I previously wrote about how to apply for jobs and today I’m going to talk about how to prepare for an interview. This is something I have always struggled with (and probably will for a good few more years). I get really stressed out and I get really panicky and I think I never do as well as I could because I’m too nervous to think straight. This is silly and each time I’m about to go for an interview I try to do all of these things so I feel better prepared.

It doesn’t always help because I can be an irrationally anxious person about stuff like that, but I try my best to be as prepared as possible. I always want to please and leave the best impression possible, so sometimes I don’t always act like myself and try to portray myself as some amazing person who I think is a better version of me. I’ll be the first to tell you that doesn’t work, but with a few simple things you can prepare yourself for that big interview and do just as well as you hoped!

Research the company.

This is a big one. It is so important to understand the company you’re applying for because you’ll impress them a lot of you have done your research and can fully understand everything they’re telling you. It’ll prove that you’ve gone that extra mile to prepare yourself and employers like to see that. This way, if they ask you any questions about the company as well you’ll be fully prepared and will know what to say. There’s nothing worse than being put on the spot without having an adequate or fully formed answer.

Prepare questions in advance.

Having questions is so crucial because it means you’ve done your research and applied critical thinking to ask some thoughtful questions. Asking questions can sometimes be seen as a bad thing and showing a weakness but this is so wrong because it actually has the complete opposite affect. You can’t ask questions about something you’re not familiar with or understand, so this proves you can think for yourself and have the skills needed for the job.

Know your strengths and weaknesses and be up front and open about them.

A big interview question is always, “what are your strengths and weaknesses?” And a lot of people will tell you the answer to that is “I’m a perfectionist” or “I care too much.” No! Employers don’t want that and they can see right through it. That’s not a real answer and they see it for what it is- trying to make yourself look better than you are. Everyone has weaknesses, it’s a fact, and it’s ok to admit those. The important thing is to share your weaknesses, but then have an example of how you overcome it. This shows you’re self aware but also able to solve problems, and that’s really what employers are looking for when they ask this question.

Prepare answers ahead of time.

Similar to the above question, it’s good to prepare your answers ahead of time so you don’t stumble through an answer. I’ve done this and when I’m caught off guard I tend to stall a bit and then give a half hearted answer that could have been so much more impressive had I just prepared a little better.

Typical interview questions are asking to tell about yourself, an example of something you’ve achieved or overcome a problem, and why you’re the best person for the job. Think about all of these things ahead of time and have an example in mind. The goal isn’t to have a script in your head because any deviation from that and it could cause you to panic, all you want are some pre-thought-out examples for these questions.

Bring a notepad and anything relevant to the job.

This shows you’re prepared and ready to absorb what they have to say to you. Depending on the job it may be relevant to bring some other things as well such as examples of your work. When it doubt, it can never hurt to bring extra stuff, if they don’t want it or it doesn’t seem relevant, no big deal. But if they ask for it and you haven’t got it, that’s not a good start!

Wear and outfit that makes you feel confident.

This may sound like a silly thing, but wearing and outfit that makes you feel confident can make a world of difference. Your head will be held a little higher and you’ll have a vibe of confidence which shows you’re capable of handling yourself and potentially stressful situations. You’ll be more comfortable if you’re in an outfit that makes you feel kick ass than one than makes you feel pretty meh.

My other advice when it comes to dressing yourself for an interview is to overdress than to underdress. It’s always hard to know what the office environment will be like, since some are very formal and others can be quite casual. However, you can take some hints as to what kind of job it is. If it’s with a corporate company, it’s likely to be more formal, but something that’s a startup or filled with young people is likely to be more casual. Just use your best judgement, but no matter what wear what feels like you and makes you happy and comfortable.

Relax and be yourself.

This is the one I’m probably the worst at. Just remember, you are an intelligent, smart and personable person and they will love you. This is my mantra for all job interviews. But then I usually end up adding, “but if they don’t love you, at least they’ll like you.” As funny as that might be, it’s so bad! It gets me into a negative mentality which can affect how I come across to the employer. Just remember that you’re talented and smart and be yourself. That’s all they really want to see.

Follow up.

It’s always a good idea to follow up after a job interview. Usually the next day or later that day, depending when the interview was, I’ll send a quick email saying it was great to meet them and thanks for having me in. This shows that you’re considerate and thoughtful and a lot of people don’t do this, so it could set you apart from the crowd. It’s important to be courteous though, they took the time to meet with you so the least you can do is thank them again for their time.

There’s no hard and fast rule for preparing for interviews. They’re stressful and they’re no fun and no one likes them (and if they say they do they’re lying). These are just a few ways to make it a little easier on yourself and be the best you that you can be. Deep breaths and tell yourself you’re talented, capable and amazing. Good luck!