Nail the Interview

The impact this year has had on the professional lives of so many is unreal.   The Economic Policy Institute notes that over 22 million jobs were lost as a cause of this pandemic, disproportionately hitting women and Latinx workers.  There are also many Mamacitas who have had to put their careers on hold to support their children’s virtual educations.  As the economy starts to slowly open back up, there will be many people competing for the positions available.  This is the perfect time to sharpen up your interviewing skills.  

In my line of business, we naturally tend to move around a lot and frequently interview with executives in roles ranging from Directors to CEO’s.  Since there are probably many Mamacitas out there that will be on a quest to find their next opportunity, I felt this was the perfect time to highlight some of the things I’ve learned throughout the years to help you nail your next interview.   

Research

Do your research on the company and position you will be interviewing for.  Read the job description several times and make notes about items you want more information on.  It will make you feel more comfortable if you are well versed in both the company and the position.  By doing your research in advanced, you will naturally ask the right questions and answer the ones being asked of you.

Prepare

I have always found it helpful to write down questions I believe will be asked during the interview and answer them on paper (if you can’t think of any, read this).  I do this a few days before my interview and use the days ahead to make changes to my answers and continue to practice.

A popular question asked at an interview is to name a few strengths and weaknesses.  When noting your weaknesses, follow them with things you’ve done to improve them. For example, one of my weaknesses is overextending myself with tasks.  When noting this weakness, I would then explain how I’ve learned to manage my time more efficiently in order to prioritize and focus on the most important tasks first.  

Also, write down questions you would like to ask them.  Don’t just ask one or two, ask a few, I find it awkward when someone doesn’t have questions to ask.  Just remember you are also interviewing the company since you want to ensure it will be the right fit for you.

One question I always ask my interviewer is - Why do you like working for this company?  You will get a good feel for the company culture by how your interviewer answers that question.

Be Ready

The day of your interview you should be ready for whatever is thrown your way.  Show up early to review your resume and questions one last time.  Practice positive affirmations that will help boost your confidence (if you can’t think of any - read this).  Feel the excitement within you and focus on it, it will show through during your interview without feeling fake or acted out.  Take notes, listen, stay in the present moment and don’t forget to make eye contact.

Lastly, here’s a few additional tips which have made a huge difference for me:

1. Own the interview and have belief the position is already yours.  Look around and picture yourself already working for that company.

2. Calm your nerves by removing your interviewers professional position from your mind.  Remind yourself they are also human and you both have one common goal - you want the best for yourself and your families.  Trust me on this one, it works.  

3.  Believe that what is meant to be yours will be and no one will be able to take it from you.  

4. Trust and listen to your gut. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it.  You will be working for this company for a long time, make sure it’s the right one. 

5. Always send a thank you email after the interview and follow up.  

This pandemic has forced so many companies to rethink their entire business plan and have been forced to reinvent themselves.  We should follow suit and work to do the same.  Always stay up to date with the trends and educate yourself.  There is never a wrong time to start planting seeds for future opportunities and although the work force climate is questionable you should still prepare.  Even though the future seems uncertain, we should stay optimistic and believe the best is yet to come.

Good luck! You’ve got this Mamacita.

Xoxo - G