After sending a resume to a prospective employer, you may be called for your first of probably two or three interviews. The initial interview is
critical because that is when the employer will likely decide whether to hire you and how you might fit with the company. This step is crucial, and you need to be prepared to enhance your likelihood
of a successful interview and eventual job offer.
Before you even step one foot in the door of your prospective employer, you should completely research the company,
its background, corporate goals, top executives, and anything pertinent to the position to which you have applied.
Additionally, knowing the background of the company and what you are going to be doing for that company will help you prepare
for questions that will be asked of you. It would be time well spent to practice answering test questions with a friend or
family member so you are able to provide confident, knowledgeable answers during the interview that make a positive impression.
When you show up on the day of the interview, it is best to arrive at least 10
to 15 minutes prior to the planned starting time. An early arrival shows you are punctual and that the job interview is important
to you. You should be prepared with a couple extra copies of your resume in case additional people sit in on the interview,
and you should always carry copies of any documents that they may require, such as certifications or school records.
Make sure your attire and general appearance reflects the standards of the company. It is best to show up in business appropriate
clothing that is clean, ironed, and sharp looking. You do not want to be wearing excessive makeup or jewelry; and for a man,
you should be clean shaven and neat.
If, for example, this is a "suite and tie" company and you come
to the interview in jeans, you might as well cancel the interview altogether. By looking professional, you show you are ready
to blend in with their business needs. Maverick thinking may help you land a great position, but a maverick appearance will
not!
On meeting the people who will be interviewing you, it is best to smile at them directly, greet each with
a firm handshake, and offer an enthusiastic hello. The more upbeat you are - without appearing contrived - the more apt they
are to be drawn to you.
Always maintain good eye contact with the person who is interviewing you during the meeting.
You do not want to appear intimidating, however, so occasionally look away when they are speaking with you. Conversely, you
do not want to keep looking up or down because they could mistake this for dishonesty or disinterest. (You may be surprised
by what is surmised from a person's body language.)
Lastly, when the interview has concluded, make sure to
shake each person's hand again and thank them for their time. State how interested you are in the job and that you look
forward to hearing from them. A brief follow up thank you letter to each person for their time and interest in you will not
hurt your chances either.
Though following these tips certainly does not ensure you will be hired, they do help
to maximize the positive impression you make on hiring decision-makers!
Job Interview Tips - 6 Essentials to Do the Day Before the Job Interview
Prepare the day before to
make sure you get to your interview on time. Find out exactly where you have to go and who you must ask for once you are there.
Get good directions, look on the map and make sure you know the best route. Work out how long it will take you, allow for
traffic and parking time. Have the full name and position of the person you will be seeing and a contact number in case you
need to call. Put all this information into an interview folder to take with you.
Conduct Background
Research
You have time to search for company information on the internet. Find out relevant
details about the employer and use these prepare your interview answers and questions. Having background information on the
company helps to set you apart as a prepared and informed job candidate.
Prepare your Portfolio
Another job interview tip is to get all your documentation together the day before. Make a couple of copies
of your resume and a list of your references including name, position and contact numbers. Include copies of any written references
you want to give the interviewer. You may want to include work samples that are relevant to the position. Include details
of the research that you have conducted on the company. Let the interviewer see that you have done your homework! Put all
these into a neat, simple portfolio to give to the interviewer. Have a notebook and pen ready to jot down details during the
interview.
Review your Resume
Go through your resume the day
before to re-familiarize yourself with the information the interviewer has about you. Be aware of any red flags such as gaps
in employment or reasons for leaving previous employers that you will need to address during the interview. Highlight
these and prepare answers to any questions that may arise.
Practice your Answers and Questions
A couple of days before the interview you will have prepared answers to common job interview questions such as "What are your strengths?", "Why are you the right candidate for this job?", "Tell me about
yourself?" Go through these answers and practice saying them out loud. You also should have prepared at least five good
questions to ask the interviewer about the job, the company and the management, such as, "Please describe the company's
management style and the sort of employee who fits in well with it?" Go through these questions, feel confident about
asking them, and include them in your interview folder.
Dress for Success
Find
out the expected dress code for the job interview. You can call the company and speak to Human Resources or even Reception. It is usually advisable to dress more formally for the interview than the actual position requires- this
shows respect for the interview process.Chosoe the appropriate clothes the day before and make sure they are clean and
pressed. Shoes should be polished. Decide on any accessories you want to wear. Lay your interview clothes out ready for the
next day. This saves rushing around just before the interview and getting into a spin!
Six simple job
interview tips that you can do the day before your big job interview. Make the difference between feeling prepared, confident
and in control or anxious and flustered about the interview.
