6 Tips to help you ace your next interview

Your job search has paid off, and you have an interview scheduled. Now it is time to prepare and ensure you have everything you need to ace the interview. Here are six steps to follow to ensure you put your best foot forward.

Research the company: 

Make sure you take the time to research the company thoroughly. Visit the company's website and read about its products/services. Find out who their client is and what makes them unique. Most companies have a career page, so read about what it is like to work there. But don't stop there! You have the world at your fingertips, so take the time to read articles about the company and the industry.

Research your interviewer:

Look up the people you are going to interview with on LinkedIn and connect with them. It is a great way to learn more about your interviewer and their background, how long they have been at the company, and what their role is. It also allows you to see if you have any mutual connections, common history, or shared interests. All of these can be great to know in making a connection with an interviewer, and those connections can make you stand out in a competitive applicant pool.  

Craft your about me pitch:

Now that you know about the company and the person/people who will be conducting the interview, it is time to work on what you will tell them about you. Take the time to have a good personal elevator pitch. Most people start with the typical "so tell me about yourself" question, so you need to have a solid self-sales pitch ready to go. Be sure to tie your pitch to the job you are applying for and start selling your hard and soft skills from the get go.

Have a few stories rehearsed and ready to go:

You will undoubtedly be asked about your greatest strength and greatest weakness somewhere along the way in the interview process, so think about those questions and craft thoughtful and meaningful answers that relate to the position you are applying for. You should have a story ready about a time you had to handle conflict at work, a time you accomplished something and a story about how you worked together on a team.  

Prepare questions for the interviewer:

The length and style of your interview will vary depending on the company and the position, but almost all interviewers will end the conversation with, "Do you have any questions for me?" The answer should always be yes. Prepare a list of questions about the company and the position before you go in for your interview. Be sure to have more than one or two ready to go in case the interviewer answers your questions before you ask. Your questions should not be about salary and benefits but should be meaningful questions about the company and the work you will be expected to do. Remember, this is an opportunity for you to get a feel for what it will be like to work there, so don't be afraid to ask questions.

Plan what you are going to wear the night before:

Make your interview day as stress-free and easy as possible, and plan what you will wear the night before. In your research on the company, figure out the dress code and dress appropriately. Not every interview requires a suit, but some do, so you should figure out what is appropriate to wear and have it ready. Make sure your clothes are clean and pressed and your accessories, makeup, and jewelry are appropriate. 

With a solid handshake, a warm smile, and your resume in hand, you are ready for your next interview.