How to Prepare For a job Interview
The interview is crucial to getting hired. It is your opportunity to show the company that you are suited for the job. Interviewers will ask questions to evaluate your skills and experience, your ability to perform the job successfully, and how well you fit the company’s culture. To best prepare for an interview, you should practice your answers to commonly asked questions.
Research the Company
You must study information about the company, including its mission statement, projects and awards. You should look for things that you can relate to your experience or skills. Your goal during the interview is to explain how you can contribute to the company. Therefore, it is essential to do this research so you can use specific examples. If you know the name of the interviewer, see if there is information about her on the company page, Google and LinkedIn. You may have similar backgrounds.
Self-Evaluation
Some of the questions interviewers ask require you to think about your strengths, weaknesses, failures and successes. Using the information you learned during your research, think of examples for each that relate to the position. Emphasize specifics about yourself, and avoid saying things like “hard working”; that answer is too common. When thinking about your weaknesses or failures, focus on examples that illustrate the steps you took to improve.
Mock Interviews
Most universities offer mock interviews in the career services departments to help students practice. If that is not possible, have a friend ask you common questions. Ask them to give you feedback on your responses. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will become. As a result, you will be able to speak intelligently and thoughtfully during the interview.
Do’s and Don’ts The Day of the Interview
- You should get a good night’s rest the night before the interview
- Eat a good breakfast
- You do not want to be sleepy or risk the interviewer hearing your stomach growl.
- You should iron your interview clothes.
- Do not wear excessive jewelry, flashy clothing or reveal any visible tattoos.
- Hair and makeup should be subtle and professional.
- Try to avoid excessive caffeine — that could make you more nervous and jittery.
Posted: August 1, 2017
Category: Careers, Interviews
