1) Arrive Early. You should arrive early to ensure that you can find a parking spot and the interview location with time to spare. This is the time to use the restroom, check yourself one last time, and perhaps take a brief walk to relieve some nervousness.
1) Prepare! Prepare for the interview by memorizing answers to some of the more common interview questions asked of Business Analyst applicants. Click here for some samples.
2) Dress the part (But don’t go overboard) – In most cases, dressing to the nines (Read: business suit) is a safe bet, especially if you are interviewing for a Business Analyst position at a financial institution or older blue chip firm. However, some companies have an entirely different culture when it comes to attire. For instance, if you are interviewing at some high tech firms, you may find it necessary to dress down as a suit would be far above the standard level of dress at that company.
3) Research. Prior to your interview, you should research the company to learn of its primary operations, products, and structure. It will be very helpful to have this information during the interview so that you can draw parallels and ask informed questions.
4) Ask questions. Asking questions demonstrates interest in the position, and this will be an important factor to the selecting official. Additionally, asking questions about the duties and responsibilities of the position can indicate to you whether the position is indeed a good fit.
5) Listen. Listen carefully to the interviewer and do not interupt. When answering multi-part questions, you should answer separately and methodically to avoid confusing yourself or the interviewer. Break it up into manageable parts, as a Business Analyst would do!
6) Repackage. Repackage your weaknesses as strengths.
7) Conquer. Like most people, you will probably be nervous, but you must conquer the physical symptoms of nervousness. Try exercising the night before to relieve stress, and take a short walk before the interview. If you still have physical symptoms such as sweating or flushing, ask your doctor if they will prescribe Inderal for the interview. This prescription drug is commonly used by actors and other performers to eliminate
8) Affirm your interest. At the close of the interview, reaffirm your strong interest in the position and be prepared to summarize your qualifications and potential contributions to the job and company.
9) Create a portfolio. Your portfolio need not be expensive, since you will be leaving it with the interviewer. At a minimum, your portfolio should contain a pristine copy of your resume printed on high quality paper. Examples of project plans or other work examples would also be helpful.
10) Follow-up. This is a matter of courtesy – you should always send a thank you note to the interviewer, preferably in handwritten form though an email will suffice as well. The important thing is that you are polite, thankful and reaffirm your qualifications and interest in the position.