When it comes to job interviews, we dread them. Typically nerves spike up and we struggle to present the best version of ourselves. The goal with Young Woman, Rise is to empower all women to find purpose in their work. If that means you need to change jobs, so be it. I applaud you for being bold and stepping out into a new season instead of staying where you are just to complain about the same issues over and over again. Sorry if I just called you out but we are keeping it 100 here.

If you are a woman who is ready to live a life of faith, not fear – keep reading so you can slay your upcoming interview. During an interview, you are competing against other candidates so you must put your best foot forward. Here are the four principles to follow that will help you ace your interview: 

1. Prepare. Yes, it is simple but it is an absolute must. At the basic level you should be able to recite who the CEO is, when the company started, what services/products they offer & why you are aligned with the company. To level up in this area, truly study their website and memorize as many facts as you can. This will blow your interviewer away! The next step is focusing on your experience and how to best share your experiences. I recommend researching common interview questions and practicing your responses out loud. A common mistake is thinking “well, i’ve been through it so ill be able to share on the fly” but what happens is you tend to ramble, go in circles or not make a clear point. With every story you share, there needs to be an intention for why you are sharing and you should be able to articulate it in a clear way. The last part is to prepare quality questions for your interviewer – you should NEVER say “I have no questions”…I recommend that you prepare a minimum of three questions.
2. Personal Appearance. First impressions matter! The truth is, on some level we do judge books by their covers. Remember to stick to neutral tones, consider a blazer, and if you’re wearing a dress/skirts – keep them at a professional length. When it comes to hair and makeup, these days there is flexibility but the tried and true method is a sleek ponytail or bun along with a natural makeup look. That said, don’t forget the implicit elements such as keeping a good posture, smiling, making direct eye contact, having a firm handshake and not fidgeting when you’re seated. Even if you are in the waiting room, all these should apply. 
3. Be Early. Forget “be on time” – no, be early for your interview! Not only does this show excellent time management but depending on how early you get there, I recommend going through some practice questions to ensure answers are clear in your head. 
4. Be Present. Once the interview begins, it is time to connect with your interviewer. Ask simple questions to create a connection (Ex. Hi, great to meet you. How has your day been?)  or express gratitude  (ex. Thank you so much for taking time to meet with me. I greatly appreciate it). Then, during the interview make sure to maintain a healthy level of eye contact, sit straight, keep your hands folded (if you’re someone who tends to fidget) or if you are an extrovert, use your hands to your advantage by using hand motions which helps keep your interviewer engaged in what you are sharing. When a question is asked, do not  hesitate to take a moment (and a breath) to collect your thoughts. A PRO TIP is to exhale and say “That is a great question, hmm, let me think about that…” and take the moment to ponder and come back with an articulate response! You have no idea how much this will enhance your interview results and how much I wish I knew this principle in my early interviewing days. 

If you do all of these things, you will be sure to impress your interviewer! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to comment below. 

Additionally, if you feel like you need some practice or coaching with your interview skills, email me at vladlenadufresne@gmail.com to schedule your free 30 min consultation.