[Despite lots of practice, in the final two rehearsals, I did miss my cues on my fourth entrance and even got the lyric wrong; but I wrote my line on my hand “🎶Been paying every day” and nailed it at the performance 😅–bonus question: Name that tune?] This Saturday, January 11th, I’ll be performing in concert with my choir, Rock Voices. I only started singing with a four-part choir last year, so I’m still on a steep learning curve. Throughout our rehearsals this fall, we’ve used sheet music and between rehearsals, we’ve had part recordings to help us prepare. But during the performance, we won’t have those aids. That’s when the pressure is on, and I know I might make a mistake. Maybe I’ll come in at the wrong time or hit the wrong note. If that happens, the key is not to dwell on the mistake. Instead, I need to stay on the train and keep going. The same principle applies to job interviews. No interview is ever perfect—you might blank out on a question, forget something you wanted to say, or fumble your words. But the important thing is to stay focused, recover, and move forward. Preparation is what helps you stay confident and resilient when the unexpected happens. Here’s how you can prepare, just like I’ve been preparing for any performance: 🎯 Research Your Employer: Learn about the company’s mission, values, and recent achievements. Be ready to connect your skills to their needs. Just as I’ve been practicing my part for weeks so that I’ll feel prepared on stage, you can prepare for the rhythm and flow of an interview. And if you do stumble, remember—it’s not about perfection. It’s about staying composed, recovering, and finishing strong. If you’d like to see all that preparation in action—and hear me sing a solo (it’s only 1.5 seconds long, but I’ll perform it four times!)—come to our concert! If you’re near Newton, Massachusetts, Rock Voices would love to see you. Check below for ticket information! 🎵
🎤 Practice Common Questions: Rehearse answers to typical interview questions like “Tell me about yourself” or “Describe a time you handled a challenge.”
📚 Bring Notes: Having notes can help you stay on track, but don’t over-rely on them. Focus on making eye contact and being present in the conversation.
💡 Prepare Examples: Think of specific workplace situations that highlight your problem-solving skills, teamwork, and adaptability. Be ready to share these stories.