As you get ready for a job interview, it is normal for anxiety, fear, self-doubt, and other unhelpful feelings to crawl their way into your mind. But to help you regain confidence and ace the interview like a rockstar, here are 17 crucial things to remember as you get ready for a job interview.
Several Days to A Week Before the Interview
1. Invest a long time looking into the organization and the role available. To get company-specific info, go to a library, run a search on the web, or get in touch with current or former staff members regarding their experiences and impressions of the company. Study the company’s products and services, sector, target market, yearly sales, geographic location( s), structure, history, officers, and any other key details. Are there any brand-new trends in the industry?
2. Identify the company’s main competitors and do some basic findings on how they stand apart (either positively or negatively) from the business with which you are interviewing.
3. Prepare specific examples of how your abilities and experience make you a solid fit for the firm’s requirements. Rehearse addressing directed questions about your knowledge, educational background, and abilities and how they correlate to the role at hand. Being readied to draw colorations between your experience and the requirements of the organization is one of the most important interviewing skills you will require.
4. Determine your strengths and weaknesses. Be prepared to speak about your weaknesses; however, look for a way to frame them positively. For instance, “My most significant weakness is that I am a perfectionist. It might take me a little extra time to get a job done to my satisfaction. However, you can be guaranteed that the work will pass even the most stringent evaluation, be 100% precise and that no element will be neglected.”
5. Prepare many intelligent thoughts about the company and position that will show your understanding of the company and your sincere interest in the position.
6. Try out your suit and make sure that it is still well-fitting and in excellent shape. If needed, make plans to have it transformed or look for an alternative outfit.
The Day Right Before the Job Interview
1. Contact the business to affirm the date and time of your interview. Also, verify the name and title of the individual( s) you will be meeting.
2. Get directions to the interview place. Be sure to double-check the directions using a map. This will ensure that you understand the way and also provide you with an approximate travel time– do not forget to enable additional time for rush hour!
3. Layout your entire interview outfit. Check it for any spots, creases, or snags.
4. Print out a few additional copies of your resume and cover letter on nice paper. Even if the recruiter has a copy of their own, it’s usually a good concept to have a backup copy.
This is also beneficial if you talk to multiple individuals since the head recruiter may be the only individual with a copy of your resume.
Related: 13 Resume Mistakes That Can Make You Lose The Job interview
Get an Excellent Night’s Sleep!
1. Your brain requires fuel to run at peak performance, and if there is ever a day you needed 110% from your brain, it’s today. So don’t skimp on meals. Be mindful about eating large amounts of carbohydrates right prior to your interview, though, considering that carbs are understood to trigger sluggishness and might cause a “post-lunch” naptime.
2. Get ahead of time, so you do not become pressured to dash out the door. Pay attention to the information (brush off any dust, comb your hair, brush your teeth, utilize deodorant, and so on), and keep in mind that a very first impression can reveal a lot about you and your personality.
3. Don’t fail to bring copies of your resume, cover letter, and portfolio if you possess them.
4. Leave yourself plenty of time to get to your interview. If you get there more than 15 minutes early, it’s best to wait in the car or outside the premises. Getting there too early emits the impression that you have a lot riding on the interview (and have nothing better to do with your time) and also pressures the job interviewer(s) into feeling that they need to change their plan to accommodate you.
5. Smile and shake everyone’s hands when you are meeting for the very first time – you should likewise smile and shake hands when the interview wraps up.
6. Loosen up! If you have done your homework, you are well-prepared for the interview. Take a deep breath and spend a moment gathering your thoughts if you require to when asked a concern. Ask questions; if you’re puzzled about a particular question you are asked, don’t hesitate to request clarification.
After the Interview
1. Write a quick “Thank You” email or text to the person(s) who interviewed you.
As you get ready for a job interview, make this a checklist of everything you must do, and rest assured your chances of getting hired is much higher than before.
The Career Network Club (CNC) is a North American Career Coaching Community that offers pay-as-you-go coaching services for mid to senior-level business professionals. CNC is owned by Curt Skene, a former award-winning training manager for Microsoft, and worldwide founder of Microsoft Skills 2000. The Career Network Club is proud to be the home of the ‘Job Offer Guarantee’ so that business professionals like yourself can Get Hired, Quick and Easy!