Preparing for your interview, can dramatically increase your chances of leaving that important first impression and landing that dream job of yours. After failing miserably in a few of my past interviews and changing my approach soon after, I’m convinced that the best thing you can do ahead of any interview is preparing for it about twice as much as you think you might need to. So let’s do an in-depth guide on how you would successfully prepare for a job interview..
1. Check out your Employer’s Website
Yes, this step’s extremely important. There’s a reason they’re looking to hire someone and somehow you landed the interview, right?! There’s clearly a need that they have and they believe you have a skillset that may fit those needs. Your job is to read about them, their clients, their products or services. Learn about how they see themselves is the approach and you’ll probably get a sense of what they hope makes them different from their competition.
So, when you do actually speak to them you’re now able to tailor your answers in how your skill-set benefits how they see themselves and their overall focus.
2. Anticipate the Interview Questions
Even if you’re well-seasoned in the art of interviewing, it’s very essential in being authentic and in-depth as to how your skills, accomplishments and answers will resonate with your interviewers the most. You already know the “Tell me about yourself” is coming, most likely following all the small talk and laughs. I mean Google is a fantastic resource and I’m sure you’re able to research common interview questions, but you got make it flow as opposed to just reciting your answers you wrote down. Make it flow!
Also, got to prep for that “Why are you interested in this role” question as well, so to make sure you can answer it, consider why you’re interested in the function and identify a couple of key factors that make it a great fit for you and how it motivates you.
Nothing beats practice, so make sure you do a couple mock interviews with one of your REAL friends and learn from their criticisms. Stand in front of the mirror and practice your answers out loud. This stops you from just thinking about what you’ll say, but also can bring clarity to your thoughts & process. Make sure you ponder on all the questions that could be asked and get the general sense of what they’re looking for, then craft your answer with this approach.
Just cause it’s an interview for you, doesn’t you’re not interviewing THEM as well. So, now your research on the company can also allow you to ask GREAT questions yourself! Also, ask job specific questions as well and how they like working there too.
3. Your Impeccable Attire & Pack Accordingly
For companies who’s dress code is business casual, keep your look basic and conservative for the first interview. Don’t be afraid to ask any friends or family for help in what to wear, if you’re new to this whole thing. Search the internet for the right type of attire and plan your perfect outfit.
Make sure there’s no wrinkles on your attire, it’s got to be cleaned, pressed and tailored. Shine your shoes as well. If you have to fly, then pack well, make sure there’s an iron at your hotel once you arrive as well. Don’t wait last minute.
Carry extra copies of your resume, make sure you have a reference list and bring copies of your relevant work as well as this could be used as an example during the interview. The extra resumes, are for anyone who hasn’t spoken to you prior and also if you’re just asked for it. (Prepared, Baby!)
Be neat, clean & organized. Make sure everything is readily accessible, so you’re not digging through stuff in your bag, briefcase etc..
4. Get Your Mind RIGHT
Use a cheat sheet to compile all the details you need to remember, write down notes about what you want to say and ask, and check off all the essentials of what to bring to the interview.
Be aware of what, certain body language conveys. Be mindful of what you’re communicating through your posture and stance. Avoid awkward silence when you’re not sure how to answer the question, fill it in with a, “That’s a good question. I would say..” (slowly) to kill that silence, while giving you a brief second to come up with answer haha.
Make sure you get enough sleep, relax and be yourself WITHIN what we covered here!
Thanks for reading!
