So you’ve found a new job. Or you’re close to getting one. After weeks or months of browsing through job listings and sending applications to no avail, you’ve finally gotten the call you’ve been waiting for. Someone wants to meet with you. But things are just getting started and there’s a lot of work left to be done. You still have to ace the interview. Thankfully, we can learn from others who have successfully jumped this hurdle.
Even if you have tons of qualifications and experience to back you up, you still need to prepare for your interview. You only get one chance to make a good impression on your prospective bosses, and taking the time to prepare can help you gain an edge over your competitors. Sure, you can always wing it, but wouldn’t you rather come in confident than take a chance on your hiring prospects?
To prepare you for this crucial stage of the hiring process, here are a few pointers that will help you answer difficult questions and convince the bosses that you’re the right person for the job.
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Choose your outfit wisely
Appearances are everything, and what you wear in your interview can determine whether you get the job or not. Make sure to choose an outfit that’s appropriate for the job you’re applying for. Business attire is always a safe choice, but feel free to make adjustments as you see fit. For instance, if you’re applying at a tech startup, it makes sense to wear something more casual and preppy.
Once you’ve chosen your pieces, have them cleaned and pressed, and choose the right shoes and accessories to complete the entire outfit. It helps to try on a few and see what looks best. While the goal is to look great, you also want to feel comfortable. Otherwise, your discomfort will show.
Prepare your clothes a day or two before the interview, and you’re all set. Before anything else, it also helps to fully charge your phone so that you won’t have to worry about your phone dying right before your interview. If your phone is broken, go to an iPhone repair service immediately.
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Practice what you’re going to say
It’s always a good idea to start your interview with energy and positivity. A handshake and a smile will help you get off on the right foot. It also helps to match your interviewer’s level of energy. You don’t want to come off as overly eager or excited. After all, you want them to think that they need you as much as you need them.
If you play your cards right, you get to dictate the meeting’s energy and your interviewer will quickly warm up to you. Just make sure to balance your positive energy with a sense of professional distance. You don’t want to divulge anything private, nor do you want it to become too casual.
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Know the ins and outs of your resume
The interviewer might want to discuss the skills or work history you have listed on your resume, so you need to make sure you have studied it beforehand. Your resume is the interviewer’s first impression of you, and the interview is their opportunity to verify the information and see if everything checks out. Expect that they will ask tough questions about your work experience.
Even if you have decades worth of work experience, you still need to remember key details of your earlier jobs, especially if they’re relevant to the position you’re applying for. It helps to remember an anecdote or an important accomplishment for every job you’ve listed.
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Prepare talking points
It’s important to prepare for possible talking points and questions the interviewer might raise during the meeting. A quick online search should reveal many of the most common interview questions. That way, you can prepare your answers ahead of time and you won’t be left gobsmacked by the question.
Just make sure you come off as natural and sincere. You don’t want to look too rehearsed. Otherwise, the interviewer might be put off by your artificial energy. Speak slowly, naturally, and eloquently.
A final word
These guidelines will help you prepare for any job interview that comes your way. A bit of preparation can go a long way in ensuring you get the job, and interviewers can always sense if you prepared for the interview or not.
