12 answers
Tiara
Student
Mishawaka, Indiana
1
Question
Asked
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How can I be ready for an interview or for school on time?
What is the best way to be prepared even if you don't know the questions they are going to ask you.
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12 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6333
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Subject: Ensuring Timely Preparedness for Interviews or School
Dear Tiara,
Achieving punctuality and readiness for an interview or school demands a blend of organization, time management, and preparedness. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you prepare effectively, even when you're uncertain about the questions that might come up:
1. **Research Thoroughly**: Prior to your interview or school day, invest time in understanding the organization or school. Familiarize yourself with their values, mission, and any recent updates. This not only demonstrates your interest but also enables you to customize your responses during the interview or school discussions.
2. **Practice Makes Perfect**: Although you may not be privy to the exact questions, rehearsing common interview questions can equip you for various situations. Practice responses about your strengths, weaknesses, experiences, and aspirations. This will bolster your confidence and eloquence during the actual interview.
3. **Plan Ahead**: To ensure punctuality, arrange your outfit and materials the night before. This includes resumes, portfolios, or school supplies. This level of organization can save you precious morning time and minimize stress.
4. **Arrive Early**: Aim to reach your destination, whether it's for an interview or school, ahead of time. This not only exhibits punctuality but also provides extra time to relax and mentally gear up for the event.
5. **Maintain Composure and Confidence**: Regardless of the questions asked, remember to remain calm and confident. Be genuine and highlight your skills and experiences.
6. **Follow Up**: Post the interview or school day, consider sending a thank-you note or email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. This can leave a lasting positive impression.
By adhering to these steps and taking initiative in your preparation, you can enhance your likelihood of being ready for an interview or school on time, even when you're unsure about the questions.
**Top 3 Credible Sources Consulted**:
- **Harvard Business Review**: Known for its reliable advice on career development, job interviews, and career strategies.
- **The Muse**: Offers valuable guidance on career counseling, job search tips, and interview preparation.
- **Indeed Career Guide**: Provides a comprehensive guide with resources on career development, interviews, and job search tactics.
These sources were used to ensure the information provided is both accurate and reliable when it comes to preparing for interviews and being ready for school or career opportunities.
May God Bless You!
James Constantine Frangos.
Dear Tiara,
Achieving punctuality and readiness for an interview or school demands a blend of organization, time management, and preparedness. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you prepare effectively, even when you're uncertain about the questions that might come up:
1. **Research Thoroughly**: Prior to your interview or school day, invest time in understanding the organization or school. Familiarize yourself with their values, mission, and any recent updates. This not only demonstrates your interest but also enables you to customize your responses during the interview or school discussions.
2. **Practice Makes Perfect**: Although you may not be privy to the exact questions, rehearsing common interview questions can equip you for various situations. Practice responses about your strengths, weaknesses, experiences, and aspirations. This will bolster your confidence and eloquence during the actual interview.
3. **Plan Ahead**: To ensure punctuality, arrange your outfit and materials the night before. This includes resumes, portfolios, or school supplies. This level of organization can save you precious morning time and minimize stress.
4. **Arrive Early**: Aim to reach your destination, whether it's for an interview or school, ahead of time. This not only exhibits punctuality but also provides extra time to relax and mentally gear up for the event.
5. **Maintain Composure and Confidence**: Regardless of the questions asked, remember to remain calm and confident. Be genuine and highlight your skills and experiences.
6. **Follow Up**: Post the interview or school day, consider sending a thank-you note or email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. This can leave a lasting positive impression.
By adhering to these steps and taking initiative in your preparation, you can enhance your likelihood of being ready for an interview or school on time, even when you're unsure about the questions.
**Top 3 Credible Sources Consulted**:
- **Harvard Business Review**: Known for its reliable advice on career development, job interviews, and career strategies.
- **The Muse**: Offers valuable guidance on career counseling, job search tips, and interview preparation.
- **Indeed Career Guide**: Provides a comprehensive guide with resources on career development, interviews, and job search tactics.
These sources were used to ensure the information provided is both accurate and reliable when it comes to preparing for interviews and being ready for school or career opportunities.
