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Congratulations!

Your resume has been moved on to the next step in the hiring process.

Now it’s time to prepare properly so that you can nail the interview.

There are two ways to look at interviews.

On the one hand, you can let them scare the shit out of you.

This happens when you get so worked up about saying the right thing, being in the right place at the right time, and looking perfect that it’s all you can think about in the days leading up to the interview.

Self-doubt rears its ugly head, and suddenly you think, “Why did I apply for this job? Why am I putting myself through this? I’m probably not going to get it. I want my mommy!”

For some people, it’s hard to avoid reacting this way but try your best not to psych yourself OUT of getting the job before you even walk through the door.

It’s not constructive.

It’s destructive, and there is a much better way to approach your next interview.

This brings me to the other hand.

Turn your interview into a challenge.

If you have any sort of competitive bone in your body, you can turn your next interview into a “me versus them” competition to psych yourself IN to getting the job.

Some people call this the law of attraction.

Some call it visualization.

I call it, “You’re not getting this job, I am!”

The interview is mostly a personality test to prove that you’re a good fit for the team and that you didn’t lie on your resume.

And while you can’t control what the interviewer does or says, you can prepare yourself to be ready to field any question that comes your way.

Here are the top 6 interview prep steps you should take to nail the interview.

1. Do your research

The first part of doing your research is to learn the job description inside and out.

You should know it so well that if a friend asked you what job you applied for, you could recite the description back to her.

The second part is to research the company and know more about what they’re doing and where they’re going than anyone else.

The more you understand the company, the better you can tailor your answers to meet the hiring manager’s needs.

Things to read before your interview include the company’s website, press releases, social media feeds, and news articles.

Really be a stalker with this one; it will only help.

2. Know what you have to offer the company

This is your opportunity to show the hiring manager that you’re the perfect person for the job because everything you’ve done up to this point has prepared you for this position.

They’ve posted the position because they have a problem to solve, so it’s your job to get them to see you as their problem solver.

Highlight each part of the job description you have experience doing, improving, creating, or managing.

Make sure to weave those career highlights into your answers.

You should have a simple, results-based story to tell for each responsibility they’ve included in the description.

Your story doesn’t have to match perfectly, but it does have to be in the ballpark.

3. Rehearse your answers to nail the interview

The hiring manager will ask you to tell them a little bit about yourself.

They will ask you about your experience, why you want to work for the company, and why you want to leave your current job.

Have an answer for each of these.

It doesn’t need to be a long answer; just be positive and truthful.

Practice your responses as much as possible with anyone who will listen and give feedback before your interview.

4. Practice being likable

We’ve talked about improving your likability at work, and that concept also applies to the interview process.

Research suggests that the person who does the most talking during the interview thinks that the interview went the best.

Therefore, you should speak less and listen more during the interview.

The best way to do that is to practice stopping your thoughts when they’re complete.

Learn to embrace the silent pause that follows.

Most of us drone on when we’re nervous or put on the spot.

Try not to add more words than necessary when you answer your questions.

Simply end your sentences confidently and smile to signal that you’re finished.

5. Prepare questions

Halfway through the interview, the hiring manager will turn the conversation over to you. This is your chance to ask questions about the position.

Prepare these ahead of time by writing a list of 15 questions, and then bring your top 5 with you to the interview.

This exercise works because the more you force yourself to think of questions, the deeper you dig, and the better quality questions rise to the top.

A recent client of mine was a top-two finalist for a senior-level position at a global firm, and the final decision came down to who asked the better questions.

She was completely prepared in every area, but they were looking for a certain type of question.

Now, there was no possible way for her to have known that, but the moral of the story is that you have to prep for everything if you want to nail the interview.

6. Be confident

People want to work with friendly, confident, and smart people.

Show them that you are all those things by looking sharp, getting a good night’s sleep, and having little caffeine 30 minutes before you go into the interview.

A pro tip I always suggest to clients is that right before you walk into the interview, say to yourself, “I’ve got this!”

You may think you look like a crazy person doing this, but you’ll be the crazy person who nails the interview and gets an offer.

If you need help with interviewing, schedule an interview coaching session with me. It will prepare you for interviewing and help you get more job offers.