A Modern Woman's Guide to Power

Interview Prep

In interviews, your job is to convince a recruiter that you have the skills, knowledge and experience for the job. Show motivation and convince a recruiter that you fit the organization’s culture and job description, and you get that much closer to an offer.

Do your research

 

  • Research the company – Visit the website of the company where you are interviewing to ensure that you understand all the aspects of their business. You can even search for recent press releases to learn about more recent changes in the company. Be sure to check out their mission statement and company bio if it is available.

 

  • Research the interviewers – If you have the names of the people you are interviewing with, search for them on LinkedIn. Get to know their background and experience so you can position your experience based on what they may be looking for. If they are in a management position, they may want to hear more about how you take ownership of your tasks and help drive results. If they are in a parallel position to you, they may want to hear more about how you support your business partners or are collaborative with your team.

 

  • Prepare a list of questions based on what you found in your research. Asking a few smart questions can show you are both interested in the role you are applying for and that you would add value.

Match your skills and qualifications to the job requirements

  • Review the job description – Highlight the main knowledge, skills, and abilities required and match those to the experience you have. If you don’t 100% fit each requirement, that’s okay! Many times women disqualify themselves or assume that they are not qualified if they don’t fit all requirements. If there is a gap, creatively think of an area of your experience that is relevant to the position.

 

  • Examine the hierarchy. Determine where the position fits within the organization. This can help you determine what qualities you should focus on. If you are interviewing for a management role, highlight your leadership abilities. If you are interviewing for a junior position, highlight your interest in the company and willingness to learn. Understand where your supervisor fits within the organization. What priorities might she or he have at that level and how could you help implement them?

 

  • Prepare examples to highlight your experience. Most interviews involve a combination of questions about both your skills and examples of how you demonstrated these skills. Prepare a list of situations ahead of time that demonstrate relevant experience listed in the job role.  Be sure to not only highlight positive experiences.  Were there times when you were able to work successfully in adverse conditions or learn from challenges?  Reframing those hardships as positive events that created greater awareness will position you as more qualified to help the company navigate similar hardships.

Pick out your interview outfit in advance

 

 

  • Choose Neutral colors. Conservative business attire in neutral colors portrays professionalism and reduces the attention on your clothes since you are highlighting your experience.

 

  • Add a small memorable accessory. Since your outfit will be neutral, you can add a small accessory like a colorful scarf, an interesting necklace or a professional watch. These details will stick out in the interviewer’s mind and help them remember you.

 

  • Always dress a tad more formal than you think you need. In some companies, they may encourage you to dress “business casual,” but use good judgment. It’s always better to be dressed nicer for the interview to show you are a professional and then you can feel out if the environment is more casual once you land the job.

 

  • Use an Iron. Ensuring your clothes are wrinkle-free demonstrates professionalism. Before ironing, check the fabric tag of the piece of clothing you want to iron to determine if it is iron friendly. If you have enough time, you can also bring your clothes to a dry cleaner to have a professional do this for you, just ensure you can pick it up at least 1-2 days before your interview so you are prepared.

 

  • Pay Attention to Grooming. Be sure that your overall appearance is neat and clean. Wash, dry and comb your hair. Trim your nails and brush your teeth. Not only will you look put together by focusing on these things, but you will feel better and more confident in your interview.

Plan what to bring the day before

  • When you plan in advance, you free your mind to focus on what you will say rather than what you are missing. The day before the interview, prepare the following things:
    1. Print extra copies of your resume on quality paper and put them in a clear cover to ensure they stay pristine.
    2. A notepad and pen
    3. Your list of 3-5 professional references.
    4. The information you might need to complete an application like your driver’s license, proof of citizenship, etc.
    5. A portfolio with samples of your work, if relevant
    6. A small thank you card for the person you are interviewing with. Prior to attending, you can write a small thank you note in the card and address it to the person you are interviewing with. Once you finish your interview, handing them a nice thank you note for their time is a very memorable move.

 

  • Map out the route you will drive to the location and figure out what parking looks like. Is there a nearby paid parking garage or do they have a dedicated parking lot?

 

  • Confirm the meeting location and write it down!

Now smile and walk in there like the job is yours!

Career
All quotes reprinted or included here with permission from The Frederick P. Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism.