So, you finally landed a job interview…now what? Securing the position may not be as easy as you think. Job interviews are more than just smiling as the interviewer reads over your resume. Plus, there’s a strong possibility that you are not the only person interviewing for the position. What do you do next? Don’t panic…prepare! Preparing for an interview doesn’t have to be tedious. Here’s a guide that will help you prepare for and conquer your interview.
1. Become Familiar with the Company
Don’t be surprised if the interviewer asks if you’re familiar with the company. This is a very popular question that is used frequently in interviews, so don’t be caught off guard. Check out the company’s website and read about their mission statement, values, and goals. If you’re applying for a certain floor or department, do a little research on what actually takes place in that area. This could give you an advantage over others applying for the same position.
2. Know Why You Applied
Another question that the interviewer may slip in is “Why did you apply for this position?”. Or “Why do you want to work for this company?”. It’s a good idea to be able to quickly answer this kind of question. You may simply just need a job and that’s ok! Let them know that you need a job and their company appealed to you because of ___________. Fill in the blank with a little tid bit from your research from point 1 above. Maybe they have great employee ratings or their benefit package is above average. The important thing is to know what to say to this type of question and be prepared.
3. Gather and Prepare Documents Ahead of Time
Don’t wait until the day of the interview to start searching for your important documents. Take time to make sure you have copies of your up to date resume, certifications, license, or any other documents that may be requested. Be sure to include any letters of recommendation, as well as references. Use quality paper and place the documents in a folder or binder. Make several packets in case there’s more than one person participating in the interview. Not only will you present yourself as qualified for the position, you’ll also show off your organizational skills!
4. Dress Professional
First impressions are important during an interview. A nice pair of dress pants and a button up top with a collar is a good choice. Skirts should be simple and hang below your knees. The rule of 3 suggests wearing pants or a skirt, a nice shirt, and a jacket or sweater. In some cases, a jacket can take an outfit to the next level! Closed toe shoes and minimal jewelry gives a professional vibe. Try to avoid tops with bright, eccentric patterns, layers of jewelry, and sandals or flip flops. Also, avoid revealing clothing that may show too much cleavage. Choose to go without perfume or wear a light fragrance that’s not too overpowering. Go for the modest, simple look for best results. Prepare your outfit the day before the interview. This gives you time to adjust an item if there’s a problem, such as a stain, missing button, or tear.
5. Plan Your Day
Develop a game plan for the day of the interview. If you’ve never been to the company before, check gps for an estimated travel time. Be sure to consider the time of day you’ll be traveling, as well as the weather. There’s nothing like getting caught up in the lunch time traffic jam! If you have time and the company is close by, make a test run to see what the best route would be. Remember…punctuality is an important aspect that the interviewer will take into consideration! The weather could impact your travel time, so be sure to add a little extra time if it’s raining or snowing. Grab your umbrella and a water resistant bag for your documents if the forecast predicts rain.
6. Practice Your Interview
Practice makes perfect, right? It’s important for you to feel comfortable answering questions and talking about yourself. But what questions should you prepare for? When planning for your interview, think of a few possible questions and practice answering them. You can do this in front of a mirror or get a friend or family member to sit in as the interviewer. This may seem awkward at first, but the practice may come in handy. Below are a few sample interview questions.
-What are your strengths?
-What are your weaknesses?
-How well do you handle pressure?
-What are your thoughts on working as a team?
-Tell me about yourself.
The answers you develop to any variety of sample questions can be beneficial during the interview.
7. Get Plenty of Rest
Plan for a relaxing evening and make sure you get enough sleep the night before the interview. Some people get nervous about upcoming events or appointments which causes them to have trouble sleeping. No one wants to show up with noticeable bags under their eyes! Try relaxing in a nice hot bath or have a cup of soothing tea. Go to bed early and double check your alarm clock. You should wake up refreshed and ready to rock your interview!
I hope these tips help you prepare for your next interview. Always remember to be yourself and to answer questions as honestly as possible. Don’t be afraid to take a chance and apply for your dream job! You’ve got this!!
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