How to Prepare Yourself for a Job Interview
Preparation can make or break a job interview. You need to think about everything from your outfit to the interview questions. You might need to book your transport to get to the interview or curate a presentation. There is a lot of preparation behind a successful interview. It’s important to stay calm and confident with the preparation you have done.
Here are a few ways to prepare yourself for a job interview.
Think of some questions
The interviewer will usually leave time for you to ask your own questions about the role. Asking questions shows that you have been listening to them throughout the interview and are interested in the position. You could ask about development opportunities, the application process or the management structure of the company. The aim is to find out more about the company and how you will fit into it (if you secure the role.)
Research the company
Most businesses have a set of core values, and you need to research them before the interview. You should think about how you relate to those values and whether your experience aligns with them. For example, the interviewer may ask you to rank their core values in order of importance. You can show that you have researched the company and developed an interest in its processes. Check out any active campaigns they have going on at the time, and look at the charities they are involved in.
What makes you unique?
Consider your stand-out attributes and what makes you the right person for the role. These days, most candidates have a university degree and a few internships under their belt. You need to identify what makes you stand out from the crowd. You might have a side hustle or experience in another industry. Think about your successes and core skills, and sell the interviewer on your application.
Plan your route to the interview
If you need to catch public transport to the interview, plan your route in advance. You could even do a trial run to make sure you know where you are going. Book your train ahead of time and note how long it takes to walk from the station to the interview. Leave plenty of time for delays, but don’t arrive too early. You can always grab a coffee around the corner if you arrive early and enter the office on time.
Knock your next interview out of the park with these top tips.