The Interview Process...What I Learned On My Way to Getting Hired

So I've been job searching for a while now. In the span that it takes for a baby to be conceived and born...yup that's how long I've been looking. Insane! But it does take a long time. I didn't really start to get interviews until the summer time, and after countless interviews I've learned: A. I really HATE interviews. And B. I have the knowledge now to get through it.

Does anyone like interviews? I mean, really. You pretty much have 10 seconds to make a great first impression. I could usually tell in those 10 seconds if they were really interested in me, or if they'd already decided that I wasn't what they were looking for. Now that sucks. Sitting there, knowing that you've already lost them and still having to give a great interview.

Making That First Impression Count

Firm hand shake. Eye contact. Smile.

Yeah, it sounds easy, but when you first walk into that room you might forget who you are, much less common courtesy. So just remember to do that. Also, wipe your hands on your pants/skirt...clammy hands are gross and will definitely leave a bad first impression.

 What You Wear Can Make or Break You!!

Make sure you wear something that fits you right. I know this sounds stupid, but try and make sure your pants look great on you (not too long, not too short) and that your blouse and blazer fit properly (ironed, blouse isn't too tight or too loose). Making yourself look put together is key since, let's face it, they are judging a book by its cover. I once sat in an interview where the guy came in with white socks on with pants that were way too short. I'm pretty sure my supervisor didn't hire him solely based on that.

Know the Company Inside and Out!

Early on in my job search, I would kinda look at their website...but not really research it. I hated going into an interview and they'd ask me to talk about what they do. Even if I had the answer, they'd ask me to elaborate. Now this is where I'd get tripped up. Elaborate on what? I just said what you did. So make notes. It's really embarrassing when you don't have the research done and it shows. Also, take those notes with you. In my last interview (where I got HIRED!!) I had my notes on hand. Not only was I able to give them a detailed description of the various programs they offer, but they saw I had taken the time to write notes...umm...BONUS!! I saw that they liked that and were impressed. Score!

Practice Practice Practice!

The night before my interview, I would always Google: Top Interview Questions and Answers. I know how to answer the obvious interview questions, but it would always help me to see how others answered them. I'd often find something that I had left out and add that to my answer. Then I would ask myself these questions and answer them out loud. Yes, my husband thought I was talking to myself, but whatevs. It works! Preparing in this way doesn't make anything they're going to ask you a surprise. All interview questions are similar...just re-worded differently.

I once read somewhere that all they're trying to figure out is:

• Do you have the skills to work here?
• Can we work with you?
• Do you really want this job?

So just have great answers prepared for those questions. They'll be worded differently, but this is all they're trying to figure out.

If They Offer Your Water, TAKE IT!!

I always found that in interviews where I had water, I always did better. When I'm nervous I tend to lose all of my saliva and then find it hard to speak. Um, this is really bad where you're expected to speak for 30-60 mins. If you know this about yourself, it might even do you some good to carry a bottle of water with you.

Finally, Do The Thank You Email

I used to think this was cheesy and brown nosing it. But I really think this helps you stand out. Just send a little email thanking them for being welcoming and making you feel comfortable. It takes minutes to write up and it may very well give you that extra edge. I found out that I beat out 6 other candidates. 6 other people with your skills in your field. Ahhh! So send that thank you email like your life depends on it.

I hope this helps you all. Just remember, there is light at the end of that tunnel. You will find that job! Don't give up. Even when it seems like you've done everything you could have done and you're still having bad luck. It might not be you. It could be that they're just looking for something specific and you're just not it. So don't take it too personally and just keep trekking. It really does take a long time, and the more interviews you go on, the better you'll become. So keep doing them (even if you don't want the job) and you'll really learn so much from the experience.