What to Do Before Your Big Interview

It’s 2 A.M., and you’ve finally settled into a cozy dream world after hours of tossing and turning. It’s the night before your big interview with a potential employer!

“NOOOO!” Just a few hours later, you jolt awake in a cold sweat. You had a nightmare that you grabbed your interviewer’s hand for a firm, business-like handshake and forgot your own name!

Interviewing can be nerve-wracking — especially if standing in the spotlight isn’t your game. You need not be an introvert for this to be the case.: according to AZcentral.com, a whopping 92% of U.S. citizens have interview anxiety. The interview process is not designed to make anyone comfortable — least of all a nervous job seeker.

Here are a few tips and tricks to help interviewees slay the anxious beast within before the big day:

Embrace the Mentor/Mentee Relationships

Meeting with fellow professionals within your field of expertise is always a worthy experience, especially when hunting for a new job. Of course, established professionals have lives of their own to maintain, but they were job seekers once, too. Mentor/mentee relationships can start with something as simple as a coffee or lunch meeting. Maintaining these relationships can benefit you in a number of ways:

• You can learn the dos and don’ts of LinkedIn: Recruiters and hiring managers can check up on your social sites with the click of a button; don’t undersell or — more importantly — embarrass yourself. Ask your mentor to critique your LinkedIn presence.
• You can find Volunteer opportunities/internships within the field: Attending classes and completing assignments just won’t cut it at the professional level. Your mentor can help you find ways to be impressive and academically active.
• You can ask for “things I wish I knew at your age” tips: Your mentor can help you can the sort of intellectual advantages you couldn’t gain on your own.
• And, of course, mentors are a great networking opportunity: Networking, as we all know, carries major benefits.

Look Good, Feel Good

According to an infographic from the Brighton School of Business and Management, people who deem themselves to be slightly more attractive than average have a 3% higher employment rate than those who deem themselves to be of average attractiveness. Similarly, deeming oneself “very attractive” seems to have the same affect on one’s career as having a college degree.

While you can’t change the way you look, you can make yourself look your best by dressing the part and practicing excellent grooming habits.

Small budget? No problem! Dressing the part doesn’t have to be expensive. Simplicity is key. Invest in a few solid tops to pair with black work pants, as well as a jacket or two. Voila — a week’s worth of outfits without breaking the bank.

Remember, dressing professionally doesn’t stop with the closet: make sure your social media sites look clean, too. Hiring managers go beyond the resume and interview by delving into your social media profiles. Be sure to use social media best practices.

Know the Company

The Internet is packed with useful resources. Websites like Glassdoor, LinkedIn, Yelp, and CareerCast offer great ways to dig into companies before you even chat over the phone with a potential employer. Google can help with basic searches, but don’t be afraid to look further.

Some searches you may want to consider conducting:

• Company history: Who started this company and why?
• Company goals: What is the company trying to achieve, and how can you apply yourself to better its outcome?
• Company morals and values: What is most important to your employers? What does the company value most?
• Company culture: How do people dress at the company? What is the company vernacular? Is it a super-professional corporation or a more laid-back startup?

Reading your way through company websites is a great start, but don’t be afraid to put your interpersonal communication skills to work, too. LinkedIn is a valuable resource to job seekers: search a company on LinkedIn and see if you can connect with people who work there. If you have a referral in the company whom you feel comfortable asking to vouch for you, go for it. Speaking with seasoned employees could open your eyes to insights and opportunities you couldn’t find via a regular Google search.

Familiarize Yourself With Available Resources

Most college campuses have career centers equipped with mock interviewers who can help you lessen your interview anxieties. If you have access to such places, use them! If you can’t go to a career center, read relevant websites — like Glassdoor, Monster, and Recruiter.com — for amazing tips on how to survive and thrive in your next interview.

Keep on reading at Recruiter.com

Maren Hogan

Maren Hogan is CEO of Red Branch and general Bad@$$

Maren Hogan is a seasoned marketer and community builder in the HR and Recruiting industry. Maren started Red Branch Media and, before she hired all the smiling faces you see below, she ran it on her own. In marketing for over 15 years, she has deep experience in strategic campaigns and a long-term, results-based operational approach.