How To: Prepare For An Interview
Here are 10 essential ways to prepare for an interview!
So it’s time for you to get a new job, and you’re looking for some pointers on how to get ready for your important interview… you’ve come to the right place! It can be intimidating and nerve wracking to have to show up and show yourself off, but if you’re prepared it eases half of the adrenaline! Do yourself a favour and take note of these essential ways to prepare for an interview!
Integrate Work Clothes Into Your Wardrobe
It’s crucial to dress for the position you’re trying to acquire. Think of what kind of dress code may be appropriate for the job; is it an office setting? Are you going to be out in the field dealing with clients? Are you working from home? Working in a super casual environment? These are all questions to consider when figuring out your wardrobe. Perhaps you already have pieces that will work, but if not it’s always fun to go shopping for some staple pieces you can mix and match to look sharp! Choose an interview outfit that will speak to who you are while making you feel comfortable and confident!
Read Up About The Company & Position
Want to make a great impression at your interview? Arm yourself with knowledge of the company’s inner workings and history, as well as details about the position you’re applying for. This is sure to prove your interest and competency. Visit their website & social media accounts to read what they put out there for you to know. It wouldn’t hurt to get to be familiar with similar brands and competitors and keep on top of the market.
Freshen Up On Your Skills Needed For The Job
Whether the job your trying to get hired for requires you to be proficient in Microsoft Office programs, be excellent at customer service, be a great multitask-er and proficient self starter- practice whatever the job entails before you go to the interview. You need to prepare to master this process! Prepare and practice your “elevator speech” to “sell yourself” with confidence. There are tons of articles and YouTube tutorials for everything you could need to brush up on your skills before a new job.
Update & Print Copies of Your Resume
A lot of employers want you to bring in a resume regardless if you sent one in prior to your interview. To have one on hand shows consideration and professionalism. Make sure yours is up to date with relevant information, and consider adding a little flare to it to stand out, such as a colour accent or your name in a large font. Adding a cover letter can’t hurt your chances, either!
Take Note of Typical Questions Interviewers Ask
The most intimidating part of the interview can be getting asked questions. Regardless if it’s questions about your job experience, your skills, or your personal life, it just feels like a lot of pressure to say the right thing. Write down typical questions that may be asked for the field you’re going into. Answer them honestly, but in a way that shows off your ability to work hard and solve problems.
Think of Thoughtful Questions to Ask The Interviewer
Your interviewer is likely to ask you if you have any questions concerning what you talked about and the position. Thinking of a couple questions to ask ahead of time will show that you care about the job and your performance. You could also inquire certain pieces of information that can tell you a lot about if a company or business is aligned with your values. If you have special needs or concerns this is the perfect time to bring them up- in the beginning to get equipped with all of the knowledge you need to put your best foot forward. Try not to settle for a job, make sure it will work for your life!
Practice Speaking Confidently & Having Strong Body Language
We all want to come off like we’re confident right? Whether we really feel it or not, sometimes you have to fake it til ya make it! Have good posture and exude a relaxed but professional aura. Keeping a good amount of eye contact will show you’re paying attention as well as respect to the person conducting the meeting. Try not to be fidgety or talk too fast, even if you’re uncomfortable. Just keep breathing and know that you got this, and it will eventually be over. Smiling is the perfect way to show that you’re looking forward to the experience and feel comfortable in a situation where you’re having to talk about yourself.
Make Sure Transportation to This Job Makes Sense For Your Budget & Life
Make sure you have a ride or money for transportation to and from your interview (and job). Keep in mind the time of you’re expected to be there, and consider showing up a couple minutes early. If you’re getting a ride from someone, let them know that you’re not sure how long the interview will take and that you’ll call or message them when you’re done. You want to make sure you’re not in a rush and that you don’t have to worry about transportation during any part of this process.
That being said, this is a huge factor that comes into play when deciding if a job is right for you or not. How close is it to home? Can I walk there, drive there, will I have to take a train? Is it going to cost me an arm and a leg for gas money every month? Will the commute eat away hours of my mornings and evenings every day…and more importantly, do I want to live like that? ALL CRUCIAL questions! Your job is the foundation on which your every day (pretty much) routine bounces off of. This is sometimes the main chunk of people’s entire lives! Consider choosing wellness over wealth though, if you can.
Talk Yourself Up
(Before & During Your Interview)
While you’re prepping for your interview be sure to speak kindly to yourself. Tell yourself you got this! You’re smart and capable and ready! They’d be fools not to hire you! It’s also helpful to subtly “sell yourself” to your interviewer as well. Make sure to mention anything related to the job that will let them know you’re a fantastic candidate with a great attitude. Put your strengths on display, and use your charming smile.
The Interview Follow-Up
The final part of the interview process is the follow-up. There are a few ways to do this, and different sources will suggest different methods as being the most effective.
Methods To Follow Up:
*Ask about next steps at the end of the interview…
Inquiring about your next steps before you leave the interview is a great way to show you mean business and leaves the guess work out of the follow up!
* Ask if you can connect via Linkd In or other social media platforms…
Connecting to a business or company via Linkd In can help keep you fresh in their minds when it comes down to new hiring opportunities. Remember: Out of site, out of mind!
*Write a thank you note…
Writing a thank you note is a simple and professional gesture that you can send to your interviewer. Just a simple thank you for their time and consideration while mentioning that you hope you hear back from them will suffice. Plus, who doesn’t appreciate a little card!
*Send an e-mail…
Sending a quick e-mail which could say the exact same thing as a thank you note would, is a great way to get your name to pop up on their screen and therefore pop into their minds for consideration. It’s true that sometimes people drown in e-mails at work but don’t let knowing that discourage you.
*Make a phone call…
According to some sites I just looked at, it’s common to do a phone call follow up about 24 hours after your interview. I feel like that’s pretty quick, but I guess if you’re in it to win it, above other contenders, make that call, girl!
I hope these essential ways to prepare for an interview make you look & feel like a pro and find you well on your job search!
Until next time,
J.
Fate Up Against Your Will 