Preparing for a Job Interview
For most people, job interviews are inherently awkward situations. Even if you are an enthusiastic person who loves meeting new people, there is something about interviews that increases tension and pressure.
The best way to overcome this pressure is to be prepared. Knowing what to expect and being ready to make a good impression will alleviate stress and boost your confidence. Complete the steps on the preparation checklist before the interview to show the hiring manager that you are the best candidate for the job.
Prepare Interview Attire
The way you dress for a job interview gives potential employers an idea of your personality. Appropriate interview attire conveys your understanding of the company’s culture and professional environments in general and shows that you respect the hiring manager and want to make a good impression.
Have your interview clothes ready to go so you will be prepared for the interview at any time. You will feel comfortable and confident, and you’ll be ready to shine.
Analyze the Job Listing
Re-read the job listing and analyze it to find out what the employer is looking for in a candidate. Then create a list of skills, knowledge, and professional and personal qualities that the employer requires that are most important for succeeding in the job. Be prepared to describe the qualities that make you the ideal person for the job. The closer your qualifications match the job requirements, the better your chances are for getting a second interview and a job offer.
Research Information About the Company
How much do you know about the company you are interviewing with? Before you go to the interview, make sure you are familiar with the necessary information.
Research the company by reading its website, looking at its social media presence, reviewing LinkedIn profiles of current and former employees, and talking to any personal contacts you have who have worked at the company. Pay special attention to the most common job skills among employees and any mention of the company culture. Cultural fit is important – for your happiness and for the employer’s success.
Don’t forget to do a Google News search to see if the company has had any positive or negative media coverage recently. You may learn about initiatives that make the company a more attractive employer, or you might find out that the organization is in a difficult situation, making it better to direct your interest elsewhere.
Connect with Company Contacts
Do you want to increase your chances of getting the job? Get a recommendation from someone you know at the company. Contacts working at the company (or who worked there previously and left on good terms) can give you a better chance of getting the job. Hiring managers often prefer to meet candidates who come with a referral rather than those who apply online. Your contact may also tell you more about the company’s hiring process, making it easier for you to navigate it rather than showing up without any insider knowledge.
Practice Answering Interview Questions
Spending some time reviewing common interview questions will help you frame your answers. It will also reduce stress since you won’t be searching for an answer during the interview. Practice the interview with a friend or family member before the scheduled interview time, and it will be much easier when you are actually in the job interview.
Work on Your Interview Techniques
A job interview gives you the opportunity to shine. What you say and do will determine whether you move on to the next hiring stage or fall out of the running for the job. The more you know about successful interview techniques, the more smoothly the interview will go. If you are one of those people, and this happens to almost everyone, who feels very nervous about interviews, you can use strategies to cope with the pressure and reduce stress.
Improve
Interview Etiquette
Is it acceptable to bring a cup of coffee or your mobile phone to the interview? How should you greet the interviewer? What should you bring with you to the meeting – just yourself, or a resume and cover letter, or a complete copy of your application including artwork? Enhance proper interview etiquette before you go and avoid any embarrassing situations during the conversation.
Get Directions and Arrange Transportation
It is important to know where you need to go for the job interview. You do not want to be late or arrive out of breath and flustered. Use Google Maps for directions if you are not sure where you are headed. Program your GPS, if you have one, so you can find the best route to the company. Check for parking and/or public transportation to ensure you arrive on time. You might consider doing a trial run the day before to make sure you have the correct directions.
Bring the Right Things
It is important to know what to bring to the job interview – a folder with extra copies of your resume, a list of references, and any questions you have for the interviewer. Make sure you have everything you need ready to go. If you are seriously job hunting, it is a good idea to bring a bag containing all your materials so you are prepared for an interview whenever the opportunity arises.
Send a Thank You Note
Taking the time to say thank you after a job interview is not only good interview etiquette, but it also reinforces your interest in the position. Your thank you note is also an opportunity to address any issues or concerns that came up during the interview. It may even be a second chance to reaffirm your qualifications.
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/job-interview-checklist-2059829
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