There are so many things that can go wrong in a job interview – that’s why it’s always good to be prepared. Especially if you keep inexplicably blurting things out about horses out of the blue, ruining job opportunity after opportunity. How can you stop constantly making everything about horses? Here are some simple tricks to guide you through the interview process and help you to stop sabotaging with off-topic horse references.
Research the Company in Advance
It’s a good idea to know some things about the company before you head in so you don’t ask any stupid questions. It’s also good to remember that the company probably has nothing to do with horses so there’s no reason to bring them up. This way you can ask relevant questions like, “Are there any new markets you’re thinking of expanding into, instead of “Did you know horses can sleep standing up?” Seriously, don’t do it.
Rehearse
Plan ahead so you have an idea of what you’re going to say. It’ll flow so much more easily if you have a loose script in mind of “I spent ten years in PR before I moved over to copy writing.” That way you won’t suddenly find yourself describing the summer you spent with Moony, a dappled mare, before he got sold away to a new owner in Montana. Remember, unless you’re applying to work at a stable, these anecdotes will not help you land the job.
Be Ready for Behavioral Questions
Interviewers will ask you about your past successes, strengths, weaknesses, and how you prefer to work with others. So try to have some thoughts ready that will paint a realistic picture of your preferences and abilities while putting you in a positive, horse-free light. None of these thoughts should describe how you “…sometimes just escape to a bathroom stall to scroll through horse instas. A good whinny will always get me through a rough day.” Again, this is not important or relevant and will hurt your prospects.
Take Notes
Taking notes will not only help you remember important info from your interview and look like you care, but it will also help you stay present in the moment and focus on what’s important – getting this job – rather than what isn’t – horses and what you like about them, and how you dream about them and how if you could, you would definitely marry one, but who can say what the future holds? Also your biggest weakness is that you’re a horse perfectionist.
Try these simple tips to land that job by NOT bringing up horses again. Please, for your own sake.
