With the current state of the economy being what it is, it can really feel like each and every job interview you go on is a life or death situation. You can drive yourself crazy counting down the days, hours, minutes until the job interview. The best thing to do in the days leading up to the action interview is get as prepared as you can. Stepping into an interview with confidence and the preparation to back it up can impress potential employers in ways you probably don’t even consider. Showing that kind of initiative shows real drive and determination, which is an important skill in any line of work. Hopefully the two huge job interview tips detailed below can help you walk into that room confident and smiling.
Read up on the Company
In a lot of interviews with larger companies, they are going to ask you a few questions related to their business. Having some quick, factual, and well-prepared answers to those questions will really impress your potential employer. Seeing that you took the time to do a little research on their company will show them that you care about the company as well as the job being offered there. Knowing things like what the company’s profit levels were last year, or what their latest released product or service is can really impress the person interviewing you. Make sure you also know about some of the latest advancements in the industry the company specializes in. Being able to have a confident conversation with your interviewer will help you stand out from the other nervous ramblers.
Practice the Interview
Of course, you can’t predict exactly what will happen on your interview or what specific questions will be asked. However, you can start with the questions that are most commonly asked in a regular job interview. Almost every single job interview in the history of job interviews has started with “So, Tell me a little bit about yourself” or some similar variation. How you answer this question is important. This is the first real impression you’re making on the person conducting the interview and you don’t want to stumble over your words and ramble. Keep you answer informative, but short. Don’t go on and on for more than 5 minutes. Focus on your highest qualifications, previous jobs, and over all career history. Try to avoid too many specific details; you want this to be a broad overview. They are going to want to ask more questions anyway, and you don’t want to end up repeating yourself. Try to focus on the areas of studies and moments your life that have led you to the position your in now, wanting the job with their company.
To make sure that you’re prepared for everything after the first question you should make a list or two. Make a list of your personal strengths, in relation to the position. Then, make a list of your weaknesses. Being able to identify where you could use some work and extra motivation is admirable, and will more likely endear you to your potential employer rather than hurt your chances. Use these lists to prepare for questions like “What are your strengths?” and “Why should we hire you?” As well as preparing you for questions like “What are your weaknesses?” and “What can you offer us that other candidates might not be able to?” If you go into the situation prepared, you will always walk out looking better. Increasing your chances for that happy call back, is always worth a little extra effort.
