The best career advice I’ve ever received is “form an interview group.” When I first heard it, I didn’t realize the impact it would have in my life. Now, it’s resulted in me getting job offers from almost every interview I’ve ever had.
When I was in college, I asked a career counselor, “What’s the one thing I should do to set myself up for success.” Without hesitation, she uttered the four words that have changed my life, “Form an interview group.” She went on to explain that an interview group consists of a few students who practice answering interview questions together.
I followed his advice and formed a group with three other students. We met every week and practiced interviewing together. The impact has been profound with all of us becoming amazing at answering interview questions and getting the jobs we’ve wanted.
To form your interview group, find classmates, friends, or family members who are willing to meet with you once or twice a week. Then, schedule recurring meetings with them at the same time every week so you get into the habit of practicing together.
In my new book, Start-to-Finish Job Search Guide, you can find instructions for setting up your own interview group. Plus, you’ll find tips for building your job hunting strategy, polishing your resume, and connecting with potential employers.
When you meet with your interview group, start by picking one question to practice. I recommend starting with, “Tell me about yourself,” since it’s the most common question that employers ask during interviews. Follow the directions in my book to develop your response to this question, and keep practicing your answer until it’s amazing. Then, move on to other questions.
Interviewing is a surprisingly easy skill to master. You just need a game plan and time to practice. You can find a game plan in the Start-to-Finish Job Search Guide. Forming an interview group will ensure you get the practice you need.
If you’re a college student, form an interview group of your own and dedicate a few hours every week to master your interview skills. It could be the most valuable experience you have in school. If you know college students, please forward this article to them. It may help them get the jobs that they’ve always dreamed of.
About the Author:
Richard Blazevich has developed and led interview training workshops for students at some of the top business schools in the United States. He has also led the campus recruiting efforts for the marketing department of a multinational consumer products company. Over the past 20 years, he has interviewed hundreds of candidates for a wide variety of roles.
Richard received an MBA with an emphasis in Marketing and Business Strategy from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Montana State University.
To see Richard’s books, online classes, and other job hunting tools, go to www.AmazingJobSkills.com.