If you have ever been on an interview, you know that there are a gazillion elements to think about leading up to that day:  “What is the quickest route to the office?  Did I contact all my referrals??  Is my breath fresh???”  But in comparison to the actual interview, these details are minute and can distract from the main event.  Follow these three tips, and you’ll be ready to rock the interview… plus have time to eat breakfast :)

1. Research the Company: I think most everyone does the bare minimum here, which probably means browsing the company’s website.  Go a step further and dig for current news articles mentioning the company.  This will give you an understanding of how your skills can be applied to real-time business issues and changes.  It will also allow you to ask meaningful questions. 

2. Become a Storyteller:  I think every company that I have interviewed with uses behavioral interviewing techniques.  This is where the interviewer will ask for examples on how you have demonstrated your skills.  What behavioral interviewing does is allow the interviewer to assess how strong your skills actually are.  Sub-tip 1: You will know it’s a behavioral interview if the interviewer asks something like, “Tell me a time when…”  Sub-tip 2: Make sure you have not stretched the truth on your resume, because false details are easily identified through this technique.

3. Practice Makes Perfect:  If there is one thing that is guaranteed to ease your nerves, it’s practicing.  And the more you practice, the easier it will be to answer any curveball question that gets thrown at you!  Find anyone who will listen to you: your mom, your friend, even your dog… they do not have to know the right answer to the practice questions, though it helps if you want feedback!

If it hasn’t been obvious, let me spell it out to you: it all comes down to preparation!  If you want to get that dream job, all the time you put into preparing for those interviews will be worth it.  What's your fail proof interview tip?  Please share, I'd love to hear them! :)