Job Interview Preparation Is Key
You have received an invitation for an interview for that sought-after job you applied for. Be sure to take the time to be prepared! Job interview preparation is key to securing employment.
Receiving a job offer is not just about your qualifications and past work experience. It’s also about your personality and how you present yourself. The candidate who lands the job is not necessarily the most qualified one. But usually, has the best attitude in combination with good work experience and qualifications to help solve any problems the employer might have.
You need to convey to the panel and provide assurance that you are the ideal candidate. Follow this guide to increase your chances of success.
Job Interview Preparation Steps To Success
1. Research Your Prospective Employer
Research the company interviewing you. Find out all you can about the different types of work the company does and any new work they are involved in at the time. What do they stand for and what values they have. What is their mission statement?
Having knowledge about your prospective employer shows that you care and are in tune with company values. This will go along way towards impressing the interviewer(s) and get you closer to landing the job. On the other hand, if you are asked a question about the company and don’t know the answer. Especially, if it’s a simple question about the company, it could be detrimental to your success.
2. Thoroughly Review The Job Description
Review the job description thoroughly. Have an idea of how your position fits in with the company. What department it falls under and duties and responsibilities common with the position.
Pair your qualifications with the skills required for the job to see how you would be a great match for the position. Be prepared to offer why you think you would be a great candidate for the position by using this analysis.
3. Dress For Success
Dressing appropriately for the interview won’t get you the job, but wearing inappropriate clothes will ruin your chances of impressing the interviewer. There is one rule that stands above all: Dress professionally. Wear business attire appropriate for the position, while still ensuring you feel comfortable.
4. Preparing For A Video Interview
Video interviews can save both parties time and travel. But before your interview. Make sure you know the exact time to connect and how to connect. The last thing you want to do is be late for the interview because you didn’t familiarize yourself with the technology.
Setup your video interview area appropriately. Keep in mind your interviewer will be able to see the area around you. So, as best practice it’s not a good idea to have the interview in the living room with the kids toys scattered around or the dirty dishes in the background.
5. Have A Positive Demeanor
Go into the interview knowing the employer thinks you have what it takes so far to do the job. So be confident and have a positive mindset. Dress for success and arrive early.
Don’t think of it as all business. Have a friendly disposition as well. Kindly greet assistants and receptionists. Walk into the interview with a smile and give a firm handshake when the opportunity arises.
6. Be Prepared To Answer Common Interview Questions
A portion of the interview will most likely include answering a set of common job interview questions. Be prepared to answer these questions in a confident, positive manner. These interview questions to prepare for should not be taken lightly.
If you have someone that you could practice your interview with who could give you honest feedback. That would be a big plus in your job interview preparation. Some of the common questions that might be asked are:
- Tell Me A Little Bit About Yourself.
- How Did You Hear About This Position?
- Why Do You Want to Work For This Company?
- Why In Particular, Do You Want This Job?
- Why Should We Hire You?
- What Are Your Greatest Strengths And Weaknesses?
- Tell Me About Your Greatest Professional Achievement?
- Tell Me About a Recent Challenge or Conflict at Work, and How You Dealt With It.
- Tell Me About a Time You Demonstrated Leadership Skills.
- Tell Me About A Time You Disagreed With a Decision That Was Made at Work?
- Was There A Time You Made A Mistake At Work.
- Tell Me About a Time You Failed At Work.
- Why Are You Leaving Your Current Employer?
7. Why Will You Be A Good Addition To The Company?
In the interview, give examples of how your skill level and work experiences relate to the position. Think about your most impressive recent accomplishments that are relevant to the position.
Demonstrate how you’ve made an impact in those roles and how you can add value to the workplace. Times you’ve saved the company money or made money. Were there times you’ve received good feedback or praise for your work? You can give examples related to those instances.
8. Prepare Some Of Your Own Questions
An interview isn’t only for the employer to ask you twenty questions. It’s also an opportunity to find out if a job is the right fit for you. Inquire more into the position and the company if you have questions. But be sure not to ask questions that you could easily find the answers for on the internet.
9. Send A Thank You Email
Awesome! You’ve made it through the interview process. Hopefully, you’re feeling good about it and you will get the results you want. What next? A sincere thank you email is a kind gesture that could put you a cut above another equally qualified candidate. Keep it short and professional.
Conclusion
The decision to hire someone is a major investment from the employer’s perspective. As a candidate, you can increase your chances of success by thoroughly preparing for the interview.
Doing your research, having the answers and the expertise. Will help you ace the interview and win the job. Follow the steps in this job interview preparation guide and you will be on your way to new employment.
