How to Prepare for a Job Interview
Doing a job interview can be pretty nerve-wracking, especially if you really want the job. With enough self-confidence, knowledge of what the company stands for and what you can offer, you can worry less about that upcoming job interview. Here’s what you need to know.
Job Interview Checklist
Practice answering interview questions. This may sound funny, but you never realize how much you stutter and do nervous gestures until you see it for yourself! Sit in front of the mirror and practice answers to general interview questions such as, “Why do you want to be in this company?” or “Why should we hire you?” or even, “What is your expected salary?” List your answers on a piece of paper, and recite them until you know the answers instinctively. Exude confidence, but not arrogance. Now is not the time to be shy, you’ve got to really sell yourself.
Make a list of questions you would like to ask your interviewer. Don’t be shy asking about the compensation, bonuses, the job and different company policies that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Review your resume. Check for typographical or grammatical errors. Remove non-essential information. HR officers can smell bulked-up resumes from a mile away. Reviewing your resume also prevents embarrassing situations when you can’t remember certain things mentioned in your resume that your interviewer asks you about.
Research about the company and its history using periodicals, news items and the Internet. Learn about the company’s products, services, goals and accomplishments. You can even try talking to the company’s current employees. This will give a better grasp of the company and help you customize your skills according to the company’s needs. Remembering company statistics and facts and mentioning them in the interview can be quite impressive.
Prepare your outfit. You can research on the company’s dress policy, but generally, office attire is the best way to go. Make sure that you are well-groomed a day before the interview.
Learn where the office is located, estimate the travel time and the various ways you can get there. This will prevent you getting lost on the way there and being horribly late for your interview.
Arrive at the interview ten to 15 minutes before your schedule.
Listen carefully to interview questions to avoid asking the interviewer to repeat himself or herself. Answer concisely, unless you need to explain something further.
Never compare this potential job with a past job or other jobs you are looking into. Make it sound like the one you’re being interviewed for is the job you really want.
Try to keep the interview as conversational as you can, without going all buddy-buddy with the interviewer. This will help you become less of a potential employee and a person that the interviewer may actually like.