AQuick Guide on Preparing for a Job Interview

You applied for a job you’ve been eyeing for a while now and sent out your best tailored resume to get them interested. A few days later, the company you’ve been vying for sent an email scheduling you for an interview. You’re overcome with excitement at the chance that’s been given to you but at the same time, stricken with fear and anxiety that you might mess it up in the upcoming interview. So, what do you do? 

Luckily, between now and your scheduled interview, you have time to prepare. Here’s how you can get ready and present yourself the best way you can to ensure you get that job. 

1. Think About Why You Want The Job

Part of getting ready for an interview is to know that job you’re applying for, but also to know why you want to apply for the job.It’s alright if your initial reason is because of the salary, but you also need to express interest in the company far beyond that of the monthly pay so they know that you actually plan to stay with them and not just leave if you get a higher paying job offer. Think of other factors that makes you interested in the job professionally and share them with the interviewers.

The better your grasp and understanding on why you want the job, the better prepared you’ll be for any questions they might have for you. You’ll be able to articulate your reasons properly if the interviewers ask for it, and you’ll find it easier to convince them that you really want this job and that you are a great fit for them.

2. Do Your Research

One of the best ways to increase your chances of having a successful interview is doing your research. Interviewers usually asks what you know about the company, and by having an appropriate response to the question, it will show them your interest and eagerness. To do this, try checking out their website, social media pages, or see if there are company reviews available. If you happen to know anyone who works in the company, see if they can give you any tips for the interview.

Another reason why you should do your research is that you’ll gain a wider knowledge of the company, making it easier for you to come up with answers during the interview or think of questions to ask the interviewer. Also, if you want to find out more information about something like the office culture, you’ll know what questions to ask.

3. Practice Your Speech.

If you have previous experiences with interviews, you might think that you don’t need to practice as you’ve gone through this before. While you might be very good at speaking and have full confidence that you’ll get the job, practicing speech and honing the skill is a continuous process.

Try to look up interview questions that are related to the position you’re applying for. This will help you get a general idea on the types of questions they might throw at you during the interview. Keep in mind that some employers have their own tailored questions or tests to gauge the competence or personality of an applicant. Do mock interviews and practice answering questions you think they would most likely ask and simulate the experience of a real interview. If it’s an interview over the phone, have someone call you. If it is a panel interview, have some of your friends or family act as the panel for you. If you’re applying for a Sales position, employers would be looking for someone with good and convincing sales skills. They might hand you a prop and ask you to sell it to them to ascertain your level of competence in the field.

Practice will give you a chance at acing the interview. It can also help lessen the anxiety you might be feeling since you’d essentially be fully prepared for anything they throw at you and not just struggling to end the interview.

4. Prepare Your Interview Necessities.

This might be clear to most but there are others who still forget to bring their requirements and other essentials to their interviews. Prepare a checklist of everything you need and might need before leaving for your interview. To help you out, here’s a list some of the things you might need:

• Portfolio
• Valid IDs
• A folder to neatly contain your items
• Extra copies of your resume
• List of references
• Pen and paper

You should even bring extra clothes just in case something unexpected happens and makes the clothes you’ll wear look unpresentable. Aside from these, you can always do a quick search on the internet for any industry specific materials that you might need. It’s important to note that when it comes to preparation, you can never be too prepared.

5. Study Interview Etiquette.

Knowing proper interview etiquette is a make or break thing that is as important as the interview itself, or perhaps even more. Try practicing proper greeting at home with people or in front of a mirror. This can help you display enthusiasm and politeness towards the people you meet at the location and allow you to make a lasting impression.

As with any interview, you are expected to show up on time so do your best to leave early and avoid getting stuck in traffic especially during rush hours. Make sure that you’re wearing proper attire and be friendly to other applicants if they ask you to wait in a lobby for your name to be called. During the interview, maintain proper posture and eye contact when conversing with the interviewer. Be attentive and responsive to everything they say and ask of you so that they’ll easily notice your interest and eagerness to join the company. 

Lastly, practice giving a firm handshake and remember to enter and exit an interview with a smile. This can aid in showing the level of confidence you have for yourself and your skills since upon meeting someone new, people tend to remember the first and last impression of a person. A good introduction and a proper show of gratitude during your exit can help ensure that you make an impact towards these interviewers and will be remembered by them.

…present yourself the best way you can to ensure you get that job. Note that when it comes to preparation, you can never be too prepared.

Keep these tips in mind when you have an upcoming interview. Consider them as crucial things you need to exercise as part of selling yourself. Remember that knowing everything you can do for an interview and preparing for it will make you feel more confident than ever. The better the impression you make on the interviewers, the better they’ll see that you have what they’re looking for.