Congratulations! You’ve received an opportunity to be interviewed. What now? The thought of getting mere minutes to present yourself to a potential employer can be daunting and a source of anxiety. Preparing yourself ahead of time for an interview is the best way to feel confident and ready to make the best impression possible.
Do Your Research
Looking up the company is critical to your success. You want to avoid asking questions in the interview that can be found out through a simple google search or website review. Looking at the company’s “About Us” or “Who We Are” page is an excellent start. On top of that, be sure to understand the expectations of the position to which you are applying. Knowledge is your friend.
Practice Interviewing
Often underrated, practicing is vital to feel comfortable while talking about yourself and being able to answer any and all questions. You can always look up a list of top interview questions, print out a copy and ask a friend or family member to do a mock interview. Another beneficial step is to write down how you’d like to address each question. Practice makes perfect.
Get Your Interview Clothes Ready
Have your attire picked out the night before, and make sure it is comfortable and professional. Be sure to dress conservatively and tastefully. A suit isn’t necessarily a must anymore. If men choose to wear slacks with a button down shirt or women choose to wear a dress, the ultimate goal is to look neat, tidy and well-groomed to present a positive image to a potential employer. If you do not know what to wear, keep in mind it is better to be overdressed than underdressed.
Be Armed With Essentials
Keep things simple and stick to things that are important in an interview. You should always carry extra copies of your resume, a list of references, a short list of questions to ask the interviewer and a pen or pencil. Be prepared to write down important information or questions that you’d like to ask during the interview.
Arrive Early – Not On Time
Always look up the location of where you will be interviewed ahead of time. This will prevent you from getting lost and being late. Allow yourself enough time to find a spot if parking is limited. Always remember “If you’re early, you’re on time. If you’re on time, you’re late.”
Overall, be prepared. There is never too much preparation when it comes to interviews. Follow these five tips, and you’ll be on your way to ace that interview and, potentially land that job.
