Job interviews can be mentally painful and embarrassing for those who come unprepared. However, for smart job hunters who are well-equipped with the proper knowledge and preparation, job interviews serve as an avenue where they can sell themselves and their abilities to potential employers.
Preparation is key in nearly all of life’s endeavors and being prepared for the job interview is the critical first step in landing the job.
Tip 1: Prepare a professional-looking, well-written resume/curriculum vitae.
Your resume or curriculum vitae should work more like a summary of the skills which you can bring into the company’s table. It should contain important information regarding your experience; your educational attainment and things that you’ve achieved that are worth noting.
An excellent resume should put emphasis on your strengths and uniqueness.
Tip 2: Research the company.
It will probably take an hour to research a particular company. However, the sad fact is that most job hunters fail to do so. Inevitably, during the job interview, you’ll encounter perhaps the most difficult and shaping question, “Why do you want to work for this company?”
A job candidate who knows little to nothing about the company will just scratch his head while the smart job candidate will eloquently explain his reasons, citing the company’s goal or referencing to the company’s mission/vision statements.
Tip 3: Look professional – wear appropriate clothes, shave, cut your nails, have a fresh haircut.
Physical appearance definitely matters during a job interview. It is a common belief that job interviews are won during the first few minutes, and what better way to impress an interviewer in the early stages than to look and act professionally?
Some people are naturally biased that is why it is important to always look your best during an interview.
Tip 4: Anticipate common job interview questions and prepare impressive yet concise answers.
Another great way to prepare for a job interview is to anticipate common job interview questions and prepare winning answers which are both impressive and at the same time concise, direct and to the point.
You can also rehearse a mock interview with a friend or a family member. When you go to a job interview prepared, it will show.
Tip 5: Be there as early as possible – at least 30 minutes earlier than the scheduled interview.
Being at the job interview’s location is a matter of psyching yourself. You should focus yourself on the job interview alone and not worry about certain crappy things like where to park or will you arrive on time – make it a point to do away with the unnecessary stress that won’t help you in any way.
Sources
- Alison Green, How to Prepare for a Job Interview, Yahoo! Finance
John Louie Ramos - JL Ramos is an expert writer based in Manila, PH. He writes for several websites, mostly in the areas of business and personal finance.
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