Preparing for a Job interview? Do these 7 things.

Whether we admit it or not, a job interview can be a big deal in an individual’s life. After the euphoria and happiness associated with getting invited for an interview comes the tension regarding what to do or how to prepare for the interview to secure the job. The article aims to provide candid tips to individuals regarding job interview preparations.

Research the Organisation

Normally, job applicants are advised to research and have basic knowledge about the company or organization they wish to apply for. This is done so that the resume and cover letter will be written in a manner which will seem more appealing to the company.

Similarly, when one gets invited for a job interview, he/she is advised to conduct deeper and more in-depth research regarding the company.

Remember you have not secured the job yet, and there could be a dozen more people trying to get the same spot as you. Hence, it is best to research and try to know more about the company so that if you are asked any question, you can answer it easily. That way, you will let the interviewer know that you are sure or fully aware of what you wish to get yourself into. Example of key questions to ask before researching an organization or company includes:

• What are the company’s inner workings, or how does the organization carry out its duties?
• What are the possible interview questions which might be asked during the interview?
• What are the possible roles or contributions of the company to society at large?

Draft and try to answer possible questions that might be asked during the interview

This is an extension of the fore mentioned question in the previous point. Its importance ought not to be undermined.

It will be impossible to predict and successfully forecast all the questions asked during a job interview. However, a few general questions are asked in virtually all interviews, like a brief description of oneself and his/her past work experiences.

Recommended: Tell us about yourself; How to answer the question; Tell us about yourself.

The interview or evaluation process might differ depending on the nature of the work and the company or organization. For example, the questions or mode of interviewing which will be instituted on a programmer will be entirely different from that which will be asked or instituted on a journalist. Hence, it is important for the individual to:

• Understanding the nature of the company or organization and how they carry out its activities can be done through proper research.
• Predict and answer possible questions the organization or company might ask during the interview.

Practice with a friend

Every form of study or practice, regardless of its type or nature, always goes well with a friend. This is so because practising with another individual makes the whole procedure more realistic and fun. The minute you get an invite for a job interview, you are advised to adhere to the following instructions or tips:

• Recruit a friend to help you practice.
• Research possible questions that the company might ask.
• Answer these questions to the best of your knowledge over and over again.
• While at it, practice your language and body movements.
• Make notes if need be.
• Go through these notes a day before the interview.

Prepare reasonable questions to ask the interviewer.

During an interview, it is important for the candidate to maintain a proper conversation with the employer. This is so because maintaining a fun, formal and proper conversation with the employer or interviewer tends to bring the candidate to the spotlight more. Hence, individuals are advised to prepare possible questions to ask the interviewer after he/she is done asking or quizzing the candidate. Examples of possible questions to ask include:

• What are the next steps in the hiring process?
• What responsibilities are accrued to an individual in this position?
• What is the daily schedule of workers or employees of the company?

Print hard copies of the resume

Candidates are advised to be staunchly prepared for the job interview beforehand. One of the basic things which employees ask for during an interview is a hard copy of the candidate’s resume.

Since the individual is unaware of the number of interviewers that might quiz him/her, one is advised to print multiple copies of the resume at least a day before.

Similarly, individuals are advised to go through their resumes repeatedly and pick out and answer possible questions that the interviewer may ask beforehand.

Select the fastest Route

Due to technological advancements, individuals tend to apply\ for jobs that are in far locations online. Most of the time, the individual might work for the company for years without knowing the company’s main geographical location.

Suppose you belong to this group or class of people, lucky for you. Others, however, tend to apply to companies in far locations. On the interview day, the candidate might arrive late or miss the opportunity entirely because he/she cannot figure out the exact location.

On this note, candidates are advised to adhere to the following instructions beforehand:

• Figure out the exact location of the company before time. If it is in a far location, you can make reservations in a hotel or with a friend and arrive at the location at least a day or two before the interview date.
• Suppose the location is fairly close to the candidate’s location. In that case, he/she is advised to visit the location a day or two before and figure out the fastest route to take to arrive at the location early on the desired date.

Dress Smartly

One of the best ways to create a proper first impression in the eyes of anybody is through the smart dressing. This method proves most effective during an interview.

On this note, individuals are advised to adhere to the following tips on the day of the interview:

• Pick out a casual and neatly ironed piece of clothing to wear.
• Try to appear in the smartest way possible. You can put on glasses and strictly pick up a quiet and observant personality for the interview.
• Once you notice that your dress and physical presentation seem appealing to the interviewer, start selling yourself.
• In this context, ‘Selling yourself’ means using any opportunity to advertise or showcase your professional skills and attributes.

GOODLUCK!

Thank you for reading the above tips on Preparing for a Job interview. Kindly use the comment section to ask your questions; they will be answered.