Interview Prepping
Preparing for an interview takes a lot more than Googling a list of common interview questions. You have to make a great first impression appearance-wise (no wrinkly suits here!), have a great knowledge of your target company and its product, and, of course, know exactly how to convey that you’re the perfect fit for the job.
01
Reviewing the job description
You’ve received a call for that dream job, so how do you prepare for the interview? The first step in the preparation process should be to go back and review the job description. Most job descriptions follow a similar pattern and are usually categorised by the following points:
- Job title/department
- Duties and tasks
- Skills required
The job title and department will give you an understanding of the major purpose of the position and where the role fits into the organisation, allowing you to discover who your potential line manager could be.Read and review the job description very thoroughly and be sure to align your competencies with the skills required for the job. You will consequently ready yourself for questions around your previous experiences, performing similar duties in other organisations.
02
Thoroughly researching the company
Companies look to hire people with similar values to those of the company culture. Researching the company before an interview will give you an insight into the organisation’s future goals and plans and being able to discuss these points will make you seem like a long-term investment to your future employer.
03
Thinking about what you will wear the night before
If you’re wondering how to dress for an interview, you’re not alone. Wearing the right clothes to the interview won’t get you the job, but wearing the wrong clothes will sink any chances of impressing the interviewer. There is one rule that stands above all: Dress professionally. Wear business attire appropriate for the role, while still making sure you feel comfortable.
04
Planning your journey to the interview
When preparing for a job interview one of the most important things to consider is how you are going to get there. A failure to plan is a plan to fail. If you are planning on driving to the interview, make sure you fill your car with fuel the night before. You don’t want to be filling up on the way dressed in your suit.
Make sure you arrive on time, or better yet, at least 15 minutes early. Ensure this by knowing the address and if you can, have a trial run a couple of days before. The morning of the interview, check the traffic reports and have a backup route planned just in case. If you are travelling by train or bus, make sure you check the weather report the night before and keep an eye on the public transport websites for any delays. Look out for track works or traffic conditions that can potentially delay your train or bus trip. Go to bed early the night before and wake up early to give yourself plenty of time.
05
Preparing for questions you will be ask
The most important part of preparing for an interview is practicing how to answer interview questions you might be asked on the day. Knowing the most common types of job interview questionsis an advantage – that way, you can craft your answers well in advance, and feel confident in your responses when the pressure is on.
06
Preparing your own questions for the employer
Have you ever wondered what questions to ask at a job interview? In seeking a job, it’s important to remember that an interview isn’t just an opportunity for the employer to find out if you’re a suitable candidate – the interview works both ways. The best questions to ask during an interview to ensure the job is the right fit for you too.
07
Following up
Congratulations! You made it through the initial interview process, hopefully picking up some great job interview tips we provided in the preceding sections. Don’t stop there. The next part of the process is just as important, if not more so. In today’s competitive job market it’s imperative you follow up your initial job interview with a thank-you email to reiterate your interest in the role, and brush up on your second interview skills.