Interview Success 101
There are over 9.5 million job openings in the United States, and wages in Canada continue to rise. If you are entering the job market or looking for a change, this might be the time to leap. Before you enter your first interview, you must understand how to prepare for a job interview. Employers are seeking the best candidate for each position, and you can improve your chances by acing the interview.
Understand the Job Description
Once you have identified a position you would like to pursue, locate all the details about the job. Review the knowledge, skills and abilities you need to succeed. Compare those skills against your own and make sure they match. A job may sound exciting on paper, but be sure it is something you want to do.
Know Why You Want the Job
After you clearly understand the position and how your skills are a great match, you will need to be able to express why you want this job. Employers will likely ask you what interests you about the position, and you'll need to have your answers ready. Sometimes, an initial interview is only introductory, and future meetings will occur. However, if this is not the case, you need to be ready to discuss compensation and benefits for the position. Ensure that you know what the industry standard is based on your experience.
Research the company
You have spent time getting to know the position and your skills. Now, it's time to research the company. You can use online resources to access the company's website and job sites that can give you more information. You need to read over the company's history and products. You must locate the organization's operating philosophy to ensure it matches you well. When setting up the interview, ask if you need to bring any documentation of your previous work.
Practice
Before you step into an interview, you need to practice with your outfit (more on that later) and your responses. You must be confident and understand how you will showcase your accomplishments and workplace successes. It is also a good idea to have a go-to answer for when you have a moment of nerves in the interview. To help you practice your responses, you can use these job interview questions provided by US News & World Report.
Interview Preparation
Practicing for the interview is critical, but it won't help if you fall asleep! Be sure to plan for the night before the interview. Consider how you will calm yourself and get a great night's sleep. It will also help to center yourself before the interview starts and have all the necessary items laid out the night before the interview. You must also know how you will get to the interview, the parking situation and how long it will take to get there based on the time of day.
Dress
What to wear to a job interview is a tricky question. The answer is 'it depends'. During your research on the company, identify the employee dress code and plan to dress a little more formally than the norm. Consider whether the position is in a corporate setting, a less formal office environment or a service industry. Coursera has specific guidelines you can follow to choose your outfit. It is essential to pick something that allows you to fit in within the job environment and something comfortable. Be sure that you wear the outfit and shoes before the day of the interview.
Arrive Early
We discussed understanding the travel for the day of the interview based on location and time of day. Using that information, select a start time that will allow you to arrive approximately 15 minutes before the interview. This time will enable you to visit a restroom and be ready to check in at least 10 minutes before the interview. In formal settings, you will be offered a beverage. Stick to water so you don't have any embarrassing spills.
Be Real
We have reviewed extensive preparation for the interview, so you might feel like you need to put on a show. In fact, the opposite is true. Being prepared gives you a chance to be authentic and honest. Remember to listen carefully and follow the etiquette required for a genuine conversation. Show your enthusiasm in your responses and maintain good posture.
Bring Your Materials
Be sure you have enough copies of your resume on heavy paper. Depending on the interview, you might need to bring other documents (such as examples of writing or recommendations). Also, get a notebook or pad and a pen. You can use this to prepare your questions for the end of the interview and as a guide to discuss compensation. You might also find yourself needing to jot down notes during the interview.
A Strong Finish
As the interview is ending, be sure to ask any remaining questions you have. Remember, you do not have to save all the questions for the end if there is an appropriate time in the interview to ask. Ensure you thank the interviewer for their time and follow-up within 24 hours. Depending on the type of position and your personal style, this could be an email or a handwritten note.
If you need some advice on your job search, read on right here.