For many people, a job interview is one of the most nerve-wracking experiences and the pressure is truly on to make a good first impression. How well prepared you are for your job interview can mean the difference between landing your dream job and going back to square one of your job search, so it’s important to put the time in ahead of the day to ensure you are fully prepared for any questions you may be asked.
Here are a few pointers you may want to follow when getting ready for a job interview.
1. Research the company
Before you go to the interview, make sure that you find out as much about the company as you can. You can check out the company’s official website and their LinkedIn profile, as well as other social media channels. You could also ask your friends and families to see if they know someone who work there, who you could talk to ahead of the day. Knowing the company will not only prepare you to answer questions, but also ask questions at the interview.
2. Pay attention to the job description
The job description usually contains a lot of useful information; therefore, it is important that you take some time to analyze the job description. When doing so make a list of knowledge and skills that are required for the job. You can then make a list of your qualifications and experience and compare your list to that of job requirements, matching your attributes to what your potential employer is looking for. These are the skills you should then highlight in your interview as they make you stand out as a well suited candidate for the role.
3. Practice, practice, and practice
One of the best ways to prepare for your interview is practice. Try to answer some common interview questions as if you are at the interview. This will give you a framework for your responses so that you won’t have to scramble to come up with an answer at the interview. It’ll be even better if you can rehearse with someone.
4. Get your outfit ready
Get your interview outfit ready as early as possible. Make sure that it is appropriate for the occasion, and try it on to make sure that it fits. Don’t forget your hairstyle and accessories. They can be as important as your clothes.
5. Know what to bring to the interview
Don’t show up empty handed. Print out some extra copies of your resume, a list of your references in case the interviewer asks for it, as well as a list of questions that you have for the interviewer.
6. Know where you are going
If you have never been to the area in which you are going to have the interview, it’s a good idea to go for a visit before the interview, so that you are familiar with your route and how long you need to give yourself to get there. If you’ll be driving, check on parking, as you don’t want to arrive and find out that there is no place to park your car!
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