3 Things to do Before an Interview

Do your preparation for an interview and you've won half the battle. Ok maybe not half, at least it gets you off on the right foot. Having the right mindset and preparation at the beginning of the interview helps the meeting go a lot smoother.

These are three things you can do to boost your performance and mindset prior to an interview.

1. Research the Organization

You will be asked what you know about the organization you are interviewing for. Make sure to research what they actually do, how expansive they are, and any awards they may have received. You can use this information to solidify your opinion as to why you want to pursue this organization as a potential employer.

I would also encourage you to read some of the reviews from current and previous employees. This information can help mold some of the questions you want to ask the interviewer. Remember the interview is about finding mutual fit.

Some of the sources you can use for your research: the company website, indeed.com, and glassdoor.com.

2. In Person Interview: Google Map the Route and Test Drive/Virtual Interview: "Test Drive" the Software and Environment

This tip seems like common sense, but what I suggest here is google map the route the day before. Pay attention to the estimated time of the trip. Will you be taking the trip during rush hour? Make sure to take that time in consideration. I would even suggest, if the location is not too far, doing a practice run. There may be some unforeseen obstacles (construction, closed roads, wrong directions (this isn't MapQuest we are dealing with, but still rarely happens), etc.).

Another often overlooked aspect, parking. There have been many candidates late due to the fact that they couldn't find parking, the parking garage was further than they expected, or they couldn't find the entrance to the building from the parking location. Make sure you know if there is available parking and where it is located so you can still arrive 15 minutes before the interview.

If it is a virtual interview, please make sure you have the right software to take a video call. You can definitely ask what software you will be using prior to the interview. Test it out with a family member or friend, or even google the software to see if there is something you need to download.

Nothing throws off an interview more than showing up late or feeling stressed about potentially showing up late.

3. Get Pumped

In addition to having the the physical aspects of your interview ready to go, you want to be in the emotional and mental state to boost your performance during the interview.

There are a couple of natural strategies to boost your mindset. You may be an avid TED Talk viewer like myself. There is one TED Talk by Amy Cuddy about body language. She talks about power poses (an example of one would be the Superman pose). Her research suggest that power poses increase hormones in your body that make you feel more confident. Another potential strategy is self-talk. Self-talk, speaking to your performance and strengths can also improve your mindset. According to Antonis Hatzigeorgiadis, a sports psychologist, “There is robust evidence that self-talk strategies facilitate learning and enhance performance."

Another potential strategy to increase your energy and mindset is to use stimulants. Legal stimulants, of course. C'mon guys, most interview processes include drug tests and as an HR professional would never encourage illegal practices. Knowing your body and response rates to caffeine, drink a cup of coffee, tea, or even an energy drink (if your body can handle it). This will give you extra "pep" and energy during the interview, often perceived as excitement and optimism by interviewers.

These stimulants and psychology-based strategies will boost your energy, confidence, and positivity. These attributes are contagious, noticeable, and desirable to interviewers. So get pumped!

Join us for our next post to see what to take with you to the interview.

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