During the interview, the employer will likely ask about the specific work you have completed related to the position. After going through the job description, recall the work you have done in your previous jobs, volunteer positions or clubs that show your expertise and success in doing that work. Bring a portfolio of examples if you can.
Your interviewers might ask you for a reference list just before or after the interview. Having a reference list ready to hand over in the interview shows you’re prepared and organized.
After preparing for the interview, you can be successful by following the tips below:
- Arrange your interview dress the night before
- Bring your resume copies, a pen and a notebook
- Make your schedule to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early
- Leave a positive first impression
- Respect everyone you meet
- Be confident
- Be positive and authentic
- Be truthful in your answers
- Relate your answers to your accomplishments and skills
- Be concise and focused in your answers
- Speak positively about your former employers
Arrange your interview dress the night before
If you get in touch with the human resources manager before the interview, ask them about their dress code and prepare accordingly. If you’re unsure of how to dress, research the company online to see what employees seem to wear on a daily basis. Choose business professional dress if you can’t find any information on the dress code.
Bring your resume copies, a pen and a notebook
Have a minimum of five printed copies of your resume to hand out during the interview. Highlight your job-related accomplishments on a copy that you keep and refer to. Bring a notebook and a pen with you. Be prepared to take notes in your notebook instead of a smartphone or any other electronic device. Write down the information that you can reference when sending thank-you notes.
Make your schedule to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early
Find out the directions to your interview location ahead of time to ensure that you are there on time. Do a practice run in whatever method of transportation you plan to use. If you get there early, spend some time observing employees and how they interact with each other to see what the atmosphere is like.
Leave a positive first impression
Be mindful of the little things—check your clothes for loose threads, pet hair, stains or holes, keep your nails clean and tidy and polish your shoes. Maintain a smile and confident body language throughout the interview.
Respect everyone you meet
Some interviewers ask for feedback from other staff members. This includes the front desk staff, security personnel and others. Therefore, respect everyone you meet on the way to the interview. Not only does this help employers make a hiring decision, but it also starts building connections with the people you might work with.
Be confident
Look confident and accessible the moment you enter the premises. Sit or stand upright. Build self-confidence and release anxiety and stress by taking deep, slow breaths. When the interviewer offers a handshake, stand upright, look at the person confidently and smile. Be firm in your handshake.
Be positive and authentic
Being authentic during interview conversations helps employers relate to you. A smile and positive body language can help you feel relaxed when speaking with interviewers.
Be truthful in your answers
It can be tempting to overstate your accomplishments and skills, however, interviewers prefer and respect honesty. Stay focused on your major strengths and explain how your background qualifies you for the position.
Relate your answers to your accomplishments and skills
Make sure to answer a question by relating it to your previous job experience with examples of results and solutions you have achieved. Use the STAR method to tell stories that detail your process and achievements. Relate every opportunity to the requirements in the job specification.
Be concise and focused in your answers
Interviewers are usually busy and only have a limited amount of time for each interview, so keep your responses concise. Stay focused by practising your answers ahead of time.
Speak positively about your former employers
Instead of offering negative input, direct your discussion on what you have gained from previous work experiences and what you plan to do next. Companies prefer hiring problem solvers who can overcome difficult situations.
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