''Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.'' – Confucius
As you can tell by that popular quote by Confucius, preparation is the key to success whereas lack of preparation only leads to failure. This holds true when it comes to preparing for the job interview. One of the first things that you should do in your preparation is to create an effective and attractive resume that is complete with a cover letter. While it may be true that you have already sent the resume, you never know if it has been lost, damaged, or if there will be more than one individual conducting your interview. It is always a good idea to have additional copies on your person.
The next step in preparing for the job interview is to research the company with which you are seeking employment. You should seek out details like how the company started, the various types of products and services that they offer, their mission statement, and any news related to topics in markets in which the company operates. Based on the information that you acquire from your research, you should establish a list of questions that you would like to inquire about while at the interview. Not only will you learn more about the company as a whole, but your interest in the company is quite likely to impress the interviewer.
Next, you will want to create a second list of questions that directly relate to the position in which you are applying and you as an employee of the company. You may want to ask about the insurance that is offered at the company, tuition reimbursement, advancement possibilities, raise intervals, quality assurance measures, overtime possibilities, and other areas of interest that you find particularly interesting. This will be a great way of getting to know the interviewer and the company, as well as showing the interviewer that you are professional and are not afraid to show your interest in the things that appeal to you.
While preparing for your job interview, it is important for you to learn about common interview questions, and practice answering them. You can bet that these questions will come up as you interact with the interviewer. The following list details some of the potential questions that may arise while you are being interviewed:
1. Would you please tell me a little about yourself?
2. What type of education and/or experience do you have in this industry?
3. Could you tell me how you will prove to be of value to this organization?
4. Have you handled any successful projects with past employers?
5. Could you tell me a little about your strengths and weaknesses?
6. What is your perspective on ''failure''?
7. What do you consider your strongest motivator to be?
8. What characteristics would your ideal leader have?
9. If you were in a leadership position, what characteristics would be displayed?
10. Are there any questions that you have for me?
It is important to take the sample questions and come up with productive, professional answers prior to the actual interview. Many individuals have failed their interview simply because of the fact that they were caught off guard and did not properly prepare for their interview. Prepare now, and you are sure to succeed!
During the Interview
When the day of the interview arrives, it is essential that you are fully prepared for the meeting. You should take the time to properly groom yourself and dress in attire that is considered to be appropriate for a particular position. You should be clean, well-dressed, and appear to be highly professional. While you may be extremely nervous, it is time to put that issue to the side and establish a sense of confidence in yourself. All of these things are extremely important when it comes to being successful at your interview.
Prior to the interview, you should have set certain goals for yourself. You should have also developed a small spiel regarding your strengths and talents. Having goals, knowing how to express your talents, and outlining your strengths will assist in ensuring that the interview setting is productive and positive. While speaking to the interviewer, or while they speak to you, it is important to maintain eye contact, remain relaxed, and answer them accordingly. If you do not feel that you understood something, paraphrase back to them to confirm your level of understanding. All of these things will make for a productive interview.
As the interview comes to a conclusion, take full advantage of speaking directly. At this point, you will want to sway the attention away from yourself, and towards the interviewer. You have to remember, everyone loves talking about themselves – it is their favorite topic! Ask permission to ask questions. When you proceed, ask the employee if they find working for the company exciting and rewarding. You may ask them what they like most about their position in the company, and what they like least. Eventually, you will find that the interviewer is trying to ''sell'' you the job and will probably offer you one on the spot! Why? Because you showed an interest in them, and they are attracted by that!
There are many interview mistakes that can be made. Examples include not preparing, not dressing appropriately, not having confidence, and several other issues. If you follow the steps listed throughout this guide, you are quite likely to avoid these complications and mistakes. If applied, these helpful interview tips can help you to successfully land the job you want.
