- Understand how to prepare for a job interview
Preparing for a Job Interview
After your application has been selected for additional review, you will likely be contacted to participate in an interview. This is a meeting that can take place over the phone, on a video call, or in person where you will talk with a representative of the organization about yourself and your interest in the role you applied for. Depending on the organization, the interview process might consist of just one interview or a sequence of them, each with you speaking with different people. This section will walk you through how to prepare and what to expect.
Review the Job Description
When you prepare for an interview, your first step will be to carefully read and reread the job posting or job description. This will help you develop a clearer idea of how you meet the skills and attributes the company seeks.
Research the Company or Organization
Researching the company will give you a wider view of what the company is looking for and how well you might fit in. Your prospective employer may ask you what you know about the company. Being prepared to answer this question shows that you took time and effort to prepare for the interview and that you have a genuine interest in the organization. It shows good care and good planning—soft skills you will surely need on the job.
Practice Answering Common Questions
Most interviewees find that practicing the interview in advance with a family member, a friend, or a colleague eases possible nerves during the actual interview. It also creates greater confidence when you walk through the interview door. In the Interview Questions section below, you’ll learn more about specific questions you will likely be asked and corresponding strategies for answering them. It’s also a good idea to have some success stories prepared so you’re ready to describe your qualifications and experience to a prospective employer.
Plan to Dress Appropriately
Interviewees are generally most properly dressed for an interview in business attire, with the goal of looking highly professional in the eyes of the interviewer.
Come Prepared
Plan to bring your résumé, cover letter, and a list of references to the interview. You may also want to bring a portfolio of representative work. Leave behind coffee, chewing gum, and any other items that could be distractions.
Be Confident
Above all, interviewees should be confident and courageous. By doing so, you make a strong first impression. As the saying goes, “There is never a second chance to make a first impression.”