1) Read through the job description and make sure you understand everything there is to
know about the position:
How do you prepare for that dream job interview now that you've
received a call? Reviewing the job description should be the first
step in the preparation process. Most job descriptions follow a
similar pattern and are classified according to the following criteria:
• Department/Job Title
• responsibilities and tasks
• Required abilities
The job title and department will give you an idea of the position's main purpose and where
it fits into the organisation, allowing you to figure out who your potential line manager is.
Read and reread the job description carefully, and make sure your qualifications match the
job's requirements. As a result, you'll be prepared for questions about your previous work
experience in similar roles in other organisations.
2) Know the industry and the company.
An interviewer may inquire as to how you see his
company's position in its industry, who its competitors
are, what its competitive advantages are, and how the
company should proceed. As a result, don't try to
research a dozen different industries in depth.
Instead, narrow your job search to a few industries.
3) Make sure you're prepared for common interview questions.
A list of a hundred or more “common interview
questions” can be found in every “how to interview”
book. (If there are that many common questions, you
might be wondering how long those interviews are!) So,
how do you get ready? Pick any list and consider which
questions, given your age and status, you're most likely to
face (about to graduate, looking for a summer
internship). Then prepare your responses ahead of time
so you don't have to fumble for them during the interview.
4) Make sure you look the part:
Whether you're doing a video call or an in-person
interview, this is an especially important aspect of the
process. Choosing the right outfit entails more than just
ironing a suit or selecting the right lipstick shade. Make
sure that whatever you choose blends in with the rest of
the company's attire. In any online photos you find, pay
attention to the staff's attire. Alternatively, walk by the
office to see what they're wearing. Your appearance and the outfit you choose can help you
leave a lasting impression, so make sure you plan ahead of time.
5) Make sure you're familiar with your resume.
During the interview, the interviewer will usually have a
copy of your resume in front of them. They may want to
know more about your education or previous work
experience, so be ready to explain your credentials
thoroughly. Make a list of all the training and experience
you've had that is relevant to the position you've applied
for before the interview. Make a note of any additional courses you've taken that will assist
you in your role.
If you follow these guidelines, you will be able to successfully prepare for a job interview. But what
about during the interview? Here are some practical suggestions to help you improve your chances
of success by supplementing your preparations:
• Switch off your phone or put it on silent or vibration mode while you wait for your turn at
the venue. If you must take an urgent call, speak softly and quietly.
• In the waiting area, be patient. It would be unprofessional to loiter around the office.
• Make sure not to ask the interviewer, HR staff, or receptionist any personal questions.
• Keep your responses succinct and focused.
• Always mention your current or previous employer in a positive light.
• If you don't know the answer to any of the interviewer's questions, say so.
• It's perfectly acceptable to pause and ask the interviewer for some time to collect your
thoughts.
Once this part is over, you can rest easy and walk out of the interview knowing you aced it!
