Five ways to get ready for the big interview

If you feel anxious about interviewing for your dream job, you’re not alone. In a study done by JDP, it was found that 93 percent of candidates were nervous before the big interview. This means that pre-interview jitters are a nearly universal phenomenon. So, what can we do?

At WorkSource, we specialize in helping people get back to work, and a part of that is preparation. Although interviews can be scary, they’re also a direct pathway between you and your goals. There’s no dodging the fact that being able to sell yourself in person is a highly desired skill in the workforce.

That being said, we know it’s easier said than done. That’s why we’ve put together a list of five ways that you can prepare yourself for the big interview!

1. Research the company

A common question in interviews is: “How much do you know about our company?” The answer to this question signals two things to the interviewer. First, that you are knowledgeable. Second, that you know how to do your research.

But there’s more to learning about the company than just having the right answers, there’s also being able to ask the right questions. Inevitably, at the end of an interview, it’ll be your turn to find out more about the job. Here’s where that research comes into play. By learning about the company you’re applying for, you can ask informed and targeted question to better understand the work you’ll be asked to do.

It’s a win-win situation. You gain knowledge, while also impressing the interviewer, as it shows that you are interested and engaged in the process—which makes for a stronger initial impression.

2. Re-read the job description

Having a good understanding of what the company is asking for can help you be able to deliver. Does the job description list shift times? It might be good to be sure that you can meet their scheduling needs. Are there any certificates or training requirements for the job? If you meet these requirements, it might be wise to bring that up in the interview.

Understanding the job description can help you understand what exactly the interviewer is looking for, as it often works as a hiring template. In that vein, if the job you’re being hired for is looking for bubbly customer service, the interview offers you a great opportunity to show off your positive and friendly personality.

3. What are your transferable skills?

Many of us learn a lot more than just the job description when we work. The skills you developed during your work history are also skills you bring to the table at your new job, and it’s wise to highlight these in the interview as they help interviewers see you as a more well-rounded job candidate.

Some examples of vital transferable skills are communication, teamwork, digital literacy, management, and critical thinking. Before your interview, sit down and make a list of your transferable skills and maybe even think of some real-life examples of how they came in handy in the workplace.

4. Prepare answers for common interview questions

We don’t really know what every interviewer is going to ask, but the more you interview the more you’ll notice patterns. There are some questions that are almost guaranteed to come up and these are often the types we feel the most anxiety over.

For example, the question “Can you tell us about your greatest weakness?” is perceived by some as a trick question that can cause the interview to stall completely. Thinking of these difficult questions ahead of time can make you feel more confident.

For our money, the best answer to this question is to be honest, show humility, and then also describe how you’re working to fix your weakness.

The Harvard Business Review has a list of common interview questions. Consider going through each and drafting an answer to ease those nerves.

5. Go to WorkSource for a mock interview

By now, you surely realize there’s a lot of ways you can work to demystify the interview process and come in prepared and ready. But there’s no method quite like practice.

Participating in a mock interview is a great way to become more familiar with the process, rid yourself of the jitters, and learn in a safe environment. WorkSource offers mock interviews to anyone—which means you don’t need any eligibility to take advantage of this service. All you need to do is visit your local center and ask to meet with an employment specialist.

We all stumble in high pressure situations, but mock interviews are an ideal means to navigate potential roadblocks and miscommunication in a positive atmosphere. Your employment specialist can help you identify ways you can improve your interview skills and after, you’ll feel that much more confident in tackling the main event.

WorkSource is a network of nonprofits, community-based organizations, local and state agencies working in partnership to provide an array of employment and training services to job seekers and businesses in Washington state. WorkSource is funded through the local workforce development board, Workforce Southwest Washington. For information, visit www.WorkSourceWA.com

Dennis Weber County Commissioner, District 2