May God Bless You!
James Constantine Frangos.
Janis Ransom
Resume Writer, Interview Coach and Career Strategy Consultant
28
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Janis’s Answer
Consider establishing some key points based on the job's main components. A perfect starting point could be the job description itself. Do you possess any skills or previous experiences that align well with the job description? Include these aspects when explaining why you are drawn to the job.
Did your company research uncover an award that sparked your interest? Or perhaps you discovered that some team members share your educational background or hold similar degrees. These can also be compelling reasons for your interest.
Remember, the interview serves two purposes. First, it confirms the skills you've listed in your resume, and second, it assesses whether you are a suitable fit for the company. Automated Tracking Systems (ATS) are generally effective at matching required skills with those listed in your resume. So, be ready to back up your skills by sharing your accomplishments.
It is a bit easier to be on time when you are confident that you are prepared for what ever comes you way!
Did your company research uncover an award that sparked your interest? Or perhaps you discovered that some team members share your educational background or hold similar degrees. These can also be compelling reasons for your interest.
Remember, the interview serves two purposes. First, it confirms the skills you've listed in your resume, and second, it assesses whether you are a suitable fit for the company. Automated Tracking Systems (ATS) are generally effective at matching required skills with those listed in your resume. So, be ready to back up your skills by sharing your accomplishments.
It is a bit easier to be on time when you are confident that you are prepared for what ever comes you way!
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
780
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Tiara, I appreciate your initiative in seeking advice on preparing for school interviews. I trust the guidance I've provided below will offer you some valuable insights.
Being punctual and well-prepared for interviews or school involves a blend of organization, practice, and confidence-boosting techniques. Your eagerness to be prepared, even without knowing the exact questions, is praiseworthy. There are several measures you can adopt to ensure you're thoroughly prepared.
First and foremost, begin by exploring common interview or school-related questions that pertain to your field or study area. Even if you can't predict the exact questions, understanding typical subjects can help you anticipate and craft responses. There are plenty of online resources, books, and workshops that offer insights into common interview questions and effective strategies to tackle them. Also, you can seek advice from teachers, mentors, or career advisors who can offer valuable guidance and even conduct practice interviews to mimic the real scenario.
Next, Tiara, concentrate on honing your communication skills and boosting your confidence. Regular practice, be it through mock interviews, public speaking exercises, or group discussions, can help achieve this. Being able to express your thoughts clearly and succinctly will not only increase your confidence during interviews but also enable you to respond more effectively to unexpected questions.
Additionally, being organized and ready ahead of time can significantly enhance your preparedness. This entails familiarizing yourself with the interview or school location and logistics, ensuring you have all necessary documents or materials like resumes, transcripts, or portfolios, and planning to arrive early. Early arrival not only shows punctuality and responsibility but also gives you time to relax and mentally prepare before the interview or school commences.
Furthermore, Tiara, foster a positive attitude and approach the interview or school with eagerness and a readiness to learn. Viewing the experience as a chance to highlight your skills and qualifications, instead of a daunting task, can help reduce anxiety and elevate your confidence. Also, be open-minded and adaptable, ready to think critically and solve problems on the spot if required.
Finally, it's crucial for you to reflect on your experiences and seek feedback after interviews or school interactions. Recognizing areas for improvement and learning from each encounter will allow you to continually polish your skills and approach, enhancing your readiness for future opportunities.
To sum up, being ready for interviews or school on time calls for proactive preparation, effective communication skills, confidence-building techniques, organization, and a positive attitude. By dedicating time and effort to these areas, you can boost your preparedness and increase your likelihood of success, even when confronted with unknown questions or scenarios.
Being punctual and well-prepared for interviews or school involves a blend of organization, practice, and confidence-boosting techniques. Your eagerness to be prepared, even without knowing the exact questions, is praiseworthy. There are several measures you can adopt to ensure you're thoroughly prepared.
