Preparing for a job interview can be a daunting task. Thankfully, these ten tips will ensure your success at interviews and help you land the job of your dreams.
Review the job description and job specification carefully. Then, evaluate yourself against them.
When preparing for an interview, you first need to read the job description and job specification very closely. The job description describes what your duties on the job will be. The job specification lists the qualities, education, experience and skills of an ideal candidate. Then, you need to familiarize yourself with these and learn the exact vocabulary that the employer is using to describe these. You can use the terms in your resume and subsequently at the job interview. Ask yourself: “Will I be able to perform the duties of this job? Do I posses the qualities and skills required for this position? Do I have the right education level and enough experience?” Once you are confident that you do, you can go to the next step.
Tweak your resume and cover letter to match the job description
Once you know you have the required qualifications, you can tweak your resume so that it includes the exact phrases that were used in the job description. That will ensure that the employer will have the impression that s/he is getting exactly what s/he needs. You can use some of the key words that were used in the job descriptions or their synonyms. Remember, however, that you need to be truthful about your skills and abilities, so only include the ones that you truly possess.
Research the company
Research the company by going to their website and reading about their products and services. How does the company serve its community or customers? How do they stand out from other similar companies? What do they do differently? What are the reviews like? Also, research the company’s culture. Company culture includes workplace beliefs, values, attitudes, standards and behaviours. It is easy to obtain this information on the company’s social media accounts. Few companies are shy about their culture and they often actively advertise it.
Prepare your answers to common interview questions
It is unpredictable what you will be asked during an interview. However, there are a few questions that are almost always asked at job interviews no matter the company or industry. Here are a few common interview questions.
- Tell me a little bit about yourself. This is a version of an elevator speech. You need to highlight your best qualifications and unique skills, so that you catch the interviewer’s attention. You can say something personal, too, and tie it intelligently to the job. For example, you can say: “In my free time I like to do extreme sports, which helps me in my professional life because it teaches me how to challenge myself and manage stress.”
- Why do you want to work for us? This is where your research about the company is going to come in handy. You can tell the interviewer why the company interests you and how you can contribute to its success by using the skills and experience that you have.
- What are your greatest strengths? Here you can highlight your best skills and abilities, and talk about your education, experience and some unique skills that you have. Use the expressions that you found in the job description and give examples. Examples paint pictures in the interviewer’s mind, so it is a great way to give them something to remember you by.
- What is your one weakness? Here choose a harmless, unimportant weakness that is not in contradiction to the main qualities that the company requires. Do not say that you are quiet or shy, if you are applying for a customer service position that requires people to be chatty and communicative. If you really are that shy, maybe you shouldn’t be applying for this kind of position in the first place.
- Why did you leave your previous job? Never badmouth your previous employer or talk badly about your co-workers. It is safe to say that you are looking to gain more varied experience and you are ready for new challenges. It is also not advisable to lie about any mishaps at the previous workplace. If there were any, simply give them your version of the story without delving into unnecessary details.
Ask good questions
While preparing for the interview, you should also prepare some questions for the interviewer. That will show the interviewer that you are truly interested in this position and you have taken the time to research the company. Examples of good questions are:
- What qualities do your best employees have in the same position?
- What are the steps in your hiring process?
- What kind of training do you offer?
- What are the career prospects at this position?
Practice using mock interviews
Practicing for an interview can be one of the most effective ways of job interview preparation. You can practice with a friend, preferably one who has experience with job interviews and can give you constructive feedback. If there is no one you can rehearse with, practice in front of a mirror. Being well-prepared will still give you the benefit of lowering your anxiety and giving you the confidence to sell yourself.
Control your body language and tone of voice
Practicing for a job interview in front of a mirror has the additional benefit of being able to observe and evaluate your body language. Are you folding your arms, tapping your foot or cracking your fingers? If yes, you should try to control this, because it makes you look nervous. It may also distract the interviewer and make him/her doubt your skills. You want to look collected and poised. You should also control your voice. Speak at the appropriate volume and pitch. Do not speak too quickly, either. Maintain eye contact, but do not stare. Last, but not least, smile.
Review and print your resume
Be familiar with both your education (the exact names of training course and degrees) and job history (dates, names of companies and job responsibilities). If you have gaps in your career, prepare to tell the interviewer why. Make sure the explanation is truthful and makes sense. Also, print a few copies of your resume, one for your reference and a few for your interviewers. It will make you look professional, well-organized and thoughtful.
Look the part and do not be late
Do dress professionally. An elegant suit, white shirt, dressy shoes and tasteful jewellery will make you look professional. So will well-groomed hair and neat nails. On the day of the interview, wake up earlier, shower, have a light breakfast and be prepared to arrive on time. Give yourself plenty of time for the commute as some things will go wrong just when you need them to go right.
Follow-up after the interview
Give your interviewer some time to evaluate you and compare you with other candidates, but follow up after a few days. Write an e-mail thanking your interviewer for the chance to talk to them and inquire about the status of your application. This will remind your interviewer that you are still interested in the position. It is a nice finishing touch that may actually give you the advantage over the other candidates.
Good luck!