It is very necessary for you to know how to prepare for an interview, you don’t have to wait till you have an interview before you prepare.
In this article, we will take a look at everything you need to know before you go for your coming job interview.
You might have successfully gone through perfecting your CV, filling out the application form, and now you are at the final hurdle which is the job interview and they can be very tricky and daunting.
In order not to miss your chances you need to have the knowledge of how to prepare for an interview.
Taking time to thoughtfully consider your goals and qualifications relating to the position and employer is primarily what preparing for an interview entails.
To achieve to, you need to perform a thorough research on the company, making sure you review the job description to understand why you would be a good fit.
Below are 10 effective tips to prepare for a job interview:
(1) Carefully Examine The Job Description:
In case you don’t know, job description is the list of the qualifications, qualities and background the employer is looking for in an ideal candidate.
The employer will be able to see that you are qualified when you try to align yourself with the job description details.
Another thing about the job description is that it gives you ideas about likely questions the employer may ask during the interview.
(2)Consider Why You Are Interviewing And Your Qualifications:
Before attending any interview you must have a good understanding of why you want the job and why you’re qualified for the position.
It is very necessary for you to be able to explain your interest in the opportunity and why you’re the best person for the role.
(3) Perform Research On The Company And Role:
One of the important part of preparing for an interview is to research everything about the company you are applying to.
Apart from the fact that it will help in providing context for your interview conversations, it will also help you in preparing thoughtful questions for your interviewers.
Make sure you research about the product or service about the company you are applying to.
Although you don’t necessarily need to understand each and every detail, expecially if it is a technical product and you are applying for a non technical position.
All you have to do is to have a basic understanding of the main product or services the company offers.
(4) Researching about the role you are applying for will also prepare you with thoughtful, targeted questions about the position during the interview.
If possible try to research about similar positions and read reviews from individuals in those positions, so you will be able to have an idea of what the day-to-day activities will be.
(5) Consider Your Questions To Common Interview Questions:
You won’t be able to predict all the questions you’ll be asked in an interview, but you can always plan your answers for some few common questions you will be asked.
You can also consider developing an elevator pitch that describes who you are, what you do and what you want.
If you are apply for jobs that require test or evaluation during the interview , jobs like computer engineering, development or analytic role and so on.
It will be good for you to consult with colleagues in the industry for examples of test they’ve been given to prepare.
To prepare for this question perfectly, try to learn about the product, service, mission,history and culture of the company.
In your answer, make sure you mention the aspect of the company that appeals to you and at the same time align with your career goals.
(6) Practice Your Speaking Voice And Body Language:
It is very necessary for you to leave a positive and lasting impression during the interview process.
In achieving this, you can start by practicing a confident, strong speaking voice and friendly, open body language.
Even if it comes naturally to you, you can still try to practice with trusted friends or family or in front of a mirror.
(7) Prepare Thoughtful Questions For The Interviewer:
Employers feel confident about candidates who ask creative and thoughtful questions about the company and the position.
The questions you asked your interviewers shows them how much you’ve researched the company and you are well versed about the position.
You can ask your interviewers questions like “ What does a typical day look like for a person in this position?, What qualities do your most successful employees have? and so on.
(8) Conduct Mock Interviews:
Practicing interviews is the best way to relieve anxiety and improve your confidence.
Although it may feel tedious, but if you keep on experiencing the interview process it will make you more comfortable and help you give the right impression.
If you find out that your answer sounds awkward or it doesn’t convey what you wish when it’s spoken, try to refine your answer and commit them to memory.
The more you repeat your interview, the more confident you’ll be during the real thing.
(9) Print Hard Copies Of Your Resume:
Many employers ask for copies of your resume during the application process but they may not have access to it during the interview itself.
Taking extra copies of your resume to your interview , shows your interviwer that you’re prepared and organized.
You must have at least three coples to provide for multiple interviewers, plus one for yourself to follow along.
Apart from taking extra coples of your resume to your interview, make sure you rehearse explanations for any gaps that may appear or other oddities.
Like the rest of the interview, it’s best to prepare for these questions by writing notes and rehearsing your answers out loud multiples times prior to the interview.
(10) Get To The Location Early:
It is advisable for you to leave for your interview early, even if it means arriving way too early.
If you decide to leave for your interview few minutes to the time, some obstacles may occur that will make you extra late, such as traffic, accident and so on.
If you are wondering about what to do to while away time when you get to your interview location early, you can always use the time to go over your notes and mentally prepare for your interview.