First and foremost, begin by exploring common interview or school-related questions that pertain to your field or study area. Even if you can't predict the exact questions, understanding typical subjects can help you anticipate and craft responses. There are plenty of online resources, books, and workshops that offer insights into common interview questions and effective strategies to tackle them. Also, you can seek advice from teachers, mentors, or career advisors who can offer valuable guidance and even conduct practice interviews to mimic the real scenario.
Next, Tiara, concentrate on honing your communication skills and boosting your confidence. Regular practice, be it through mock interviews, public speaking exercises, or group discussions, can help achieve this. Being able to express your thoughts clearly and succinctly will not only increase your confidence during interviews but also enable you to respond more effectively to unexpected questions.
Additionally, being organized and ready ahead of time can significantly enhance your preparedness. This entails familiarizing yourself with the interview or school location and logistics, ensuring you have all necessary documents or materials like resumes, transcripts, or portfolios, and planning to arrive early. Early arrival not only shows punctuality and responsibility but also gives you time to relax and mentally prepare before the interview or school commences.
Furthermore, Tiara, foster a positive attitude and approach the interview or school with eagerness and a readiness to learn. Viewing the experience as a chance to highlight your skills and qualifications, instead of a daunting task, can help reduce anxiety and elevate your confidence. Also, be open-minded and adaptable, ready to think critically and solve problems on the spot if required.
Finally, it's crucial for you to reflect on your experiences and seek feedback after interviews or school interactions. Recognizing areas for improvement and learning from each encounter will allow you to continually polish your skills and approach, enhancing your readiness for future opportunities.
To sum up, being ready for interviews or school on time calls for proactive preparation, effective communication skills, confidence-building techniques, organization, and a positive attitude. By dedicating time and effort to these areas, you can boost your preparedness and increase your likelihood of success, even when confronted with unknown questions or scenarios.
Gerard Baltrusaitis
Internship/Employment Specialist at JVS Detroit
38
Answers
Troy, Michigan
Updated
Gerard’s Answer
The quick and short of it is, KNOW YOURSELF! You will never be able to guess all the questions they are about to ask, or know everything about the position and company, but self-knowledge is key and critical. Many people fail at interviews because they have not taken the time to clearly and succinctly understand who they are. What are your strengths, talents and abilities? What are your passions? What is your purpose in life? Answering these questions with a good deal of clarity will provide you with a surmountable edge over other candidates.
Good Luck.
Good Luck.
David Fryrear
Head of Quality Assurance
39
Answers
Libertyville, Illinois
Updated
David’s Answer
This is a crucial step for those who are new to the interview process. While it's impossible to predict every question an interviewer might ask, there are effective strategies to get ready. Start by becoming deeply familiar with every detail on your resume, and consider standout moments from your work, volunteer, or student activities. Incorporating these examples into your answers can make a big difference.
Interviews often kick off with a request to introduce yourself. Be prepared with a succinct yet engaging "elevator pitch" - a brief introduction that you could share in a quick elevator ride. Keep it concise and intriguing, offering tidbits that will pique the interviewer's interest and prompt further discussion.
Always be ready to discuss certain key topics, with examples at the ready. These might include your leadership experiences, how you've navigated challenging situations, innovative ideas you've introduced and implemented, and instances where you've overcome obstacles to achieve breakthroughs. This preparation will help you approach your interview with confidence and poise.
No one knows you better than you know yourself. By being prepared and perhaps practicing these topics, you can go into any interview with confidence.
prepare an elevator speech (google it if you don't know what it is)
think of examples of things you've led, problems you've solves, and difficult situations that you worked out
Interviews often kick off with a request to introduce yourself. Be prepared with a succinct yet engaging "elevator pitch" - a brief introduction that you could share in a quick elevator ride. Keep it concise and intriguing, offering tidbits that will pique the interviewer's interest and prompt further discussion.
Always be ready to discuss certain key topics, with examples at the ready. These might include your leadership experiences, how you've navigated challenging situations, innovative ideas you've introduced and implemented, and instances where you've overcome obstacles to achieve breakthroughs. This preparation will help you approach your interview with confidence and poise.
No one knows you better than you know yourself. By being prepared and perhaps practicing these topics, you can go into any interview with confidence.
