After spending time on your resume, applying for open positions, and getting the call for an interview, you may feel like the hard part is over, but that’s not the case. How you present yourself in the interview will determine whether you get offered the position or not.
Walking into an interview unprepared is a huge mistake many job seekers make. It takes some effort. You want to be sure you not only look your best but also have all the right answers to the questions asked to stand out from the competition and be “the one” in the eyes of the hiring manager.
Here’s everything to know about preparing for an interview to land the job.
Study the Company and Position
You may think this is a job interview. Why do I have to study? The more you know, the better you will look in the interview as it shows the hiring manager you’re passionate about the opportunity and company. After all, on average, 118 people apply for the same position, so you must stand out if you want to be the chosen one.
First, study the job description. Understand the responsibilities, duties, and what the position entails. Make a list of all the reasons you would be a good fit for the position, including your skills, attributes, and experience. Keep the list in your pocket the day of the interview so you can pull it before you walk in, so you remember them and convey them with confidence.
Look at your resume and past experiences. Think about any problems you solved, obstacles you overcame, projects you tackled or wins you had, and convey that in a way that will show how you will succeed in this position. By focusing on your career goals and how this position will help you achieve them, you will be excited, and it will show when you talk about them.
Next, study the company and know as much about it as you possibly can without working there. Go to their website and learn about all the products or services they offer. You don’t need to know every detail, but you should understand what the company does.
While on their website, try to find their executive team and jot down their names and titles. Try to find the company’s mission statement to understand its purpose and goals. Check out their LinkedIn profile or Facebook page to get a feel for the company culture and atmosphere.
Practice Your Job Interview
Unfortunately, there’s no standard set of interview questions to master. But, you should practice some common questions to help you prepare.
One of the most common interview questions is “tell me about yourself,” so be prepared with an exceptional answer to that. You don’t want to go into a long, drawn-out explanation about where you were born, what kind of pet you have, or what you like to eat. Give a few things about you that are selling points and some things that will grow affinity for you.
Ask someone to help you prepare by doing a mock interview where they act as the interviewer. If you can’t find someone to practice with you, sit in front of a mirror and practice with yourself. You will then be able to see how you look while you answer. Is your posture upright? Are you smiling? Do you look and sound confident? Are you fidgeting?
You also want to practice the questions you ask. Asking questions shows you are very interested in the opportunity and the company. Start by saying something positive about the company. Maybe something you learned while studying the website.
Don’t be afraid to be assertive in the interview. Make it known you are confident you are the best fit for the position without being cocky. Let the hiring manager know of your past successes and what you bring to the table.
Prepare Application and Interview Documents
Yes, you already submitted your resume, cover letter, and other necessary documents to the company, and that’s how you landed the interview. You should have copies of any diplomas, certificates, or accomplishments you achieved, and consider bringing a physical copy of your resume to the interview.
You also want to come to the interview with a few copies of each that you can hand to anyone you meet in the interview, though this will be different for video interviews or phone interviews. It’s best to keep them in a folder so they don’t wrinkle and stay clean. Also, bring a pen and a notepad to take any necessary notes or jot down the names of people you speak with.
Contact the people you listed as your references. Let them know you will be going to an interview, and there’s a chance they may get a call from your potential employer to vouch for you. Letting them know will help them be ready for the call (and answer) and know what they will say to the recruiter.
What To Wear to the Interview?
First impressions are lasting impressions. When you first walk into an interview, the hiring manager first makes a judgment about you based on your appearance, so it must be on point. There’s not a standard dress code for an interview, as it depends on the position you will be interviewing for and the company.
Before deciding what to wear to the interview, you want to understand the company culture and dress code as part of your interview preparation. For example, you don’t want to walk into an interview wearing your best suit when the company dress code is casual, and everyone wears khakis or jeans. That doesn’t mean you should wear jeans, but you can dress a bit more relaxed while still looking professional and put together.
If you are unsure of the company’s dress code, check out their Facebook page, Twitter, or other social media profiles to see if you can get a feel for what employees are wearing in the office. If you are still unsure, pick up the phone and give them a call. Ask the receptionist or the hiring manager, letting them know you want to be prepared and look your best for your first interview. They will understand and appreciate it.
Plan and Prepare for Interview Day
Planning for interview day is crucial. You want to know exactly how to get to the location and how long it will take you to avoid getting lost and being late for the interview. Fill up for gas the day before if needed, so you don’t have to stop the day off in your interview outfit.
Have your clothes and accessories ready the day before, so you are not scrambling at the last minute to put them together. Iron them if needed. Figure out what time you need to set your alarm to give yourself enough time to get ready, get a meal, and get there on time.
It would be best if you planned to arrive 15 minutes early. Arriving early for an interview may sound like a positive thing, but remember you are probably meeting with a busy professional on a tight schedule.
If you get to the location too early, spend a few minutes practicing your interview answers in your car, so you walk in with confidence. You can never be too prepared for an interview.
Walk tall with a friendly smile and an upbeat attitude. In the interview, don’t fidget or play with your hair, as this body language conveys nervousness. Be sure to hold eye contact with the interviewer while speaking to them or they are talking to you. Keep your posture upright so you look as confident as you feel.
After the Interview
The interview is over, and you think you nailed it. Now what? You sit and wait for them to call you back? No! There’s still work that needs to be done. You want to do the proper follow-up at the end of the interview.
Twenty-four hours after the end of an interview, send a thank-you note to the interviewing manager and anyone you may have spoken with during the interview. The thank-you note should be short and sweet to thank them for their time and consideration.
While in the interview, try to get the business card of each person you speak with so you have their email address to send the thank you note. Then, you want to wait five business days to follow up to see if they have come to a decision, or have come up with a time for your next interview. The exception to this is if the hiring manager told you a specific time when they will decide the interview process.
Be Prepared To Start the Career You’ve Always Wanted
Being prepared for an interview takes time and practice but is critical to stand out from other candidates and land the job. Practice what you will ask and how you will answer the questions asked. Do your due diligence to know as much about the company as you can.
The more you know, and the more prepared you are, the more confident you will be — and everyone you interview with will take this into account when they consider you against another candidate. Remember, first impressions are everything, so you must look professional and put together to fit the company dress code and culture. Maintain confident and professional behavior, and give your interviewer a firm handshake. You got this!
Sources:
27 Most Common Job Interview Questions and Answers | Inc.com
These Are the Documents Required for a Job Interview | TopInterview.com
7 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Your Job Search | Forbes