Marathon runners practice with friends before the big race. Speech contestants practice their speech in front of friends before the competition. Musicians practice with friends and colleagues before a concert. Savvy job seekers do the same.
Never walk into an interview cold. Warm up with a friend or fellow job seeker first.
DEVELOP QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Before the practice session study the mission statement of the company you're interested in, the job description of the position you're aspiring to, and the responsibilities involved. Then create questions around that information. Your practice partner can help you there. Next, prepare your answers, including real-life examples from your current work experience so that when you're faced with questions, you have specific details you can refer to on the spot.
DRESS THE PART
Treat the practice session with the same respect and professionalism you would the real thing. This includes dressing appropriately – a suit and tie or sport coat and slacks for men, a pants suit or tailored dress for women. Be sure to polish your shoes and avoid heavy-scented perfumes or after-shave lotions. Select conservative jewelry, avoiding dangling earrings and clunky bracelets that distract. You'll want to keep the hiring manager's attention on what counts - you and your qualifications for the job.
ASK FOR AN HONEST CRITIQUE
Following your practice interview, ask your friend to critique your appearance, attitude, attention span, answers to questions, and to give you his or her overall impression of how you did. In other words, would your friend hire you? This information will be invaluable to you as you can make changes where necessary and keep in place what worked well.
The popular adage, 'practice makes perfect' may not always be true, but 'practice leads to progress' is true all the time. And progress will soon lead you to the job of your dreams.
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Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the brand new "Secret Career Document" job landing system. Visit our friends at Job Interview "Secret" and discover Jimmy Sweeney's breakthrough strategy that will have you standing out from the competition like a Harvard graduate at a local job fair… DURING your next job interview.