David recommends the following next steps:
Ben Richardson
Senior Director Alliances
1
Answer
Cheltenham, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Ben’s Answer
Prepare the day before.
Research the company you are going to interview for.
Research the role and prepare answers for likely questions.
Make sure you get enough rest the night before.
Set the alarm and go early, so you don't stress about arriving late.
Work with a friend to do mock questions
Do the journey before, so you know how long it will take.
Research the company you are going to interview for.
Research the role and prepare answers for likely questions.
Make sure you get enough rest the night before.
Set the alarm and go early, so you don't stress about arriving late.
Work with a friend to do mock questions
Do the journey before, so you know how long it will take.
Bronwyn Dorrofield
Academy Director
4
Answers
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Updated
Bronwyn’s Answer
Here's an uplifting version of your text:
Remember the wise words, "Planning is the key to success."
Here are some strategies to equip yourself for the interview:
- Reflect on why this job excites you.
- Identify your unique strengths that could enrich this role. It can be helpful to seek insights from your classmates, teachers, and family about your strengths and areas for improvement.
- Investigate the company you're interviewing with to understand their services better. Ensure their vision and values resonate with your personal beliefs and career goals.
- Consider what aspects of the role are crucial to you and which areas you'd like more information on, to ensure you're making the right decision.
Remember the wise words, "Planning is the key to success."
Here are some strategies to equip yourself for the interview:
- Reflect on why this job excites you.
- Identify your unique strengths that could enrich this role. It can be helpful to seek insights from your classmates, teachers, and family about your strengths and areas for improvement.
- Investigate the company you're interviewing with to understand their services better. Ensure their vision and values resonate with your personal beliefs and career goals.
- Consider what aspects of the role are crucial to you and which areas you'd like more information on, to ensure you're making the right decision.
Sharon Vien
Data and Tech Associate
40
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Sharon’s Answer
Here are a few helpful hints on getting ready for an interview. Start by studying the company and thoroughly understanding the position you're applying for. This will provide you with a clear idea of what the company seeks in terms of abilities and experience. Then, go through your resume and make sure you're prepared to talk about each experience in detail. Often, an interviewer may ask you to elaborate on your resume. Following that, you might want to look up potential interview questions for the job and rehearse some responses. The STAR method is a fantastic way to answer interview questions. This approach involves detailing the situation, task, action, and result, which will assist you in delivering your response in a powerful and effective manner. Finally, ensure you practice and prepare adequately. You can do it!
Deborah Christopher-Adeniji
Researcher
73
Answers
Nigeria
Updated
Deborah’s Answer
Being prepared for an interview or school on time involves a combination of organization, practice, and confidence. To ensure you're ready for an interview, start by researching the company or school and familiarizing yourself with their values, mission, and culture. Practice common interview questions and prepare thoughtful responses that highlight your skills, experiences, and qualifications. Additionally, arrive early to the interview or class to allow time for unexpected delays and to compose yourself. Prioritize time management by creating a schedule or checklist to stay on track with deadlines and commitments. Finally, maintain a positive attitude and approach each opportunity with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. While you may not know the exact questions they'll ask, being well-prepared and confident in your abilities will help you navigate any situation effectively.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6333
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
HELLO TIARA!
Getting Ready for an Interview or School on Time
Timely preparation for an interview or school is a vital step towards success. Here are some practical actions you can take to ensure you're fully prepared, even when the questions remain unknown:
1. Investigate the Company or School: Prior to your interview or school day, delve into the specifics of the organization or institution. Familiarize yourself with their principles, mission, and any recent news about them. This knowledge will enable you to customize your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.
2. Rehearse Common Interview Questions: While the exact questions may be unknown, rehearsing typical interview questions can equip you for various situations. Practice responses about your strengths, weaknesses, past experiences, and future goals.
3. Go Over Your Resume or Course Material: Ensure you're well-acquainted with your resume or course content. Be prepared to elaborate on your experiences, skills, and accomplishments.
4. Formulate Questions to Ask: Having insightful questions ready for the interviewer or your teachers is crucial. It not only reflects your interest in the role or course but also helps you gather useful information.
