Job Interviews: Tips & Advice (pt. 1)

Here at the guide, we've gone over resumés and cover letters. So what happens when you've nabbed the interview invitation? Well, for me: nerves, panic, excitement. Don't worry, this is absolutely normal.

Interviews are a way for recruiters and potential employers to see your personality and ask you questions that weren't otherwise addressed in your documents. Trust me, they know how nerve-wracking it is more than anyone else.

If you're looking for some tips and advice on how to nail your job interview, keep reading below as I go through some ideas on how to calm your nerves and bolster your confidence.

The week/days before: Research & Preparation

Get a head start on preparing for the interview by doing some research in the week or days leading up to the interview. My suggestion: go on the company's website, read their recent announcements on LinkedIn, search for any news articles from the past year.

This may seem over-the-top, but the most success that I've had in my interviews was when I felt knowledgeable and could ask questions of the interviewer regarding the company's business. Nothing shows that you've done your homework more than being able to discuss current business-related events.

Also, take this time to review any "commonly asked questions" that you can find online. You should check out Glassdoor, where past candidates will actually list questions that they were asked in their interviews, which is extremely helpful for anyone who doesn't know where to start.

Finally, take these days to relax. Get enough sleep every night, eat breakfast, take time to breathe and really focus on you and remind yourself how amazing you really are!

The night before: Packing

For those of you who don't bring bags to work, now is the time to grab one. No backpacks or plastic bags, of course, but a canvas tote, work satchel or purse is perfect. Here are some suggestions on what to throw in there:

• Notepad
• Pens (yes, plural)
• Water bottle
• Snack
• Copies of your resumé!!

Water and snacks are optional, but I've had to sit and wait for interviews before and there is nothing worse than your stomach growling in the middle of a question. This will also help to settle your nerves! So grab a granola bar or a banana or something that you can munch on.

The most important item on the list above is bringing copies of your resumé. It is almost guaranteed that the person or people interviewing you will want to have a physical copy in front of them. This is almost certainly the case in which the interviewers are doing open screenings for candidates and have dozens, if not hundreds, of people to interview.

Get all of this in order the night before to avoid stress the following day and then get a good night's sleep!

The day of: Last-minute details

It's the big day! If you're new to interviews or just don't feel comfortable in these situations, you're going to experience a crazy range of emotions. And that's totally okay. Leading up to the interview itself, take some deep breaths, go over some of your research or possible questions if that makes you feel more at ease.

The most common question I get from people about job interviews: what do I wear?

If I were you, I would rather overdress than underdress. My advice? Bring out that suit and tie or work dress. Unless the announcement for the job said "come to the interview in sneakers," it's safe to assume that they're looking for you to dress nicely.

Plus, what I find really boosts my confidence is putting on a really nice outfit with some great shoes. If I look the part, I'm more likely to act the part.

To be continued Wednesday in part 2 of Job Interviews: Tips & Advice...

Final Notes

A lot of preparation and work goes into a successful interview before you even step in that door. Take your time and do your research if you are truly committed to nailing it!

As usual, feel free to ask any questions in the comments below or on Twitter.

Thank you!