Interviews can be intimidating, but they are a great opportunity to advertise yourself and your skills. Every interview is unique, but here are five tips to help you prepare for your interview and hopefully land the job.
- Gather information on the employer and position
By researching both the employer and position, you will have a better idea of company values, environment, and typical responsibilities associated with the position. This information can be found by browsing the company’s website and social media profiles, as well as reading any recent news articles or press releases about the company.
- Review common interview questions
Interviewers commonly ask questions regarding your strengths, weaknesses, experience, and accomplishments. Construct your answers to these questions, and be prepared to give specific examples for each question. Preparing answers ahead of time will prevent you from not having a good answer. A “mock interview” with a friend or family member is a great way to practice your answers.
- Portray a professional image
Your appearance will be what ultimately makes the first impression. Your outfit should be slightly more formal than the dress code of the company. It is always better to be overdressed than underdressed. Make sure your clothing fits properly and is clean and wrinkle free. Personal hygiene is also essential to demonstrating a professional appearance. Be sure you are clean, and that your hairstyle and makeup are appropriate. Experts at Advanced Dentistry of St. Charles say whiter, brighter and more youthful smiles improve your appearance. Consider dental cleaning options that will help your professional image.
- Ask insightful questions
Asking insightful questions about both the company and the position shows that you are truly interested. Questions regarding the company’s goals, organisational structure, and advancement opportunities indicate that you are not only concerned with your potential position, but with the company as a whole. Questions pertaining to the specific position, such as expected accomplishments, valuable skills, and challenges will also help you determine it the position is right for you.
- End with a good impression
The last impression is as important as the first. At the close of the interview, thank the interviewer for their time and consideration, and shake their hand. Follow up with a letter in a few days.
Preparation goes a long way in making a great impression. While you don’t have control over your competition, you do have control over how your future employer sees you. Let your resume pop off the page by implementing these strategies in your next interview. Your credentials will surely speak on their own as you go the extra mile.
Do you have any more advice on acing your first interview? Let us know in the comments below.
Photo: Dave Fayram / Flickr
Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She also enjoys being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise as well as researching new topics to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure.
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