Congratulations! The long hours you spent perfecting your resume and cover letter have paid off. You have been invited for a job interview.
You might ask yourself, “what do I do now?” Well, don’t worry! We have put together six tips to help you prepare for your interview.
Do your research
Prior to your interview, it’s important that you are prepared. Take some time to research as much as you can about the organization or company. What are their values? Do they have a mission statement? What is their story? How have they impacted the industry and or the community? The more you know about them, the more they will see that you have a vested interest in the position, what they do, and the principles they stand for. Remember, knowledge is power!
Brainstorm possible questions
There are a variety of resources available to help discover questions that may be asked during a job interview (stay tuned for our upcoming series on interview questions!). Your network of colleagues, friends, family, and online are excellent sources to come up with a list of possible questions. Once you have a list, think about how you might answer the questions. Also consider how your skills and or experience apply.
Conduct a mock interview
Now that you have crafted your list of interview questions and answers, enlist the help of a close friend or family member. Share your list with them and practice with a mock interview. While it may seem awkward and uncomfortable, acting out your answers with someone you value and trust will help boost your confidence. They also help ensure you are answering the question appropriately and effectively. If it has been a while since your last interview, a mock interview is a great dress rehearsal before the big show.
Ask your own questions
While the hiring manager will have many questions for you, it’s recommended that you also have questions ready for them regarding the position. This demonstrates to the hiring manager that you have put time and thought into the job interview.
Plan your attire
First impressions are key, so make sure you are not scrambling the morning of an interview for something to wear. If you have a closet full of options, be sure to try on the items you plan to wear to ensure everything fits and is comfortable. If you don’t have something appropriate to wear, set aside time to do some shopping. Make sure you feel confident in the outfit you choose and have everything ready for the day of. It’s a good idea to dress in layers in case you become too hot, or too cold. The last thing you want is to be sweating from the heat or vice versa.
Give yourself time
Map out the location of where the job interview is to take place. Ensure you know how to get there, and what the parking situation is like. If you will be using public transit, give yourself time for delays or other hiccups that could occur. It’s good practice to arrive early. This way you won’t feel rushed and will have time to review your list of questions and answers. This also demonstrates that you are reliable and respect the time of the hiring manager.
Following these tips will help set you up for success and help relieve your nerves. Remember to be yourself, be confident, and greet your interviewers with a friendly smile and firm handshake.
Good luck, and happy interviewing!