5 Best practices for interviewing like a PRO!

Is a big job interview opportunity coming up or is this your first job? Regardless, if this is your first time or 20th I believe these 5 tips will help you to interview like a professional. Sometimes we are sitting in front of a interviewer not knowing that how you interview make make the difference in their selection process. This very interview could be our next and could also be the one to change your life for the better. Are you ready.. You WILL be!

1. Appearance: (Love at first sight applies)

All jokes aside have you ever walked into a room and seen a male or female and noticed them right away in a good way or bad way? whether it is intentional or if you are just considered a judgmental person have you instantly picked someone out of a crowd or room and made a judgment on them without even speaking to them but just based on their appearance.. I am sure you have as our brains are wired this way naturally. We are attracted in a lot of way but in this case visual to things we like, admire, or find worthy of our attention. Making a first impression is overlooked and super important. Ever heard the saying "look good, feel good"? Well it is true.

-Be showered or well groomed (Hair styled and clothing tucked in or not baggy or partial worn and shoes tied.

-If you have access cologne or body spray DONT USE IT! If you are using it to mask the smell of a smoker or body odor remember.. Sometimes LESS is MORE!

-Tattoos and piercings are more acceptable than ever however remember they aren't always considered professional or welcoming.

2. BODY LANGUAGE SPEAKS VOLUMES:

When you woke up this morning what type of mood were you in? Did you roll out of bed after hitting snooze a handful of times? From there continuing to stumble through the day? Well, lets not do that.. Body language is critical when you walk into a place of business for an interview or these days in front of a camera in your home. With appearance already locked down, I have found that when you walk into a room or meeting you want to do the following to demonstrate your confidence through your body language. 

Walk tall: Not slouched over or hands in pockets. Walk proudly with your head up.

Eye contact: Once eye contact is made, maintain it (even if awkward and uncomfortable) Show them you are attentive and are only focused on them. Make them feel that what they are saying is the only things that matters through listening with intent and eye contact. 

Smile & Wave: Sometime body language is confusing. Keep it simple. Smile when greeting or wave, smile when listening and lastly fake laugh if applicable.

3. ANSWERING: LESS IS MORE

In my experience I have interviewed a lot of people and found learned that with some if you ask a certain question they will answer and then not stop talking. Sometimes we get carried away which isn't always a bad things but in some circumstance you have to be able to decide when to spew and when not to. A recommendation for answering is to make sure you actually answer the specific question they are asking as well. We have a tendency to starting talking and then venture off down some rabbit hole and then the employer doesn't actually get a complete answer. So short and impactful with a little humor I have found go a long ways.

4. SAY YES, EVEN IF THE ANSWER IS NO

Have you ever been asked a question in an interview that you couldn't say yes to because it was the honest truth? Now I am not saying we should lie but maybe create your own truth or a partial truth. Sadly, that might have made the difference on them selecting you over another candidate for the position. For example if the recruiter or hiring manager asks you if you know how to navigate Microsoft Word software and you are familiar with it but not skilled. My answer to that would be something like the following: 

"Microsoft Word? Yes, I am familiar with the program. I wouldn't say that I am fully fluent as its been a while since I used it last and may need a refresher" 

Now what I did there was a couple things. I didn't lie because I know what the program is… I told the employer what they NEEDED to hear (not what they wanted). I possibly positioned myself ahead of another candidate that may answer that question full heartedly and say they are unfamiliar. Lastly, I bought myself some time for them to keep interviewing rather them wrapping up the interview as I already didn't meet one of their criteria. 

**SIDE NOTE***

Someone may end up calling your bluff so make sure that going into jobs you ready the requirements and description and be prepared. If you do find your self answering yes and maybe its not FULLY true, make sure the first thing that you do after that interview is hop on the old YouTube Academy and take a crash coarse on the subject at hand. (YouTube: Microsoft Word for beginners or dummy's)

5. Prepare.. period!

Think back to school taking tests or even your driving license test. You were motivated to study in order to pass when the time came, right? Same concept with interviewing. Do your research on the company or brand you are interviewing with. Research the position and its requirements and duties. Think about and prepare for all scenarios. They may ask you to give examples of a time you did this or that or how you handled this type of situation, etc.. Have those items in your head already and figure out a way to tie those examples you give to the interview you are currently in. In general anticipate the interview and give yourself adequate time to prepare.

BONUS TIPS!!!

**BE EARLY (NOT ON TIME) RULE OF THUMB 10–15 MINS EARLY

**REMEMBER THE POINT OF CONTACTS NAME

**DO NOT CALL AND ASK FOR DIRECTIONS OR HOW TO FIND THEM (GET THAT INFO FROM THE BEGINING. BEING EARLY WILL HELP YOU IN THIS CASE ALSO)

My hope is that this read might help somebody land their dream job somewhere and sometime. Be yourself, be confident and be ready and the rest is easy! Good luck!