Why Interview Prep and Coaching?
Interview coaching can increase your chances of getting a job for many reasons. Coaching gives you experience answering many different interview questions and pretending to interact with potential employers. Your coach can provide you with valuable feedback that will help you improve your responses during interviews.
The more you practice with a coach, the more confident you will be. A coach can give you the tools to feel confident and self-assured going into any interview.
You may find an interview coach particularly useful if:
You get extremely nervous before interviews: Practicing with a coach can help you feel more comfortable and prepared.
You get interviews but no offers: An interview coach may be able to reveal what’s going wrong. Perhaps you’re failing to trumpet your accomplishments or to show off the correct skills.
It’s been years since your last interview: A coach can help you rehearse and rediscover those skills you haven’t used for some time.
You have an “issue”: Did you get fired from your last job? Are you switching fields or industries? An interview coach can teach you how to address these topics during interviews.
You’ve got an interview lined up for your dream job: Want to feel extra-confident during your interview for your dream position? You may need targeted practice with a coach to gain an edge.
If any of these is true for you, you should consider working with an interview coach.
Types of Interview Coaching
There are many types of interview coaching. Some coaches meet with you in person and others speak with you online or by phone.
Whether you meet in person, online, or over the phone, coaches typically conduct one or more practice interviews and then provide you with feedback. They may also provide a list of typical interview questions and help you prepare answers. In an online interview, coaches may interview you over a video chat service. Or they may ask for you to send a video of your answers to a list of interview questions. If you meet over the phone, coaches will typically conduct a mock phone interview.
Nonverbal communication is another critical aspect of interviews. A coach can show you facial and body language that will demonstrate to the employer that you are friendly, interested, and actively listening.
Coaches may also assist you with other elements of the interview, including how to ask the right questions of the employer, doing your homework on the company, and even how to dress. Some coaches can even guide you through particular interview situations such as panel interviews or ones that involve a presentation.