The pressure of interviewing for a new job can be a bit overwhelming. But, with the right advice, you will be well on your way to getting the job you have always dreamed of.
So, check out these 6 tips to prepare for your big interview:
#1 – Research the Company and Interviewers
Nothing looks better at an interview than knowing all the right things about the company and the people interviewing you. This shows that you have put in the time to prepare for the interview and you care about the results.
Some people do not prepare like this and it shows when the interview begins. These are the kind of people that interviewers can weed out quickly if they are not ready to go.
Researching the company will also help you feel more informed and relaxed when the interview begins.
#2 – Practice Makes Perfect
Before you head into the interview, have someone quiz you on common interview questions. These can be found online, or you can make them up based on the perspective company you are applying for.
You could even record yourself when practicing to see how well you answer the questions. This would give you a feeling of how you appear to others and how you may do during the actual interview.
#3 – Refresh Yourself on the Job Description
If you are interviewing for a job, you probably want to get that job – so you better know what the job entails.
In this case, check back over the job description to make sure you know what the company expects of you if hired, what the everyday tasks might include, and why you are a fit.
This way, you will be well-versed in what you need to know, the skillset you should have, and how you can really knock the interview out of the park.
#4 – Put Together Your References
Getting a job truly depends on the people you know. This means having the right references could go a long way in helping your chances for a job.
When you go about picking a reference, you should reach out to a mentor, a former boss, or colleague who can speak to your work ethic, traits, skills, and abilities. Never have a reference who is related to you. Most businesses will move on if they see a family member on your references.
Do not ask a current boss or employee to be your reference, unless they know you are looking for a new job (and are fine with it). Having a potential new employer call your current employer without warning could cause some issues.
#5 – Arrive Early (But not too early)
Make sure you arrive early for your big interview and definitely don’t be late. If you are late, you can kiss your chances of getting hired goodbye.
If you are exactly on time, you might not give yourself the appropriate amount of time to fill out paperwork (or something like that) before the interview officially starts.
The perfect amount of time to arrive for an interview is 15 minutes ahead of time. This will account for traffic, roadblocks, filling out paperwork, or whatever else might get in your way.
#6 – Plan Your Attire
How you dress for a job interview is very important.
An interview needs you to be at your best and dressing appropriately will show a level of professionalism that should impress them. Business attire is essential for an interview, so wear something clean and professional.
Clean and iron your clothes to perfection, and take them to the dry cleaners if needed. Shine your shoes, use a lint roller, and any other thing that can make you look more professional in the eyes of the interviewer.
#7 – Consider Taking Practice Tests
Assessment and aptitude tests during job interviews are growing in popularity these days. Employers like to narrow down who they are considering through these tests that will challenge you to think critically in a defined amount of time.
The PLI Test is one of the most commonly used tests that can give employers an idea of your IQ, critical thinking skills, and how you perform under stress. You can take online practice tests to help you prepare for when the time comes in an interview.
The Wrap-Up
Put in the hard work before an interview and up your chances of getting hired.
By studying the job description, preparing your professional presentation, and practicing how you interview will improve your chances exponentially. By putting in a little time to mentally prepare, you could soon be working the job of your dreams!
Author Bio: Darcy is a Journalism graduate who loves writing content on new topics. When he isn’t working, you can find him reading a Stephen King and cheering on the Ottawa Senators.
You can learn more about him by visiting his website: https://www.darcyallanpr.com/