You’ve been searching for the right job, you found it, you applied. Congratulations, you have been chosen to move on to the interview process! Here is when time is of the essence. There is a lot of preparation needed in order for you to ace that interview. Give yourself a minute to pat yourself on the back for creating a great resume. Then it’s back to work! Here are a few of our tips on how to prepare for an interview.
Do research on the Company
It is so important to walk into the interview with knowledge of what the company is about. You should know about the industry, and how your company contributes to it. Find out some of the company’s history, learn about the company mission statement and the values the company holds. You should have some questions prepared to ask the interviewer as well. This shows your genuine interest in the company and the position.
Prepare for common interview questions
There are lists of common interview questions all over the internet, look through them and have an idea of your answer! You can find 5 of the most common questions, and how to answer them here. You should have at least the start of an answer prepared prior to the interview, so you aren’t stuck under pressure when it comes up!
Pick out your outfit in advance
You never want to be running around the morning of an interview wondering what you are going to wear. First impressions are important. Find out the company dress code prior to showing up. Even if it is casual wear, jeans and a t-shirt is never the best option. It’s better to overdress than underdress. If the interview is virtual, you should still dress just as you would if you were in person. Lastly, it’s best to skip the perfume and scented body creams. You never know what allergies or sensitives people may have and you could turn someone off without even knowing it.
Review the Job Description
Read it over again and again! Take notes of the questions you have and highlight aspects of the job that you fit especially well. You should be preparing to sell your experience to the company. Be ready to talk about relevant experience, and how it would make you a good fit for the role. Do not get caught up on your experiences that do not have any relevance. Bring up your most relevant experience and run with it. Be sure to write down questions you may have that pertain directly to the position as well. This is an excellent way to show your interest.
Last but not least
You should always be early. Parking can sometimes be difficult, and if not, it looks great to be 5-10 minutes early! You should never smoke before an interview, or be seen on your phone while waiting! Best practice is to turn your phone completely off and leave it out of sight. Make sure you have your questions with you and bringing a couple of copies of your resume. Take a deep breath before walking in, and let your confidence shine!
