How to Prepare for a Job Interview

All the people, regardless of where they work, have had at least one job interview in their life. Some have had dozens, some only one or two, but they all agree the job interview is one of the most stressful and, consequently, important events in everyone’s career. So, what can you do when you meet a prospective employer next time? Here are some tips to help you make the most of the opportunity.

Prepare well

You should demonstrate good knowledge when it comes to the company and the industry. It’s necessary to know how the company is placed on the market, who its competitors are and the compeny’s major achievements. That will show the prospective employer that you’re keen on the position and that you are someone who does their research thoroughly. Such an employee is always a great asset to any company.

Tell them why you deserve the job

You are very likely to be asked why you think you’re the right candidate for the job and you need to make a strong case for why they should hire you. Clearly state the reasons that make you a stand-out candidate, such as “I have great communication skills and experience working in a team”. Don’t forget to tell the interviewer what interests you about the job and what you hope to get from it in terms of rewards you find valuable.

Dress appropriately

Depending on the position you’re after, the company culture and the type of job interview, you need to dress appropriately. To be precise, you should avoid completely informal clothes, but how formal your attire should be depends on many factors. However, regardless of the degree of formality, you should pay attention to accessories, such as fashionable designer watches, jewellery or handbags. They can reveal so much about your personality and the interviewer is bound to notice those little details.

Prepare your questions

There will be a moment when the interview will ask you if you have any questions and you should never say, “No”. Prepare some intelligent questions for the interviewer in order to show you know something about the company and that you’re really interested in the job. Some of the questions that are usually met with positive responses are “What would you say is the best thing about working here?” and “How would you describe an ideal candidate for this job?” Also, if there is something that came up during the interview and you would need clarification about it, don’t hesitate to ask.

Practice makes perfect

Think of the questions you’d ask someone applying for the job and then practice giving answers. You need to come across as confident, but not cocky, knowledgeable, but not condescending. You can even ask a friend or family member to help you prepare. One can ask the questions, while another one can observe your behaviour and answers, so that you can get a good feedback. If you can’t find anyone available to help, you can record yourself and listen to how you sound. Just remember that the more you practice, the better you’ll do.

Be prepared for inappropriate questions

While there are strict rules in many countries regarding questions about your race, age, religion, marital status and sexual orientation, many interviewers still want to find out such information. You may state that such questions are irrelevant to your application or provide an answer to “the question behind the question”. Many employers want to know if a female candidate is planning to have kids in the (near) future, but they will try to avoid asking directly. So, if you sense they want that piece of information, you can be honest and say that at this moment you’re completely dedicated to your career. If that’s not the case, just don’t answer the question.
These are just some of the important tips you should know when preparing for your next job interview. So, be prepared and confident and do your homework. That will send a positive message and increase your chances of getting the job. Good luck!