So you’ve got your foot in the door and it’s time to shine at your first interview. This is the most important moment, where you can finally put a voice to your CV and really let the company get to know you. Remember, you never get a second chance to make a first impression, so you’ll want to do your best in preparing for your interview in advance.
Taking some time in advance to prepare for an interview, can help you secure a job position. Once you get to present to an interview, you should be very well informed on the company by which you would like to be hired from. Dress appropriately, study the most common questions asked and their answer, learn the right way to follow up after the interview and much more.
Here are several practical tips that will help in you in achieving a positive outcome from your interview:
An important part of an interview preparation is to take time to analyze the job position that you applied for and you can do that by carefully reading the job posting. As you review the job description, consider what the company is seeking in a candidate. Make a list of the skills, knowledge, professional and personal qualities that are required by the employer and are critical to be successful in the job.
Once you have created a list of the qualifications required by the job, make a list of your own resources and match them with 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 a great fit for the job.
Also, think about some examples from previous experiences that show how you took advantage of 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 before the interview, in this way you will be ready to fluently talk about them. This preparation will help you to be ready to answer to most of the typical questions asked during a job interview, these are designed to determine if you have the knowledge, the skills, and qualities needed to perform the job.
Before you go on a job interview, it’s important to find out as much as you can not only about the job but also about the company that is looking for new profiles. In this way you can discover more about the company culture and purposes and which is its mission and values. The company research is a critical part of theinterview preparation, in this way you will be able to predict some of the questions that the interviewer might ask you during the meeting and to tailor you replies to be as much close as possible to the essence of the company. By conducting a research about the hiring business, you will also be able to find out whether the company and its culture are a good fit for you.
Take some time to practice answering questions that you will probably be asked during a job interview. This will not only help you to be prepared for the interview but also to calm your nerves because you won’t be scrambling for an answer while you are in the meeting hot seat.
You can practice interviewing with a friend or a family member but try to conduct the practice in the same format as a real interview. For example, if it is a phone one, the practice has to be conducted over the phone so ask to your friend or family member to to call you and start practice answering questions telephonically. Review common job interview question and answers and think about how you will respond so you are prepared to answer.
Acting according to a proper interview etiquette is important. Remember to always greet the receptionist, your interviewer, and everyone else you meet politely, pleasantly, and enthusiastically. During the interview, watch your body language; shake hands firmly and make eye contact when you speak. Pay attention, be attentive, and look interested. This is something you can work on in your practice interviews. The more positive an impression you make, the better you’ll do during the job interview. These job interview etiquette tips will help you make the best impression on the hiring manager.
What you wear in your interview is an absolutely crucial part of how to prepare for a job interview, Don’t wait the last minute to make sure your interview clothes are ready. Think about an interview outfit ready to be wore any times, so you don’t have to think about what you’re going to wear. It doesn’t hurt to try the outfit on ahead of time, just to make sure everything fits and you look great. Then put your outfit aside for the day of your interview and have it ready to go. Regardless of the type of job you’re interviewing for, the first impression is always the winning 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’s important to understand where you need to go for your job interview – ahead of time. In this way, you’ll avoid running late and minimize any kind of unexpected event. Use Google Maps or another app to get directions if you’re not sure of where you are going. Program your GPS, if you have one, so you can find the best route to the company. Check on parking, if it’s an issue. If you have the time, it’s a good idea to do a practice run a day or two before the interview. That way, you’ll be sure about where you going and how long it will take you to get there. Give yourself a few extra minutes and arrive a little early to the interview.
During a job interview, listening is just as important as answering questions. If you’re not paying attention, you’re not going to be able to give a good response. It’s important to carefully listen to the interviewer, pay attention, and take time, if you need it, to compose an appropriate answer. It’s also important to discuss your qualifications in a way that will impress the interviewer. Be ready to engage in a give and take conversation, so you’re building a relationship with the interviewer rather than just providing rote responses to questions. Have questions of your own ready to ask the interviewer. Your questions should be genuine and relevant.
Follow up a job interview with a thank you note in which you repeat your interest in the job. Restate why you want the job, what your qualifications are, how you might give a significant contribution to the company and how much this one can help you to grow personally and professionally. This thank you letter is also the perfect opportunity to let the recruiter remember about you.
