How do you prepare for a Job Interview?
The better prepared you are, the less likely you are to feel nervous in an interview. You will also be more prompt with your responses and succinct in your answering.
Remember the interviewers are not there to catch you out or interrogate you. It’s in their best interests to put you at ease and bring out the best in you. They want you to be the best person for the job so they can finish the interviewing process.
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Some pre-interview tips
- Revisit the application you placed for the job and the job specification carefully.
- Visit the company website and any other company data that you can obtain. Study the company’s main products/services, history, principals and challenges as you see it. If there have been any major recent developments for the company, be prepared to talk about these.
- Where possible know who the company’s competitors and key clients are.
- Be prepared to know and understand the key competencies required for the role.
- Know what you would do in your first week/month with the new company?
- Look at your key strengths and areas for improvement – prepare at least 3 of each.
- Look at answers as to why you are looking to leave/left your previous employer.
- What did you like the most/least about your current/previous role?
- Why are you interested in this role and company?
- Why are you the best person for the role?
- How would you/your colleagues describe you – positive/negative?
- Where do you see yourself in 3, 5 and 10 years?
- During the interview, answer the questions you are given clearly. This means you need to listen carefully to what’s being asked.
The Night Before the Interview
- Relax – get a good night’s sleep.
- Believe you are the best person for the job – they are not there to catch you out.
- Wear an outfit that you feel comfortable in and is appropriate for the industry you are applying to.
- Choose your outfit and laid it out before the interview so you are not under pressure on the day.
- Find out who you are meeting and their job titles and double check the interview time and date.
- If you are unsure of the area, do a dry run journey to the interview location prior to the interview, so that you know how much time to allow for travel.
On the Day
- Review the preparation that you have done – try to leave a break of at least 2 hours prior to the interview to clear your head.
- Revise your particular strengths and areas for improvement and how you intend on bridging the gap for the role.
- Have a meal so you are alert for the interview. Avoid eating garlicky or spicy foods beforehand!
- Avoid using excessive or overbearing accessories, ties, etc or perfume/aftershave.
- If possible, get some fresh air to clear your head prior to the interview.
- Arrive near the office early to ensure that you are there on time. Do not arrive for the interview more than 5 minutes early.
- Leave your coat at reception – and freshen up before you enter the interview room.
- Smile at the people you meet within the office and remember the names and job titles of the people you are meeting for interview.
Good luck!
Gillian Knight is the MD of Kala Management Solutions and has extensive experience within the field of HR. She has assisted thousands of people write job winning CVs as well providing one to one interview coaching to job seekers.