In terms of fun, job interviews rank alongside dinner with the in-laws, doctor’s appointments and compulsory exercise. However, the process needn’t be as unpleasant as an injection in the nethers; all a successful job interview needs is preparation to boost your confidence and ensure that you sail through with head high and dignity intact.
One of the best ways to prepare for a job interview is to use a checklist for all the tasks that you need to complete so that you are absolutely ready when your name is called. You can personalise checklists to include the things that are important to you, such as buying a new outfit or getting a haircut. And while these factors help in creating a good first impression, there are other items that have a far more significant impact on the successful outcome of your job interview.
Research on the company in question is particularly important. Thanks to the internet and all manner of cool social media tools learning about your prospective employers is one of the easiest items on the interview preparation checklist to complete. But don’t think that a cursory glance over the website will fool interviewers; proper interview preparation includes a thorough investigation of the company’s position and role in the industry. Read the company blog, if there is one, to get a feel for the attitude, tone and approach of the various staff members and also to find out about recent or upcoming projects, developments and fields of interest.
It’s also a good idea to get accurate directions to the job interview and to take a dry run to see how long the trip takes, so that you give yourself plenty of time to prepare yourself at home and still arrive at least 15 minutes early. Not only is punctuality an important quality to embrace – it demonstrates consideration for others and a keen sense of responsibility – the extra time will allow you to calm down and get your nerves under control while you get a feel for the layout of the offices.
How you conduct yourself during the job interview is vital and a good way to prepare for unexpected interview questions and compose answers to the tough but standard questions that you can expect is to hold a mock interview with a close friend or family member. Some of the trickiest interview questions are those frequently asked by interviewers the world over, such as “Why should the company hire you?”, “How did you distinguish yourself in your previous job?” and the dreaded “What are your salary expectations?” Get advice on your interview skills and techniques and don’t forget about your body language. You need to become aware of fidgeting and nervous foot tapping or compulsive gestures such as hair flicking so that you can try and control them during the real interview. Nothing upsets the interview process quite as much as nervous nose picking or finger drumming the tune to “I did it my way” on the table top.
The final interview question is the one that often requires the most preparation: “Do you have any questions for us?”
Most job interview preparation tips and guidelines suggest that you always ask a few questions – to show initiative – but sometimes you genuinely don’t have any questions because they were all answered during the course of the interview. This is ok just tell your interviewers exactly that but if you feel at all uncertain about anything involved with the job now is the time to ask. Good interview questions you may want to consider include training opportunities, management structure, promotion paths and project time scales.
When preparing for your job interview don’t forget to place all relevant supporting documentation (references, extra copies of your CV, appraisals, ID, driver’s license) in a professional looking briefcase or folder to keep them neat. Nothing says scatter brain and lack of preparation quite like pulling crumpled and tatty looking references from a carry all with AC/DC on the front. Landing your dream post depends on thorough job interview preparation, without it you might as well resign yourself to an eternally bruised ego and mediocre job prospects for the rest of your life.
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