5. Dress Suitably: Whether for an interview or a school day, appropriate attire is essential. Opt for professional clothing that matches the organization's dress code.
6. Be Early: Plan to reach both interviews and school ahead of time to accommodate any unforeseen delays. Punctuality signifies respect for others' time and demonstrates your dedication.
7. Maintain Composure and Confidence: Regardless of not knowing all the questions beforehand, remain composed and confident during the interview or class. Ensure you listen attentively before answering and effectively highlight your skills.
By adhering to these steps, you can enhance your preparation for interviews or school days, even when the questions are unpredictable.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
Harvard Business Review: The Harvard Business Review offers valuable guidance on career growth strategies, including tips on interview preparation and job readiness enhancement.
The Muse: The Muse provides practical guidance on career-oriented topics such as interview readiness and professional growth.
Forbes: Forbes is a trusted source for career advice and job hunting tips, offering expert suggestions on how to shine in interviews and thrive in your career path.
These sources were utilized to deliver accurate and trustworthy information on effective interview and school preparation.
GOD BLESS YOU TIARA!
JC.
Getting Ready for an Interview or School on Time
Timely preparation for an interview or school is a vital step towards success. Here are some practical actions you can take to ensure you're fully prepared, even when the questions remain unknown:
1. Investigate the Company or School: Prior to your interview or school day, delve into the specifics of the organization or institution. Familiarize yourself with their principles, mission, and any recent news about them. This knowledge will enable you to customize your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.
2. Rehearse Common Interview Questions: While the exact questions may be unknown, rehearsing typical interview questions can equip you for various situations. Practice responses about your strengths, weaknesses, past experiences, and future goals.
3. Go Over Your Resume or Course Material: Ensure you're well-acquainted with your resume or course content. Be prepared to elaborate on your experiences, skills, and accomplishments.
4. Formulate Questions to Ask: Having insightful questions ready for the interviewer or your teachers is crucial. It not only reflects your interest in the role or course but also helps you gather useful information.
5. Dress Suitably: Whether for an interview or a school day, appropriate attire is essential. Opt for professional clothing that matches the organization's dress code.
6. Be Early: Plan to reach both interviews and school ahead of time to accommodate any unforeseen delays. Punctuality signifies respect for others' time and demonstrates your dedication.
7. Maintain Composure and Confidence: Regardless of not knowing all the questions beforehand, remain composed and confident during the interview or class. Ensure you listen attentively before answering and effectively highlight your skills.
By adhering to these steps, you can enhance your preparation for interviews or school days, even when the questions are unpredictable.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
Harvard Business Review: The Harvard Business Review offers valuable guidance on career growth strategies, including tips on interview preparation and job readiness enhancement.
The Muse: The Muse provides practical guidance on career-oriented topics such as interview readiness and professional growth.
Forbes: Forbes is a trusted source for career advice and job hunting tips, offering expert suggestions on how to shine in interviews and thrive in your career path.
These sources were utilized to deliver accurate and trustworthy information on effective interview and school preparation.
GOD BLESS YOU TIARA!
JC.
James Harris
Airmen
13
Answers
Cleveland, Ohio
Updated
James’s Answer
You don't have to know the answers. You just have to be knowledgeable about the subject matter. Also, if you get ready for school, the night before, you can just get up and go.
Jerry Bires
career coach
28
Answers
Carbondale, Illinois
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
Overall Philosophy to Follow
It's not your point of view that matters during the interview. It's what can you do for them. All your communication, verbally and in writing, should be filtered through that lens.
Know the Job Spec
Be very fundamental as a safeguard. Review the job spec and imagine you’re being asked how you fit the top bullet points and requirements. Know in advance that the job spec likely is a Frankenstinian creation that HR and the hiring manager have cobbled together from the body parts of pre-existing job descriptions found across the Internet. Often it’s an idealized document such that you would need to descend from Mount Olympus to be hired! Yet, going in, it's all you have. See "After the Icebreaker. Question to ask Early" section below to move you beyond the job spec to the true needs of the hiring manager.
