Top 6 Interview Preparation Tips
You just got a call from your prospective employer informing you that you have been shortlisted and will be scheduled for a job interview. As you consider your next course of action, you will experience a mix of excitement and anxiety. Here are six successful tips that could land you the job you’ve been looking for.
Tip #1: Conduct a Thorough Examination of the Company’s Website
Doing research on the company will provide you with a wealth of information about its history, location, current management, production trends, and competitive advantage. Having such vital information will assist you in identifying gaps in the company as well as preparing you with a list of questions to ask your prospective employer. Quality questions from interview candidates typically outperform other candidates who never ask questions.
Tip #2: Assess Your Skills Against the Job Requirements
You may want to disregard this important tip now that you have been shortlisted for an interview. However, before you even consider it, keep in mind that matching your skills to the job requirements will put you in a better position to explain why you are the best option for the company in that specific position. Your skills do not have to be listed word for word on the job requirements list for you to get the job. More importantly, your skill set will enable you to adequately handle the position in front of you.
Tip #3: Check Your Body Language
Even if you don’t say anything, your body language says a lot. When preparing for an interview, make sure you get enough sleep the night before to avoid embarrassing yawns in front of the panel. More importantly, make sure you eat enough breakfast to get you through the day if you have a face-to-face interview that may last into the afternoon. If you enjoy your whiskey, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Avoid it at all costs the day before and on the day of the interview. This will allow you to be alert, sober, and think clearly during the interview. Maintain eye contact with your panel members and give a firm handshake while smiling to project a confident body language. Finally, during the job interview, sit up straight without slouching or leaning on the table.
Tip #4: Dress appropriately for the interview with you.
The majority of interview outfits are formal in black, brown, blue, or white. A suit or a well-ironed shirt and trouser with well-polished black shoes will suffice for men. Ladies can also wear suits or formal trousers. Still, a good solid-color scout and blouse will suffice. Ladies should avoid wearing too much jewelry or make-up, as this may draw undue attention to themselves during the interview. Avoid seductive attire at all costs, as it may work against you by portraying you as disrespectful to the panelists and the occasion.
Tip #5: Practice Interview Questions and Answers with a Friend
Overconfidence can be harmful. You are an exact match for the job requirements, you know the company like the back of your hand, and you are confident that you have what it takes to get the job. However, practicing for the job interview could be the deciding factor between you and the other qualified candidate. Preparing for an interview can help you find answers to frequently asked interview questions. It will also assist you in relating your previous work experiences to the job you are attempting to obtain. More importantly, it will teach you to listen to your own voice, which will boost your confidence.
Tip #6: Always Carry the Necessities
A candidate for an interview, like a lawyer bringing documented evidence to court against the defendant, must also bring documents that prove his or her skills are what he or she says during the job interview. Your academic and professional certificates, testimonials, and other important documents cannot be left in your briefcase or handbag. Remember to bring a notebook and a pen with you; you may want to use it to jot down important points during the interview. A bottle of water is also recommended to prevent dry coughs and thirst.
Job interviews are typically brief. Some are only for one day, while others may take several days. The most important thing to remember is that you have what it takes as an individual to pass that particular interview. The fact that you were shortlisted indicates that you possessed considerable potential that the other candidates lacked. As a result, as an interview candidate, always maintain the image you project in your application documents, follow the rules, be a good student of life, and there! You have a job.