How to Prepare for a Job Interview – Job Interview Preparation Tips

So you have a job interview coming up, and you need advice on how to prepare for interview day. Today, you’ll learn my top 4 tips to help you get ready for your upcoming interview so that you feel more confident and can interview with ease.

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Before we jump in to the 4 tips to help you get ready for your job interview, remember that a first impression is made in less than 30 seconds. You want to make those first few seconds really count in your interview by looking alert, capable, and interested.

So follow these simple tips to make sure your interview goes off without a hitch.

Tip 1 – Do Your Homework

Interviewers love it when candidates come into an interview with knowledge about the company and the position. So before interview day, learn as much as you can about the company and the position.

I always recommend reviewing the company’s mission and organizational goals before interview day. Also, find out why they are hiring for the position you are are applying for.

Doing this little bit of homework will help you refine your interview responses and demonstrate to the interviewer that you will easily fit into the company culture.

Tip 2 – Know Your Accomplishments

Before interview day, jot down 2 or 3 of your most important career accomplishments as they relate to the position you are applying for. Make a note of the details surrounding each accomplishment and be able to retell it in story format to the interviewer.

For example, let’s say that the position you are applying for requires someone with the ability to lead and direct a team. You should draw upon an exact scenario that shows how you managed team members to accomplish a goal and achieve results.

These stories will be your ammunition for answering almost any interview question and will paint a picture for the interviewer of why you are a good candidate for the position.

Just to help you prepare, I created a new YouTube playlist just for you that will walk you through how to answer some of the most popular interview questions, like “Why do you want to work here?” and “What are your greatest weaknesses?”

Tip 3 – Plan Ahead

By planning ahead, you will cut down on the anxiety and stress that may come up on interview day. Plan your interview outfit ahead of time to make sure your attire matches the company culture.

You’ll need to know if your outfit should be more formal. like a dress suit, or more informal, like a collared shirt or blouse with slacks. Have your interview outfit pressed and ready to go the night before your interview.

If you need some interview outfit ideas, check out this video I created just for you.

Another item to keep in mind when planning ahead is to give yourself enough time to get to the interview before schedule.

Calculate how long it will take you to get to the interview so that you arrive at least 15 minutes early. This will allow you to catch your breath and compose your thoughts before going into the interview.

Tip 4 – Create a Set of Questions to Ask Your Interviewer

A great way to show your interest in a position is to prepare questions to ask your interviewer during the interview.

Asking your interviewer questions and listening to their answers will give you a chance to relax a little and will make the interview more conversational. You’ll also get the opportunity to learn about company culture and determine if the position is really a good fit for you.

In fact, research shows that if you encourage someone to talk more about themselves, they’ll warm up to you faster and you’ll make a lasting first impression.

You could ask a questions like: What have prior employees done to succeed in this position? Or What are some things you like about working with this company?

If you want further guidance on what to ask an interviewer, I’ve got you covered on this one, too; watch my video that will teach you 5 of the best questions you can ask your interviewer.

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