How to Prepare for a Job Interview – the definitive guide on how to make a good impression that will land you the desired job.
Have you been invited for a job interview and wondering how to make a great first impression that will tell your prospective employer that you are the perfect fit for the job? If so, worry not. We have got you covered?
There are several steps you can take before, during, and after an interview that will set you apart from the rest of the candidates.
In this article, we have provided practical suggestions on how to do so in order to land the job of your dream.
What is involved in preparing for a job interview? And what are the most important things to keep in mind before going for a job interview? Let’s find out.
Knowing how to prepare for a job interview begins with the following steps:
- Researching the company and the job position you are applying for
- Preparing for questions you will be ask
- Planning the perfect interview outfit
- Arriving for the Interview
- Following up with the employer
Please take this guide very seriously so you can make your interview process a great one.
How to Prepare for a Job Interview
Job interview can be scary, but you can knock it out of the park and walk away with a job with the following steps.
1. Research the Company and the Job Position
Before preparing for an interview, experts recommend researching the company or industry you hope to work for. Why? The more information you get about the industry, the better the impression you will make during the interview.
To start off well, visit the company’s website and learn more about what they do. Read about their history, mission statement, and their past projects. Take note of the skills the company values.
You can also follow the company on their social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, etc, to learn more about the company and what the employees are talking about.
Researching about the company will give you further insight into the company’s future goals and being able to discuss these points during your interview will be an added advantage.
Take note of the requirements, skills, and qualifications needed for the job. For example, the job position might require:
- Close attention to detail and
- Excellent time management skills.
During the interview, you can briefly summarize how you have used those skills in the past.
2. Anticipate the Interview Questions
Start preparing for the job interview by anticipating the commonly asked questions as early as possible. Below is a list of common interview questions you might be asked.
Questions You May Be Asked During an Interview
- Why have you been unemployed for so long?
- What do you know about this company or industry?
- Why have you applied for this job?
- What do you know about the job?
- Have you ever done this type of work before?
- What skills can you bring to this job?
- Have you worked before?
- How often were you absent from work on your last job?
- Why did you leave your last job?
- What was your last employer’s opinion of you?
- Why should we hire you?
- Why do you want to work for this particular company?
- Can you work under pressure?
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- What experience have you had in this area of work?
- What kind of machines can you operate?
- Tell me about yourself
- What five words would you say best describe you?
- What are your greatest assets?
- What are your plans for the future?
- When are you available to start work?
Prepare answers to predictable questions such as the ones outlined above. Prepare to answer them by jotting down some bullet points and try reading them out aloud. Try to be natural and gestures as you rehearse.
Have a practice section with a friend. Ask him to act as if he is the interview and ask you questions that your interviewer might ask. This will boost your self-confidence and make you more comfortable during the interview. Confidence is key to landing your dream job.
If a trusted friend isn’t available, practice answering the questions yourself in front of a mirror. Practice them over and over until you feel confident.
Your interviewer has read your CV and see your past accomplishments before calling you for an interview.
To show him that you are the person behind the accomplishments, look at your list of experience and accomplishments and find one or two examples that you can speak about during the interview.
Doing so will prove that you’re more than just facts on a piece of paper.
You can also prepare several thoughtful questions you would like to ask the interviewer about the company and the position. Some examples of questions you could ask include:
- What are the next steps in the hiring process?
- What qualities do your most successful employees have?
- What does a typical day look like for a person in this position?
3. Plan the perfect interview outfit
Next, think about what you will wear. The right clothing depends on a variety of factors, such as the culture at the company and where you are applying to.
If you are hoping to work in an office or the work you seek involves manual labor, wear appropriate clothing that is neat and considered suitable business attire where you live.
By wearing appropriate clothing that is neat and acceptable, you are telling your interviewer that you take pride in yourself and will also take pride in your job.
Note:
If you don’t know what to wear, try the following:
- Contact someone who works at the company to give you a hint on what to wear.
- E-mail or call the hiring manager for more information about their dress code.
- If the company posts pictures on their social media platforms, pay attention to what they are wearing to get an idea of what to wear.
- Or stop by the company and see what others are wearing to get a sense of what you should wear.
- Looking your best helps you feel your best.
If you have important papers to carry, carry a simple briefcase. Leather is always preferable. Arrange all needed documents the day before the interview.
4. Arriving for the Interview
Experts also recommend arriving for the interview early. There are no second chances to correct first impressions. If you arrive late for your interview, you will make a negative impression that could be disastrous.
By arriving early for your interview, you are telling your prospective employer that you will always arrive early for work. Of course, that is what employers want.
If possible, arrive for the interview about twenty minutes early. By going early for the interview, you are leaving a good impression that could land you the job.
Remember, too, that your prospective employer is your friend, not your enemy. To begin, smile and give the interviewer a warm greeting that is acceptable in your community.
Shake the interviewer’s hand if that is the customary greeting. A firm handshake indicates confidence. This is your second opportunity to impress your interviewer.
Maintain eye contact and a good posture during the interview. If you appear nervous, your prospective employer might draw the wrong conclusions about your ability to do the job.
Don’t be overly talkative or too informal. Don’t slouch or fidget, and avoid being negative.
Use natural gestures when you speak. Ask relevant questions where possible, and be honest when answering questions.
At the end of the interview, tell the interviewer that you need the job. It will show your enthusiasm.
Remember to thank him for the time he spent with you. Give a warm smile and walk out with confidence, and you are sure to be remembered.
5. After the Interview
You made it through the initial interview process. But don’t stop there. Immediately after the interview, follow up with a thank you note showing your appreciation for his time and how happy you were to be invited for the interview.
Expressing your appreciation for the time he spent is not only a professional and polite way to follow up, but you are also leaving a lasting impression on your interviewer.
- You may call or E-mail to show your appreciation.
If you follow the suggestions outlined above, your interview process will be a winning one.
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