7 STEPS TO PREPARE FOR AN INTERVIEW Contact your local New York State Career Center (www.labor.ny.gov/career-center-locator) to attend interview preparation workshops and get individual feedback on your interview skills. You can also use Interviewstream as a resource to practice for interviews: dol.ny.gov/interviewstream. KNOW YOURSELF AND YOUR RELEVANT STRENGTHS The first step in preparing for an interview is to know your strengths and skills. Personal traits can be described as your unique qualities. For example, a trait can be that you’re dependable, flexible or punctual. Traits are different from skills that are knowledge-based and typically gained from education and experience. Always be prepared to provide an example of how you demonstrated skills and how they can contribute to the organization. Is learning new skills one of your greatest strengths? If your education or past career choices do not directly relate to the job description, talk about your past experiences with learning a new skill: “Our team had to learn a software program. We were given six weeks to attend training sessions and become comfortable enough to perform new tasks. I was able to use the new software program in only three weeks.” RESEARCH THE EMPLOYER The more you know about the company, the better you will be able to explain how you can fit in and your talents can be used. Researching the employer can help you to: • Identify companies that may be hiring in your field • Help you target your cover letter and resume • Find hidden job markets • Prepare you for an interview • Understand how you can apply your skills in a new field RESEARCH THE INTERVIEWER Often times, you’ll know the name of the individual who will be conducting your interview. If not, you should ask when you initially schedule the interview. Once you have the interviewer’s name, take the time to research them. There are several ways to do this: • Check for biography blurbs on the company’s webpage • Do a general search on the Internet • Check their profile on LinkedIn • Ask people in your network who may know the individual Having knowledge of the interviewer will give you material for discussion during the interview. You can discuss projects the interviewer has previously worked on, ask about their experience with the company, or discuss mutual acquaintances. However, depending on how much you are able to uncover about your interviewer, don’t be too casual. You are still engaging in a professional interview. Bringing up things like sports teams or shared hobbies may be viewed as inappropriate. Use your best judgment on what to discuss, but when in doubt, stay as professional as possible. PROMOTE YOUR BRAND During an interview, you have the opportunity to promote your unique skill set directly to the employer. First impressions are extremely important, so it is crucial that you know how to present yourself before you even start the interview. YOU NEED TO IDENTIFY • What makes you unique from other jobseekers • Specific skills you bring to the job • Who you are as an individual and what you’ve accomplished In many ways, your brand as a potential employee is like any other brand. You need to identify what makes you different and better than your competition. You need a reputation or history of success to prove it.
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