[ann]Top: Loft | Skirt: Loft | Shoes: Sam Edelman | Bag: Prada[/ann]

Interviewing can be a totally nerve-wracking, scary processes- but it doesn’t have to be!  I’ve had my fair share of interviews, but in the past year I’ve actually done tons of interviewing. With Daniel owning a business that I help manage that now has about 70 employees and hiring a few assistants and interns for myself, I’ve seen quite a few impressive interviews, and some not so impressive 😉.  So today I wanted to share my top 4 tips you need to know before your next interview so you’ll walk into that room prepared and confident!  Go out there and get your dream job, girl!

Do Your Homework

Research the company you’re interviewing with!  So many potential candidates walk into the room without knowing anything about the company.  Taking the time to look at the website and social media accounts to give you an idea of the brand and culture.  When you have background on the company you’re interviewing with it shows and it tells the interviewer you’re prepared and you take initiative.  One other thing on this: the worst thing I’ve come across in interviews are people saying they know about the company but actually don’t.  If you don’t know something, it’s always best to be honest!

Bring a Copy of Your Resume

Print out a copy (or two!) of your resume to bring with you to the interview.  If you think you might damage it on the commute over, put it in a folder or notebook pocket.  That way you don’t pull out a wrinkled, crumply page when you arrive.  The interviewer most likely has a copy of it, but if you interview with more than one person you can provide copies to each person.  This also shows what kind of employee you will be for them.  If you are responsible enough to make sure you have your resume (and all other documents and paperwork you need) they will be confident that you’ll bring that same sense of responsibility to their workplace.

Have Answers for Common Questions Prepared

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen interviewees painfully stumble over questions like “Can you tell me your strengths/weaknesses?”, or “Why do you think you’re a good fit for the job?”.  Maybe it’s nerves, but taking even just 10 minutes to prepare what you’d say the day before your interview makes SUCH a difference.  If you feel silly talking to yourself in the mirror to practice, try even just having a conversation with your mom, sister or husband about what you think they’ll ask and how you’d like to respond.  Verbalizing the ideas from your head helps you formulate them into sentences that sound professional and concise while making you seem (and feel!) much more confident.

I also want to mention how important it is to know how you interview before you get there.  If you’re someone who tends to fidget, consider holding a notebook or pen to help keep your hands calm.  If you know you get a dry mouth when you’re nervous, maybe bring a small bottle of water with you. Whatever it is, try it at least once before your interview! Then you can be sure you’re not adding in something to distract you!

Interview the Interviewer

Don’t be afraid to ask questions!  You looked at the website but want to know more about the division you’re applying for?  Ask!  Maybe you heard great things about the benefits package and want to know details, ask!  Want to know how your interviewer found the company, ask!  As much as you are being interviewed, take advantage of the opportunity to interview them.  You want to make a confident decision to accept the position when it’s offered and knowing as much as possible before accepting is SUCH a huge part of that!  Job hunting can be scary and exhausting so feeling like you HAVE to accept the first offer that comes your way can be very real.  Keep putting yourself out there until you find the company you truly connect with, I promise it’s waiting for you!

Also, I want to stress that you aren’t desperate!  You are as much of an asset to them as they are to you.  Know your worth and value you can bring to a company and be confident in that when you walk into the room. And heck, maybe recite a little mantra to help you feel a little more confident before you walk in the room.  You’ve got this, girlfriend!