Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, but with a little planning, the anxiety can be considerably reduced. Take some time to plan ahead of time and prepare for every part of the day leading up to the job interview.
Most people and employers value first impressions, especially employers who may have years of interviewing experience and can learn a lot about a person in the first few minutes. Here are some pointers on how to prepare for a job interview.
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1. Know The Company
2. Prepare Questions
The applicant will be asked questions, and he or she should be able to anticipate some of them and have prepared responses.
They can invite a friend to conduct a mock interview and ask the questions if possible, so the candidate can practice giving the prepared replies. The interviewer will also ask if the candidate has any questions.
Having a few good questions to ask the interviewer demonstrates the applicant’s excitement and curiosity. Questions concerning the job’s prospects, the interviewer’s position or experience, or to clarify what was mentioned in the interview are all permissible.
The applicant should not ask stupid questions or request that what has already been communicated be repeated. It will convey the appearance that the candidate has no idea what he or she is doing.
3. Plan The Trip
At least 15 minutes before the scheduled interview time, the applicant should arrive at the interview office. This implies they must be able to get to the location, park, and get to the workplace in a timely manner.
If they’re driving, they should look for a parking spot ahead of time in case they have to walk five or ten minutes to get to the building. This should not be left until the day of the interview because so many things can go wrong and lead the applicant to be late.
4. Plan The Interview Day
The candidate should dress professionally for the job. Both women and men should dress conservatively for the majority of jobs.
For men, a dark or neutral-colored suit, a white shirt, and a knee-length skirt for women are appropriate. The majority of job interviews are not the opportunity to show off your personal flair.
5. Be Organized
To the interview, the applicant should bring their application letter, a copy of their résumé, and, if applicable, a portfolio.
The applicant should be ready when his or her name is called while waiting in a waiting area. This means they don’t have to waste time grabbing their coat, briefcase, water, or phone before entering the interview room.
Applicants may be required to present examination certificates or mark sheets to some job interviews. If this is required, the applicant must find out ahead of time so that they can obtain all of the necessary paperwork.
When a candidate is notified of an interview, they will normally be given a list of items they need to bring. The applicant should not bring anything that will obstruct the interview process.
6. During The Interview
The applicant should:
- Speak audibly and look the interviewer in the eye
- Pause briefly before answering a difficult question to think
- Speak confidently about accomplishments without sounding like bragging
- Use positive language and be enthusiastic and motivated
- Remember to breathe regularly and not unknowingly hold his or her breath
- Eat a nutritious meal before the interview
- Use the toilet before the interview
- Be courteous to everyone in the office
- Leave their phone in the car or turn it off
- Keep answers to 30 – 90 seconds long
- Not use slang or off-color humor
- Not criticize a former employer
7. Be Friendly and Positive
An applicant should not convey gloomy views about society or politics during a job interview. Even if the applicant is naturally cynical, he or she should control his or her cynicism throughout the interview.
It is critical that the interviewer has a positive impression of the applicant. Many employers chose the applicant who appeals to them the most, even if they are not the best qualified for the position.
Although there is no way to totally eliminate pre-interview nerves, a well-prepared candidate has a higher chance of generating a positive first impression than one who is rushing for answers.
