Pre-interview jitters can make even seasoned job seekers fumble during a big occasion. While the thought of an interview might appear daunting for most of us, interview preparation is not as hard as it seems. All that one needs to do is stay organized and be proactive.
Preparation is key for any job interview. Let’s discuss some important steps you should take leading up to an interview, to help maximize your chances of success:
Do proper research about the company
The most important step is to read and research the company you are interviewing for. Go through the company website, blog, and social media pages to assess its products, services, and client base. Review the organization’s background and mission statement and take down some numbers like revenue, strength, offices, etc.
Go through the job description
Make a good effort to go through the job description so that you are aware of the expectations the company has for the position.
Fit in skills and qualities
While you analyze the job description, outline the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Examine the hierarchy and determine where the position fits within the organization. Analyze what the employer is seeking concerning your qualifications. Tweak your resume accordingly.
Make a proper questionnaire
As per the company background and job role, make a list of questions you can expect to be thrown at you. Research answers to these questions via the company website, social media pages, company news, etc.
Practice Mock interview
Find a friend or a family member and hand them down the list of questions you prepared. Ask them to play the role of an interviewer. Practice answering all the questions on the list. You can also record your answers to analyze them further.
Organize your documents
Keep two copies of all the important documents such as your resume, cover letter, degrees, mark sheets, identity proofs, photographs, etc., ready. Also, check if the recruiter has asked you to bring any other thing like a laptop, notebook, etc. to the interview. Organize all the documents neatly in a folder.
Dress Appropriately
Choose a formal outfit for the interview. Make sure your clothes are neat and wrinkle-free and your overall appearance is neat and clean. Most importantly, beam with confidence all along and wear a smile.
Plan your journey
Spend time prior to the interview to work out how you’ll get there. Take a look upto public transport routes etc. Plan how long the journey will take. Aim to arrive about 15 minutes early.
Sleep and eat well
A night before the interview, sleep well for at least 6 to 7 hours. Eat something an hour before the interview so that you have the energy and patience to sit through it. Carry a bottle of water or juice along to keep yourself hydrated.
Stay calm and composed
Naturally, nerves will begin to kick in, but try to stay calm and confident. Take deep breaths and practice positive, self-affirmation thoughts in your mind. If you’ve done adequate research, you shouldn’t have anything to fret about.
Body Language
Keep a positive mindset as well as keep a good posture while waiting for your turn. Be sure with your thought process that whichever company you are being interviewed for you are going there not only for a monetary purpose but to help the company achieve new heights. Be polite to guards, receptionists, and other candidates. In the interview room, sit and answer questions confidently. Be firm, yet polite. Keep your statements crisp, short and precise. At the end of the interview, shake the interviewer’s hand and thank for his/her time and consideration.
