An invitation to an interview is the second obstacle to getting the desired position. It is a crucial moment when a candidate can surprise or even inspire confidence in recruiters. Professionals will pay attention to everything you do, how you look and how you talk during the process. Unared candidates are instantly overboard. Our team has prepared everything you need for your successful interview. You can get more hands-on experience with our interview preparation coaching service.
How to Start Preparing for an Interview?
The first step is to learn as much as possible about the company. Most likely, while applying, you already managed to find out some information. However, this is not enough. The best option would be to get a complete picture of the company. It will probably take a lot of time to search the Internet. Only this way can you get a rough idea of what kind of people work in the desired company. You will learn more about achievements and values. Thus, you can easily adjust to this information, using it correctly.
Most organizations with a large workforce of more than 100 workers provide the candidates with guides on the interview process. You can find such a guide in a job interview invitation letter or on a company’s website. That is a perfect way to learn more about the company and get valuable tips on how to prepare for an interview in this exact establishment.
It may sound unexpected, but you also need to look for negative information. You can learn more about the problems and weaknesses of the company. Negative information can also add to your picture of employees.
The best option is to find a few people who work for this company. It is a personal opinion from a professional who may even give you some clues about your interviewers.
By the way, each of them has a different personality, and even though the interview procedure is so frequent, it becomes a habit... They have to show their professionalism, but they prefer to see a type of behavior or expression in candidates. Find out what attracts and repels your interviewers during the selection process.
Think about the Questions You Will Be Asked
Even if you are one hundred percent confident in your knowledge and ability to speak, some questions can still silence you for a long time.
One of the most useful interview preparation tips is to know frequently asked interview questions are:
- Tell us about yourself.
- Why did you choose this particular company/position?
- Why should we hire you?
- What are your weaknesses?
- How do you resolve conflicts? Give an example
- Tell us about your failure/mistakes and how you got through them?
- What do you dislike about your position?
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years? (Yes, they really do ask this question sometimes to know about your ambitions)
However, from time to time interviewers can behave completely non-standard. It would be best to be prepared for even the most bizarre questions. The best you can do is to find a professional coach who will help you to get ready and will actually interview you. As a result of such training, you should answer all questions confidently.
When thinking about questions, you should not write a complete answer to them. Please take a few notes. They are much easier to remember. Write down keywords or numbers that you must remember.
But this is not the end. Interviewers will possibly want you to ask them a few questions about the company. At this point, you must show your sincere interest in your position. Ask employees what exactly your working day will be like. Learn more about your responsibilities and rights. It is an excellent opportunity to find out what role in the team they would like you to take. You can also find out the company's plans for the future.
How to Get Ready for a Job Interview?
Although choosing clothes is definitely essential, this is not the whole list of what you need to prepare.
- While preparing for a job interview, you must choose your outfit carefully. Certainly, everything depends on the position you choose. Some jobs require official suits, while others are more casual. Nevertheless, it would always be wise and reasonable to look neat.
- Prepare an extensive enough portfolio. It should not look too voluminous, but it should contain all the necessary documents. It must be clean and free of debris.
- Make multiple copies of your resume. Interviewers may ask you for a copy just to test your readiness.
- When asked to provide more details about your experience, it would be good to prepare a whole bibliography. Indicate the position, manager, contacts, and email.
Prepare Yourself Mentally
- It is especially true for those who work in the technical field. You may be asked to solve problems related to your position. Or maybe you will be asked to unravel a math example. In this case, start preparing as early as possible.
- The last few days should be spent reviewing everything you might need for this important meeting.
- Prepare a cheat sheet for the interview. It is not forbidden, and it will also help you not get confused by all the information.
- Be sure to get enough sleep before bed! Lack of experience can significantly affect the speed of your reaction and your well-being. That is unlikely to allow you to concentrate on the interview fully.
Mind Your Body Language
Another successful interview tips are connected to your behavior. Sometimes it seems that body language during an interview is a whole science. Like a big book of etiquette rules to take note of
Open and confident posture
It's completely normal to be nervous before an interview. However, the candidates should not show how much they are worried. Keep your posture straight but relaxed. The tension of the body will be very easily recognized.
Sitting on a chair is also worth it. Don't slouch. During the interview, you may lean forward a little. Thus, the employee will feel that you are listening to them carefully.
Hand position
- Many candidates don't know where to put their hands during an interview. The choice of posture determines how interviewers see you.
- Never cross your arms. This closed posture indicates that you are secretive and uncommunicative.
- If anxiety keeps you from sitting still, you can interlace your fingers. The main thing is not to compress them too much. Otherwise, your image becomes tense.
- You can choose a pose where your fingertips are only lightly touching.
- Don't fold your hands like you're praying.
- During a virtual interview, you can sit on your hands to avoid unnecessary hand movements and the desire to fiddle with something constantly.
Gestures and facial expressions
- The first eye contact is usually made with the first handshake. It must be strong and confident.
- Nodding your head may indicate that you agree with the interviewer or are considering something. However, please do not overdo it with this gesture.
- Practice your facial expressions. Do it in advance, in front of a mirror at home. It may take time, but make your face look calm and friendly. A slight smile can complete this look.
Bottom Line
Preparing for an interview can sometimes seem like an impossible task. However, following all the rules step by step, you can go straight to the desired position. You can ask our Interview Preparation Coaching service to give you a hand in the challenge. We are sure to get you ready in the best way possible.
