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Preparing for Interviews

Written by Degreedjobs.net Staff
Friday, 06 July 2007
Preparing for Interviews Job interviews are not just about answering questions. It is your opportunity to make an impression about the kind of person you are and the kind of employee you will be. The interviewer will have a plan for finding out certain things about you; but, it doesn’t have to end at that. You have an opportunity to make an impression and have the power to make the interview as significant to your case as you want it to be. Once you get the invitation to interview, there are a number of things you can do to assure that you are prepared. To make the best possible impression, it is important to be relaxed and confident as well as sharp-minded and informed.Start by preparing the mental materials that you will be bringing along. This means sharpening your knowledge and practicing your answers. Rehearse the interview. If possible have a spouse or friend help you with a little role playing exercise. It’s a good idea to study your own resume and be able to refer to its content without having to look at it. Do your homework: visit their website, research the company, and research the industry. Know the company’s product, their history, and who their competition is. This demonstrates initiative and a sincere interest in the organization. From the information you collect, you will also be able to prepare a list of intelligent questions. These questions should pertain specifically to the job or the company. Show that you are a thinker, that you have depth, and that you absorb and process information. Once you have prepared the material aspects of your interview, you need to prepare your personal presentation. Do not wait until the last minute to decide on things like what to wear. The day of the interview, you will want to be focused and free of stressful details. Have your outfit selected in advance and make sure it is interview ready. Try it on if you haven’t worn it in a while. Don’t wait until the day of the interview to discover a missing button or a stain. Be sure to have it laundered, pressed, and ready. Decide on a hair style in advance and acquire any accessories you may need. Before the day of your interview, it’s a good idea to make a trip to the interview site. You need to know exactly how long it will take you to drive there, and find a place to park. You can then plan your route in advance so you will know exactly where you are going, and how much time to allocate for the drive. On your interview day, be sure to have something to eat before you go. This is not the day to skip breakfast. Interviews require focus and mental agility. You must be fresh, rested, and energetic. Finally, relax and be yourself. The best impression you can make is that you are comfortable with who you are.