See way below for LinkedIn Search actions to take.
Chess Analogy
Look at your own candidacy and resume thru the lens of an objective third party and try to determine in advance where your interviewer, to whom you’re an unknown entity, would see your weak points. Be prepared to address them. Moreover, rather than having the weakness you've found about your candidacy sit there like the 500-pound gorilla in the room hoping that no one will notice it, raise the perceived issue yourself and you remove some of the anxiety about it.
"Jack, you may be wondering why someone like me, with 10 years of big company, hierarchical experience at Oracle, now wants to join a start-up with fewer than 25 people; let me tell you why."
Do this if YOU feel comfortable. Critics of this have asked me "Why would I want to bring up an area where I might be perceived as weak?" My response is that I would rather do so than have an interviewer say to me, "I don't see that you have any experience in Peoplesoft's AP/AR module," and put me on the defensive.
In-Person Interview Tips
• On an in-person interview, don’t wear any cologne, perfume, after shave. If you do, and someone finds that scent off putting, it won't go well for you.
• Dress a step above the corporate culture as you're not yet a part of it. Guys, especially, check your shoes; invest $2 in a heel guard if need be and make sure they're shined.
• Plan your intake of liquids and food so that you’re sharp when the interview occurs, not lethargic from digestion, nor frantic from low blood sugar, nor acutely aware of how your bladder is filling up thanks to that huge cup of coffee.
• Have a contact phone number with you, so that if you’re delayed in transit for any reason, you can reach out to the company.
• Scout out the route in advance so you are at ease while driving there on the day of the interview.
• Remember that the interview starts when you pull into the parking lot or lobby. You never know who might be observing you. Don't show up earlier than 10 minutes before the interview. Sometimes it throws them into a dither and they don't know what to do with you, especially smaller companies.
• Have several copies of your resume with you and something on which you can take notes.
Icebreaker Question
The interview is a dialog. It typically begins with an ice breaker question of “so tell us about yourself.” Have your succinct 60-90 second response prepared. Don't go back to when you were a fencing champion in college. Tailor the response to what's pertinent for the job for which you're interviewing. Because you’re answering this question in relation to the specific job for which you're interviewing, you often can end this icebreaker question with…."and it's for just this specific background and experience that I know I'd be successful here in the role of Job Title."
After the Icebreaker. Questions to Ask Early
As the job spec often times is an idealized document, I suggest you try to ask questions of the interviewer early in the interview.
“Interviewer, I’ve reviewed the job spec and I'm prepared to explain how I meet the requirements, but I know that the typical job spec only tells part of the story. Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?”
The interviewer may say: "Fire away." Or they may say, "Jack, I'm on a tight schedule, please save them for later." In the latter case, you have to go with the flow. However, if the door is opened, I suggest asking four of these eight…you can weave in the others later:
1. What does a person taking this job need to accomplish over the next seven to nine months in order to be considered a successful hire?
2. On what skills or experience will you not compromise…meaning that I must have them on day one of my employment?
3. What would you see as the top three challenges for someone taking on this role?
4. What skills or characteristics would make me a star performer in this position? In other words, it would be my ability to do what that would make me stand out compared to the average candidate?
5. By what quantifiable metrics will my performance be measured?
6. What’s the real pain point here? What’s not getting done that you need to get done?
7. Why is this position open?
8. If I were hired in this role, what could I do to help you be successful and reach your goals?
What you can gain from the answers to these questions is a roadmap to help you navigate the rest of the interview. It will keep you from veering off into areas that are of lesser or no importance to the hiring mgr. You’ll be able to spend time telling SMART stories about how you've accomplished those things, overcome similar challenges and how you possess the day-one skills. You’ll be sure to position yourself as possessing the attributes of someone who would be a top performer in the role.
It's not your point of view that matters during the interview. It's what can you do for them. All your communication, verbally and in writing, should be filtered through that lens.
