Tips for Job Interview Preparation

Category : Career and Skills Development | Sub Category : Posted on 2021-05-17 11:51:29

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Preparing for an interview takes a lot more than Googling a list of common interview questions. You have to make a great first impression, have a great knowledge of your target company and its culture, and know exactly how to explain that you’re the perfect fit for that job. To help you get prepared for the interview, below are some of the best pre and post interview preparation tips. From strategizing about how to tackle the toughest interview questions to body language and more.

Before the Interview

Make a research on the company

Understanding key information about the company you’re interviewing with can help you go into your interview with confidence. Using the company’s website, social media posts and recent press releases will provide a perfect understanding of the company’s goals and objectives and how your background makes you a best candidate.

Practice your answers to common interview questions

Prepare your answers to the common question ahead of time, for example “Tell us about yourself, why are you the perfect fit for this role and why you are interested to work with our company?” The idea is to quickly communicate who you are and what value you will bring to the company and the role. It’s basically your personal elevator pitch.

Read again the job description

You may want to print it out and begin underlining the specific set of skills that the employer is looking for in a best candidate. Think of the clear examples from your past work experience that align with the job’s requirements.

Prepare your questions to ask an interviewer

Interviews are a two-way situation. Interviewers expect you to ask questions, they want to make sure that you’re thinking seriously about what it would be like to work there. Here are some questions you may want to consider asking your interviewers:

• Can you explain some of the day-to-day responsibilities of this role?

• How would you describe the characteristics of someone who would succeed in this role?

• If I were in this position, how would my performance be measured? How often?

• What departments does this team work with regularly?

• How do these departments typically collaborate?

• What are the challenges you’re currently facing in your role?

Bring a copy of your resume

Have a copy of your resume with you when you go to every interview. If the interviewer has misplaced his or her copy, you'll save a lot of time (and embarrassment on the interviewer's part) if you can just pull your extra copy out and hand it over.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Rehearse before you go to the interview. The best way to rehearse is to get two friends and practice interviewing each other. One person acts as the observer and the interviewee feedback from both the observer and interviewer. Go three to five rounds switching roles as you go. Another idea is to record yourself answering questions and then play it back to see where you need to improve. Whatever you do, make sure your practice consists of speaking loud. Rehearsing in your mind won’t help at all.

During the Interview

Prepare your interview attire the night before

If you’re speaking to a recruiter before the interview, you can ask them about the dress code in the workplace and choose your outfit accordingly. If you don’t have someone to ask, research the company to learn what’s appropriate.

Respond to the questions asked with confidence and make sure your answers are straight

Your time with each interviewer is limited so be mindful of rambling. Practicing your answers ahead can help keep you focused. And again have confidence while speaking, this not only shows that you are serious but also attracts the interviewer’s attention to keep hearing more from what you're saying.

Do not speak negatively about your previous employer

Companies want to hire problem solvers who overcome tough situations. If you’re feeling discouraged about your previous job, focus on talking about what you’ve gained from that experience and what you want to do next.

Make the most of the “Tell us about yourself” question

Many interviewers begin interviews with this question. So how should you respond? You don’t have to go into where you were born, what your parents' names are, rather have the interviewer know your set of skills, interests and what you’re bringing to the table.

Work on your body language

Dress appropriately, make eye contact, give a firm handshake, have good posture, speak clearly, and don't wear perfume or cologne! Sometimes interview locations are small rooms that may lack good air circulation. You want the interviewer paying attention to your job qualifications, so do not distract them or make them lose focus.

After the Interview

Send a thank you email

Ask for the business card of each person you speak with during the interview process so that you can follow up individually with a separate thank you email. If you interviewed in the morning, send your follow-up emails the same day. If you interviewed in the afternoon, the next morning is fine.

Do not give up

If you've had a bad interview for a job that you truly think would be a great fit for you (not just something you want badly), don't give up! Write a note, send an email, or call the interviewer to let him or her know that you think you did a poor job of communicating why you think this job would be a good match. Reiterate what you have to offer the company, and say that you'd like an opportunity to contribute. This approach works on numerous occasions.

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