! Google map it, have gas in the car and be ready to roll. Understand rush hour, any construction, delays etc on your route so you can plan accordingly and leave early enough to be early, not on time.

• Virtual Interview? Same as before, be prepared ahead of time. Check your internet, camera and microphone, and make sure you’ve downloaded whatever software platform they are asking to meet on. Do not wait until 10 minutes before hand to do this. I did this for a meeting once and my microphone wouldn’t work for some reason and it was a disaster of them watching me move my lips and no sound was coming through.

• Understand the company. Do your research on the company itself. Understand its history, it’s founder and its structure. Read any recent press releases or news stories you can find. Chances are they are going to ask you questions about the company and knowing this and showing you’re prepared goes a long way.

• Bring extra copies of your resume. There is nothing worse than showing up to the conference room and there being three people in there to meet you, and you have one copy of your resume. Watching three people try to huddle over one sheet of paper to read about your life is not fun. Bring extra copies, you never know how many people are going to be there and you want everyone to be able to easily read about how amazing you are.

Interview time. First off, start with a good handshake and a smile. Nobody likes that weird limp grip shake that starts everything off awkwardly. Firm grip, two shakes and a smile, and you’re good. Make good eye contact. Don’t stare at them creepily not blinking, but maintain good eye contact and be engaged. I’ve had people weirdly looking around the room or staring over my shoulder and it’s just very distracting.

• Match their body language. If they are leaning in intently with their arms on the table, do the same. If they start to kick back in the chair and cross their leg and get more relaxed with you, it’s ok to do the same. One major difference is, always maintain good professional posture. There is a big difference between being laid back a little in the chair with your leg crossed and shoulders back, then being slumped down in the chair with your legs open.

• Don’t lie. If you don’t know the answer to a question, it’s ok. Don’t try to make something up. You’ll make it worse. Be honest. Say something like “I don’t know, but I’d love to learn more”. Nobody wants to hire someone that when they don’t something or mess something up, they will try to lie their way out of it rather than to learn and get better. Show that right out of the gate.

• Lastly, talk like a professional. You’re probably going to be nervous but slow down, speak at a normal pace, and avoid saying “um”, “uh” and “like” every other word.

When all is said and done, thank them for their time and consideration. Make sure you get their contact information/business card before you leave. Follow up is very important and if you don’t know how to get in contact with them, that’s not going to work well. Shoot them the same day, again thanking them for their time and consideration, and that it was a pleasure to meet with them and learn more about the company and the role, and that you think you would be an asset to the company long term. If they decide to go a different direction, and don’t hire you, don’t burn any bridges. Thank them for the opportunity and that you’d love them to keep your resume on file for any future openings that might be a good fit. If you’re bold enough and actually want to get better and learn, ask what you could have done differently to get the job, or what qualifications they felt you were lacking in so that you can improve. It again shows your willingness to learn and want to grow, and it will help you nail the next interview with the next company.