You've done the hard work of searching for a job, applying online with a stellar #resume and cover letter—and you just scored an #interview. It's normal to be nervous! Remember that it's a job seeker's market and you're interviewing the company just as much as they are you. Having as many questions for your interviewer as they have for you shows that you've done your research, and if there's one single thing that you can do to calm the butterflies before an interview, it's preparation. We found some tips to get you started with your interview prep (and wish you the best of luck!).
Here are job interview tips to help prepare you to interview effectively. Proper preparation will help alleviate some of the stress involved in job interviews and the more you prepare, the more comfortable and successful you will be interviewing.
1. Practice: Practice answering #interview questions and practice your responses to the typical job interview questions and answers most employers ask. Think of concrete examples you can use to highlight your skills. Providing evidence of your successes is a great way to promote your candidacy.
2. Research: Do your homework about the employer and the industry so you are ready for the question What do you know about this company? Know the interviewer's name and use it during the job interview. If you're not sure of the name, call and ask prior to the interview. Try to relate what you have learned about the company when answering questions.
3. Get Ready: Make sure your interview attire is neat, tidy and appropriate for the type of firm you are interviewing with. Bring a nice portfolio with copies of your resume. Include a pen and paper for note taking.
Job interviewing never seems to get any easier - even when you have gone on more interviews than you can count. You are always meeting new people, having to sell yourself and your skills, and often getting the third degree about what you know or don't know. And, you have to stay upbeat and enthusiastic throughout each interview.
Job interview preparation begins with research. “Research the company and for larger companies the division you would be working in. LinkedIn, Jigsaw, the company website and social media all provide information that will be useful. Also, job evaluation websites where former and current employees talk about their jobs is helpful to get an idea of what to expect. When I apply for the job, I start a Google Alert for the company and I review everything I find there.”
“I search LinkedIn for the interviewer’s profile. It helps to know what the person looks like, but I also like having some background information on them as well. In some instances the person I have interviewed with has been connected to the same people I am and I can get the scoop on the company or person in advance.” Understanding who will be interviewing you is a great job interview preparation tip.
“Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse answering questions you think a potential employers will ask (why do you want to work for us, what are your plans in five years, what makes you the applicant they should hire, as well as explaining oddities on your resume e.g. work gaps, etc).” Job interview preparation is extremely important if you want to sound professional and prepared.
“I always go over and update my resume, print off several copies of my resume on off-white special paper I pick out at my copy center, and take these printed copies with me along with a company specific cover letter. Resumes tell a lot about you along with your personal appearance and can forge a nice first impression.”
A few weeks ago, we asked FlexJobs readers for their best job interview preparation tips and the answers rolled in. From 41 fantastic comments (which you can read here: What do you do to prep for a job interview?) we curated the 11 best job interview preparation tips from our job seeking readers.
