Critical steps to take when preparing for a job interview
Job interviews can bring on a lot of anxiety.
Nevertheless, interviews can either kickstart a career or be the transition vehicle to a new one.
Regardless if you’re starting new or starting over, job interviews do not have to be a frightening experience.
With sufficient preparation, you can learn to conduct and sell yourself to a potential employer.
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Analyse the job description.
Think of the job description as your road map. It outlines what the company is looking for in terms of personality, qualifications, skills, experience, character and career goals. To be the successful candidate, you have to closely align yourself with that job description.
How is this achieved? Look for specific keywords. Words or phrases such as “leadership”, “attention to detail” or “must be able to work in a fast-paced environment” are important. When noting key words, ask yourself the following:
- Why is this person needed in their organisation?
- What is the problem to solve?
- How do they expect you to solve it?
This breakdown is the employer saying want they want – this is what the job market demands.
Consider why you’re interviewing?
Prior to your interview, have a clear understanding of why you want this job, in this company and in this industry? If you’re at the very beginning of your career, your reasons for applying may be purely financial. However, if you’ve acquired a solid set of skills and experience, your considerations for applying should involve more than income.
Research the company
Always research the role and company thoroughly before interviewing. Essentially, there are three core areas your research should focus:
Research the company
Full interview preparation means going beyond memorising the company’s vision and mission statements. Look for interesting facts and details. What have they been up to in the last 1-3 years? Were there headline news, product launches, management changes, sponsorships, market expansions or social initiatives occurring?
You want to be able to atleast mention these during the interview. This highlights the time and effort you’ve put into this interview. You’ve done your homework to supply their job demands!
Research the role
What responsibilities are individuals who operate in similar capacities performing? What sort of skills are required? What is a likely career path for these roles? Is this role something you can perhaps freelance and build a business out of one day?
Researching the job thoroughly gives you a competitive edge. It allows you to understand the dynamics of the position, its importance as well as future opportunities it can potentially lead to.
Research the product
You don’t necessarily have to know the developmental mechanics of the product. However, you should be keenly aware of what it does and who is the target market. If you’ve never used it before, depending on what it is, you can perhaps purchase one to better acquaint yourself with it.
Research the company’s culture
Does the company have favourable reviews and recommendations? Are they in the headlines for positive or negative reasons? Look carefully at their social media pages. Do you happen to see lots of customer complaints? Ensure that you research their work environment and the work culture they have cultivated.
Practice Interviewing
All the knowledge you have won’t make a difference if you can’t communicate it. Practice doing an interview with your friends or family to get into the mindset and rhythm of answering questions and selling yourself to an interviewer.
Pay special attention to your dialogue. Speak too slowly and you come across as if you’re making everything up. Speak too quickly and you risk rambling and losing the interviewer’s interest. Your diction has to adopt an assertive tone, where your volume is audible and your pace is steady. Short pauses (3-5 seconds) are fine, allowing you to think before articulating your words.
It is important that when you’re speaking, internalise the question, gather your response, take a breath and speak calmly as though you’ve already gotten the job.
Body language
Words can be false, but body language cannot lie. Practicing proper and assertive body language is critical for a job interview. You can’t sell yourself effectively if you’re not “feeling right” to the interviewer. Therefore, it is important to:
- Maintain sufficient eye contact throughout the discussion
- Relax in your seat. Don’t slump your shoulders too far back to appear disinterested. Sit upright, relax your shoulders a little in your seat to look comfortable, yet not too uptight. Rest your hands causally together on your lap. This way, you appear relaxed, yet confident and ready for anything.
- Engage with the interviewer. Smile, laugh where appropriate, use a few hand gestures when speaking to come across natural instead of rehearsed.
Get your interview clothes ready
Generally, a job interview calls for professional, business attire.
For men, this means a suit or formal shirt and tie. For women, a formal jacket, blouse and dress pants or knee-length skirt is appropriate. If you’re interviewing in a less formal environment, you can opt for business casual. Pair your jacket and shirt or blouse with a pair of slacks or dark denim jeans. Before deciding on business casual, research the company’s dress code to certify if that style is appropriate.
Regardless of the appropriate style, your interview clothes should always be clean and well-ironed. Ensure tattoos are covered and body piercings removed. Permissible jewelry includes a simple wristwatch for men. Ladies can opt for simple earring or necklace pieces with a wristwatch. Keep your hands clear of any adornment other than weddings bands.
What not to wear to a Job Interview
What to bring to a job interview?
To add that extra touch of professionalism, ditch the manila folders and bring a professional folder with:
- Copy of your resume
- Your academic qualifications (originals and copies)
- Identification
- List of references
- Recommendation letters (if requested)
Listen and ask questions
Listening is just as important as speaking when selling. Listening has the added benefit of clearly hearing the interviewer’s questions and providing an appropriate response. You should also compile questions of your own to ask the interviewer and determine if this position is a right fit for you.
Follow-up with a thank you note
Show gratitude by sending a follow up note, thanking the interviewer for their time and consideration. Regardless, of the interview’s outcome indicate your pleasure in meeting them and expressing your gratitude for being considered for the job, among other applicants.
