The prospect of a formal job interview may make you feel nervous, but with some advanced preparation, you can confidently communicate your value as a job candidate. One way to prepare for an interview is to make a list of descriptive and familiar vocabulary words from your field of employment, so you can elaborate on those concepts with personal details that help explain your qualifications, skills and unique personality traits. Framing your discussion around positive and aspirational words can help you portray confidence and poise during an interview.
These are some of the preparations you need to include while going to attend an interview.
Bring a copy of your resume to every interview
Have a copy of your resume with you when you go to every interview. If the interviewer has misplaced his or her copy, you’ll save a lot of time if you can just pull your extra copy out and hand it over.
Research the industry and company
An interviewer may ask how you perceive his company’s position in its industry, who the firm’s competitors are, what its competitive advantages are, and how it should best go forward. For this reason, avoid trying to thoroughly research a dozen different industries. Focus your job search on just a few industries instead. Get in-depth information about the company through its website, social media pages, employee reviews and other online sources. Find out about its mission, management, work culture, the types of products it offers and the types of clients it serves.
Researching the company well will help you align your CV with its expectations. It will also help you answer questions about the firm during the interview. If you are familiar with the organization, you can also ask relevant questions to the interviewer, which will show your seriousness about the job. The idea is to get a basic understanding of the company’s line of business.
Think positive
No one likes a complainer, so don’t dwell on negative experiences during an interview. Even if the interviewer asks you point blank, “What courses have you liked least?” or “What did you like least about that previous job?” don’t answer the question. Or more specifically, don’t answer it as it’s been asked. Instead, say something like, “Well, actually I’ve found something about all of my classes that I’ve liked. For example, although I found it to be very tough, I liked the fact that” or “I liked quite a bit, although now I know that I really want to.”
Speak the right body language
Be firm and confident while speaking to the interviewer. You can start practising it the very moment you enter the company. Be mindful of your body language while interacting with the receptionist or HR executive. Pay attention to how you smile and greet them. Dress appropriately, make eye contact, give a firm handshake, have good posture, speak clearly, and don’t wear perfume or cologne
Have a nice sleep
You’ll undermine your preparations if you’re stifling yawns in the interview. Feeling refreshed and an alert will also help you cope with any unforeseen situations that might get the nerves buzzing; like questions, you maybe hadn’t thought of.
It’s really noticeable when an interviewee has not had enough sleep, they seem far less focused and alert and it doesn’t leave a good impression.”
Skills
Similarly to describing your experience, pointing out some of your relevant skills can help an interviewer know you better. Instead of listing many skills, choose one or a few that help recommend you for the position. For example, instead of saying you have computer skills, you could explain how you are skilled in certain software programs that you might use for the job. It can be helpful to show how the prospective job helps you meet your professional goals. Describe your goals and how the job can give you skills or experience. For example, if you have been working at an entry-level job in the hospitality industry and you are seeking a management position, talk about how your experience has helped you formulate your goal and why you believe the prospective position helps you achieve that goal.
F.A.Q
Q. What is the best way to prepare for an interview?
- Research the industry and company.
- Clarify your “selling points” and the reasons you want the job.
- Prepare for common interview questions.
- Line up your questions for the interviewer.
Q. How do you answer what makes you unique for a job?
- Consider the position and the company.
- Ask for feedback.
- Evaluate your background.
- Choose specific skills and traits.
- Relate it back to the role.