How to prepare yourself for job interview
It takes a lot more than googling a list of common interview questions to prepare for an interview. You must make a great first impression in terms of appearance (no wrinkled suits here!), have a thorough understanding of your target company and its product, and, of course, know how to convey that you are the ideal candidate for the job. So, before the big day, go over these helpful pre-interview tips so you can walk into your meeting feeling confident and prepared to make your mark-
1) Read through the job description and make sure you understand everything there is to know about the position:
How do you prepare for that dream job interview now that you've received a call? Reviewing the job description should be the first step in the preparation process. Most job descriptions follow a similar pattern and are classified according to the following criteria:
• responsibilities and tasks
• Required abilities
The job title and department will give you an idea of the position's main purpose and where it fits into the organisation, allowing you to figure out who your potential line manager is. Read and reread the job description carefully, and make sure your qualifications match the job's requirements. As a result, you'll be prepared for questions about your previous work experience in similar roles in other organisations.
1) 2) Know the industry and the company.
An interviewer may inquire as to how you see his company's position in its industry, who its competitors are, what its competitive advantages are, and how the company should proceed. As a result, don't try to research a dozen different industries in depth. Instead, narrow your job search to a few industries.
3) Make sure you're prepared for common interview questions.
A list of a hundred or more "common interview
questions" can be found in every "how to interview"
book. (If there are that many common questions, you
might be wondering how long those interviews are!) So,
how do you get ready? Pick any list and consider which
questions, given your age and status, you're most likely to
face (about to graduate, looking for a summer
internship). Then prepare your responses ahead of time
so you don't have to fumble for them during the interview.
4) 4) Make sure you look the part:
Whether you're doing a video call or an in-person interview, this is an especially important aspect of the process. Choosing the right outfit entails more than just ironing a suit or selecting the right lipstick shade. Make sure that whatever you choose blends in with the rest of the company's attire. In any online photos you find, pay attention to the staff's attire. Alternatively, walk by the office to see what they're wearing. Your appearance and the outfit you choose can help you leave a lasting impression, so make sure you plan ahead of time.
5) Make sure you're familiar with your resume.
During the interview, the interviewer will usually have a copy of your resume in front of them. They may want to know more about your education or previous work experience, so be ready to explain your credentials thoroughly. Make a list of all the training and experience you've had that is relevant to the position you've applied for before the interview. Make a note of any additional courses you've taken that will assist you in your role.
6) Practice is the key!
A mock interview with a friend will boost your confidence and give you the opportunity to practise proper body language. The goal of this exercise is to become more comfortable speaking about yourself rather than to rehearse every response because you can't always expect questions to be asked exactly as you practiced. For the practice run, you may want to dress in your interview attire to ensure that you are completely comfortable in the clothes you've chosen.
7) Plan your route in advance and be punctual!
Even if you're familiar with the area where the company is located, it's a good idea to plan your route ahead of time or double-check train schedules, etc. for the day of your interview. You'll want to avoid any hiccups because they can cause undue stress and even cause you to miss your interview. If at all possible, arrive at the interview location early. If you're conducting a remote interview, double-check that your equipment is in working order, that you have access to a quiet room, and that your internet connection is stable. Make sure to test the sound and lighting with a practice run.
8) Crosscheck the documents needed:
Although you may have applied with a digital copy of your CV, it is always a good idea to keep hard copies of all your documents on hand in case the interviewer requires them. Your resume and cover letter should be printed out. Put all of your important documents in a folder, including your grade sheets, certificates, ID proofs, and photographs. If the HR department has asked you to bring any specific documents, such as pay stubs, a relieving letter from your previous employer, a bank statement, or identity proofs, make sure you have them on hand.
If you follow these guidelines, you will be able to successfully prepare for a job interview. But what about during the interview? Here are some practical suggestions to help you improve your chances of success by supplementing your preparations:
• Switch off your phone or put it on silent or vibration mode while you wait for your turn at the venue. If you must take an urgent call, speak softly and quietly.
• In the waiting area, be patient. It would be unprofessional to loiter around the office.
• Make sure not to ask the interviewer, HR staff, or receptionist any personal questions.
• Keep your responses succinct and focused.
• Always mention your current or previous employer in a positive light.
• If you don't know the answer to any of the interviewer's questions, say so.
• It's perfectly acceptable to pause and ask the interviewer for some time to collect your thoughts. Once this part is over, you can rest easy and walk out of the interview knowing you aced it!
Whether you're doing a video call or an in-person interview, this is an especially important aspect of the process. Choosing the right outfit entails more than just ironing a suit or selecting the right lipstick shade. Make sure that whatever you choose blends in with the rest of the company's attire. In any online photos you find, pay attention to the staff's attire. Alternatively, walk by the office to see what they're wearing. Your appearance and the outfit you choose can help you leave a lasting impression, so make sure you plan ahead of time.
5) Make sure you're familiar with your resume.
During the interview, the interviewer will usually have a copy of your resume in front of them. They may want to know more about your education or previous work experience, so be ready to explain your credentials thoroughly. Make a list of all the training and experience you've had that is relevant to the position you've applied for before the interview. Make a note of any additional courses you've taken that will assist you in your role.
6) Practice is the key!
A mock interview with a friend will boost your confidence and give you the opportunity to practise proper body language. The goal of this exercise is to become more comfortable speaking about yourself rather than to rehearse every response because you can't always expect questions to be asked exactly as you practiced. For the practice run, you may want to dress in your interview attire to ensure that you are completely comfortable in the clothes you've chosen.
7) Plan your route in advance and be punctual!
Even if you're familiar with the area where the company is located, it's a good idea to plan your route ahead of time or double-check train schedules, etc. for the day of your interview. You'll want to avoid any hiccups because they can cause undue stress and even cause you to miss your interview. If at all possible, arrive at the interview location early. If you're conducting a remote interview, double-check that your equipment is in working order, that you have access to a quiet room, and that your internet connection is stable. Make sure to test the sound and lighting with a practice run.
8) Crosscheck the documents needed:
Although you may have applied with a digital copy of your CV, it is always a good idea to keep hard copies of all your documents on hand in case the interviewer requires them. Your resume and cover letter should be printed out. Put all of your important documents in a folder, including your grade sheets, certificates, ID proofs, and photographs. If the HR department has asked you to bring any specific documents, such as pay stubs, a relieving letter from your previous employer, a bank statement, or identity proofs, make sure you have them on hand.
If you follow these guidelines, you will be able to successfully prepare for a job interview. But what about during the interview? Here are some practical suggestions to help you improve your chances of success by supplementing your preparations:
• Switch off your phone or put it on silent or vibration mode while you wait for your turn at the venue. If you must take an urgent call, speak softly and quietly.
• In the waiting area, be patient. It would be unprofessional to loiter around the office.
• Make sure not to ask the interviewer, HR staff, or receptionist any personal questions.
• Keep your responses succinct and focused.
• Always mention your current or previous employer in a positive light.
• If you don't know the answer to any of the interviewer's questions, say so.
• It's perfectly acceptable to pause and ask the interviewer for some time to collect your thoughts. Once this part is over, you can rest easy and walk out of the interview knowing you aced it!
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