The headline above is not a mistake: We did say “practicing for your job interview.”

In other words, never should you just “wing it” when it comes to a job interview. Instead, you should practice, rehearse, train, prepare, run through – whatever term you feel is best – for your job interview well ahead of your meeting with a hiring manager.

Read below for some tips on how to take advantage of the adage “practice makes perfect” when it comes to your job interview.

• The first thing to do is to research the company and possibly even your potential future boss thoroughly. Read the company’s website. Google the company and see what comes up. Google your supervisor; check out his or her social media profiles (you can bet the hiring manager is looking at yours).
• Ask a friend or family member to act as the interviewer. Ask the friend to ask you tough questions such as, for example, “Why the gap in your job history?” Other tough questions that could come up could relate to any skills you’re lacking, why you’re looking for work for which you’re over-qualified, and so on.
• If possible, ask someone to videotape you during the practice interview(s). Doing so can help you see how you sit, how you interact with an interviewer, etc.
• Write down at least three things you want your interviewer/hiring manager to know about you by the time you leave your meeting. Make sure you bring those three things up in each practice interview.
• Put together a short “elevator speech” about yourself that sums up your skills, qualifications, background, and a brief history of your career. You can use this short message (no more than 30 seconds in length) when the interviewer says – more than likely near the start of your interview – “Tell me a bit about yourself.”

Once you get closer to the interview itself, if possible, drive (or otherwise commute) to the interview’s location. This will help you see how long it takes you to get there, discover where to park, and so on.

Make sure your interview attire fits, is clean and pressed and has no rips or other issues.

Aim to get a good night’s sleep and eat a healthy breakfast or lunch (as applicable). Don’t overeat, though – you don’t want to feel sluggish.

As you walk into your meeting, smile, reach out your hand, look your interviewer in the eye and say “It’s a pleasure to meet with you!”

Good luck!

If you’re looking for work in Manhattan, send your resume to Winston Resources. We can help you find work with some of the New York City area’s top employers. We look forward to hearing from you.