How to Prepare for a Job Interview

Do you have a job interview on your schedule? There are a number of steps you can take before (and after) the interview to ensure that you make a terrific impression on your potential employer.

The job interview is probably the most important step you will take in your job search journey – it’s your best chance to show the a hiring manager or recruitment company that you’re the best person for their job.

Knowing how to prepare for a job interview begins with the following:

1. Reviewing the job description carefully analyze it.
2. Update your resume to match the job requirements.
3. Thoroughly research the company before applying for job.
4. Prepare thoroughly for your interview.
5. Job interview tips: dos and don’ts
   • Preparing for probable interview questions you will be asked.
   • Preparing your own questions for the employer.
6. Carefully select what you will wear.
7. Practice Interview Etiquette
8. Follow Up With a Thank You Note.

Reviewing the job description carefully analyze it

The first step in the preparation process should be to go back and review the job description. Most job descriptions follow a similar pattern and are usually categorized by the following points:

1. Job title/Department
2. Duties and tasks
3. Skills required

The job title and department will give you an understanding of the major purpose of the position and where the role fits into the organization, allowing you to discover who your potential line manager could be.

Read and review the job description very thoroughly and be sure to align your competencies with the skills required for the job. You will consequently ready yourself for questions around your previous experiences, performing similar duties in other organization.

Update your resume to match the job requirements

Once you have listed the qualifications for the job, make a list of your assets and match them to the job requirements.

Create a list of up to 10 of your assets that match the job requirements. These might include skills, qualities, certifications, experiences, professional qualifications, abilities, computer skills, and knowledge bases. You can bring up some of these assets when you explain to the employer why you are an excellent fit for the job.

Also, think of examples from past work experiences that show you have these qualities. This way, if the interviewer asks you to describe a time when you demonstrated a particular skill or ability, you will be ready.

Review the job requirements, your list of assets, and your examples prior to the interview so that you’re prepared to share them during the interview.

This preparation will help you be ready to answer job-specific interview questions and behavioral interview questions designed to determine if you have the knowledge, skills, and qualities needed to perform the job.

Thoroughly research the company before applying for job

Organizations look to hire people with similar values to those of the company culture. Researching the company before an interview will give you an insight into the organization’s future goals and plans and being able to discuss these points will make you seem like a long-term investment to your future employer. The following interview preparation tips will give you a guide as to which aspect of the company should be researched:

•Company financials: Check the company website. Doing a Google search can also uncover the current state of the company. Have they gone through a merger? – or have they expanded recently? LinkedIn is also a good source of information.

•Culture: Look at LinkedIn and Facebook or check Google reviews for comments by current or former employees.

•Executive team: Look through the company website to research the company hierarchy and find out who the executives are.

•Competitors: Find out who the company’s main competitors are and look into the websites of organizations in the same industry.

Prepare for interview

Take the time to practice answering interview questions you will probably be asked. This will also help calm your nerves because you won’t be scrambling for an answer while in the interview hot seat.

Practice interviewing with a friend or family member ahead of time, and it will be much easier when you’re actually in a job interview.

Try to conduct the practice interview in the same format as the real interview. For example, if it is a phone interview, ask a friend to call you to practice answering questions over the phone. If it is a panel interview, ask a couple of friends to pretend to be a panel.

If you’re interviewing virtually, be sure that you’re comfortable with the technology, review common job interview questions and answers, and think about how you will respond, so you are prepared to answer.

Job interview tips: Do’s and Don’ts

1. Preparing for probable interview questions you will be asked.
2. Preparing your own questions for the employer.

Carefully select what you will wear

Don’t wait until the last minute to make sure your interview clothes are ready. Have an interview outfit ready to wear at all times, so you don’t have to think about what you’re going to wear while you’re scrambling to get ready for a job interview.

Regardless of the type of job you’re interviewing for, that first impression should be a great one. When dressing for an interview for a professional position, dress accordingly in business attire.

If you’re applying for a job in a more casual environment, such as a store or restaurant, it’s still important to be neat, tidy, and well-groomed, and to present a positive image to the employer. It is also important to think about your makeup and accessories when dressing for an interview.

Practice Interview Etiquette

Proper interview etiquette is important. Remember to greet the receptionist, your interviewer, and everyone else you meet politely, pleasantly, and enthusiastically.

During the interview:

1. Watch your body language.
2. Shake hands firmly.
3. Make eye contact as you articulate your points.
4. Pay attention.
5. Be attentive.
6. Look interested.
7. Listen carefully with patience to each interview question and answer accordingly.

This is something you can work on in your practice interviews.

There are also specific etiquette tips depending on the type of interview you have, for example, a lunch or dinner interview, a panel interview, a phone interview, or a video interview. The more positive an impression you make, the better you’ll do during the job interview.

Follow Up With a Thank You Note

Follow up a job interview with a thank-you note or email reiterating your interest in the job.

Consider your thank-you letter as a follow-up “sales” letter. Restate why you want the job, what your qualifications are, how you might make significant contributions, and so on.

This thank-you letter is also the perfect opportunity to discuss anything of importance that your interviewer neglected to ask or that you neglected to answer as thoroughly, or as well, as you would have liked. Good luck!

To learn more about how to crack an Interview Click here.