Getting Ready for a Job Interview

Preparing for a job interview can be nerve-wracking and intimidating. However if you prepare well enough before the big day, chances are you'll do better than you thought you would. Preparing before an interview will not only show the interviewer that you did your research but you'll also show them how committed you are to your potentially new role. Reviewing and preparing for an interview will also help avoid any awkward moments like not knowing what to answer when they ask you certain questions and asking the right ones.

Refer to the following to create a checklist to prepare for the big day:

1. Examine the job description

Read the job description posted by the employer in order to carefully go over the duties and tasks that are expected to be executed within the role you're interviewing for. The qualifications, years of experience, and skills mentioned in the job posting should closely align with what you can offer in order to guarantee a successful interview. Going over the job description will also help you have an idea of the questions the interviewer may ask you.

2. Think about why you are interviewing and analyze your skills

Before you go through with the interview, make sure you have a clear understanding of why you want this job and if you're qualified enough. This will help you explain why you're interested in the position you've applied for and why you're a good candidate for the role.

3. Do your research!

There's nothing worse than interviewing someone who knows absolutely nothing about the company they are applying for. Make sure to do enough research on the company before you go in for the interview. The chances are very high that you'll be asked about the company and not knowing enough can be grounds for immediate disqualification. Make sure to not only research about the history of the company but also look up information on:

The products offered
The role you are applying for
The company culture
Services offered

4. Practice answers to common interview questions

There are several questions that are usually asked during job interviews. Make sure to practice your response to the following:

What interests you about this role?
Why do you want to work for us?
Describe a difficult situation and how did you overcome it?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Tell me a little bit about yourself
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

5. Make a lasting impression

First impression is everything. This not only goes for your appearance but also your body language, projection, and posture. Prepare an appropriate interview outfit, practice your posture in front of a mirror, and do a mock interview on video to analyze the projection of your voice and see your body language.

6. Have some questions ready for the interviewer

Although the interviewer will be asking most of the questions, it's important that you ask some questions of your own too. Asking the right questions makes employers feel confident about the candidates they interview and shows them your level of interest in the position. Some questions you can ask are:

What does a typical work day look like for someone in the position I applied for?
How long is the training period?
What are the biggest challenges the company is facing at the moment?
Is career advancement available after a certain time period?
What are the next steps in the interview process?