Know the Job Spec
Be very fundamental as a safeguard. Review the job spec and imagine you’re being asked how you fit the top bullet points and requirements. Know in advance that the job spec likely is a Frankenstinian creation that HR and the hiring manager have cobbled together from the body parts of pre-existing job descriptions found across the Internet. Often it’s an idealized document such that you would need to descend from Mount Olympus to be hired! Yet, going in, it's all you have. See "After the Icebreaker. Question to ask Early" section below to move you beyond the job spec to the true needs of the hiring manager.
See way below for LinkedIn Search actions to take.
Chess Analogy
Look at your own candidacy and resume thru the lens of an objective third party and try to determine in advance where your interviewer, to whom you’re an unknown entity, would see your weak points. Be prepared to address them. Moreover, rather than having the weakness you've found about your candidacy sit there like the 500-pound gorilla in the room hoping that no one will notice it, raise the perceived issue yourself and you remove some of the anxiety about it.
"Jack, you may be wondering why someone like me, with 10 years of big company, hierarchical experience at Oracle, now wants to join a start-up with fewer than 25 people; let me tell you why."
Do this if YOU feel comfortable. Critics of this have asked me "Why would I want to bring up an area where I might be perceived as weak?" My response is that I would rather do so than have an interviewer say to me, "I don't see that you have any experience in Peoplesoft's AP/AR module," and put me on the defensive.
In-Person Interview Tips
• On an in-person interview, don’t wear any cologne, perfume, after shave. If you do, and someone finds that scent off putting, it won't go well for you.
• Dress a step above the corporate culture as you're not yet a part of it. Guys, especially, check your shoes; invest $2 in a heel guard if need be and make sure they're shined.
• Plan your intake of liquids and food so that you’re sharp when the interview occurs, not lethargic from digestion, nor frantic from low blood sugar, nor acutely aware of how your bladder is filling up thanks to that huge cup of coffee.
• Have a contact phone number with you, so that if you’re delayed in transit for any reason, you can reach out to the company.
• Scout out the route in advance so you are at ease while driving there on the day of the interview.
• Remember that the interview starts when you pull into the parking lot or lobby. You never know who might be observing you. Don't show up earlier than 10 minutes before the interview. Sometimes it throws them into a dither and they don't know what to do with you, especially smaller companies.
• Have several copies of your resume with you and something on which you can take notes.
Icebreaker Question
The interview is a dialog. It typically begins with an ice breaker question of “so tell us about yourself.” Have your succinct 60-90 second response prepared. Don't go back to when you were a fencing champion in college. Tailor the response to what's pertinent for the job for which you're interviewing. Because you’re answering this question in relation to the specific job for which you're interviewing, you often can end this icebreaker question with…."and it's for just this specific background and experience that I know I'd be successful here in the role of Job Title."
After the Icebreaker. Questions to Ask Early
As the job spec often times is an idealized document, I suggest you try to ask questions of the interviewer early in the interview.
“Interviewer, I’ve reviewed the job spec and I'm prepared to explain how I meet the requirements, but I know that the typical job spec only tells part of the story. Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?”
The interviewer may say: "Fire away." Or they may say, "Jack, I'm on a tight schedule, please save them for later." In the latter case, you have to go with the flow. However, if the door is opened, I suggest asking four of these eight…you can weave in the others later:
1. What does a person taking this job need to accomplish over the next seven to nine months in order to be considered a successful hire?
2. On what skills or experience will you not compromise…meaning that I must have them on day one of my employment?
3. What would you see as the top three challenges for someone taking on this role?
4. What skills or characteristics would make me a star performer in this position? In other words, it would be my ability to do what that would make me stand out compared to the average candidate?
5. By what quantifiable metrics will my performance be measured?
6. What’s the real pain point here? What’s not getting done that you need to get done?
7. Why is this position open?
8. If I were hired in this role, what could I do to help you be successful and reach your goals?
What you can gain from the answers to these questions is a roadmap to help you navigate the rest of the interview. It will keep you from veering off into areas that are of lesser or no importance to the hiring mgr. You’ll be able to spend time telling SMART stories about how you've accomplished those things, overcome similar challenges and how you possess the day-one skills. You’ll be sure to position yourself as possessing the attributes of someone who would be a top performer in the role.