By Ranthilini Vithanage
If you are a fresh graduate or someone looking for a change of pace in your professional life, you are probably asking yourself “how do I prepare for an interview?” Well, while it can be tricky nailing an interview, with the right tips and knowledge, facing an interview will be much more easier. And here are some tips that will help you walk in to an interview with no shaky hands.
1. Do your research on the role and the company you applied for
The first and the most helpful tip: Do your homework!
Read the job description very carefully and understand what the position requires. Know what they are looking for and be ready to explain how and why you fit right to the position. If you can, find out what other individuals holding similar positions possess and highlight what new talents you bring. Don’t get this wrong. This is not about bad mouthing or looking down on other professionals. Rather, understand what novelties you bring with you to the role and draw attention to how they spotlight you among the other candidates.
And also, don’t forget to do your research on the company too. Be aware of the company values and visions. And show the interviewers that you are familiar with them.
2. Get to know everything you can about the interview panel
The next thing you can do before walking in to the interview is learning a bit about the interviewers. Yes, it is true that you won’t know who the interviewers will be. But the chances are that the HR manager and the immediate supervisor of the position you applied for will be there. So, learn everything you can about them. And try to appeal to their personalities. It will give you the edge.
3. Be prepared to answer questions related to your field
Be updated. Read up on the recent developments of your field, particularly within your country. When the question is asked, show them how well you know your thing!
4. Be prepared to answer questions regarding past work experience
Questions relating past work places are very common in interviews. So, be prepared to answer questions like: what new skills did you gain working there? What made you quit? Do you regret not being able to work there anymore? Etc.
5. Have some ready-made answers
This closely relates to the points we discussed above as well. The truth is, most interviews have a similar structure and there are some questions that are thrown at every interviewee. For example, questions about yourself as an individual, questions about your plans for future and further studies, questions about why you applied and what makes you the best candidate are pretty common. So, have some ready-made answers, and show them that you are well prepared for the interview.
6. Always, always bring your CV and know what is in there
A must-do when going to an interview is bringing a print copy of the CV. This is right there with the pen and the notebook that you should have. And, more importantly, know what you included in you CV and where you included them. If they say something along the lines of: “you have mentioned in your CV that…”, you should be able to answer without having to take a look at your CV.
7. Dress for the part
Choose the outfit you are going to wear the night before. And always remember to dress as if you already got the job!
8. Be there a little earlier
If you have the interview at 11 a.m., be there around 10.15- 10.30 a.m. That way you have enough time to familiarize yourself with the environment and let GO of those pre-interview jitters.
9. Have a good night’s sleep the night before and drink some water before the interview
This may sound cliché, but trust me, these things do work!
10. With every question asked, draw their attention to your skills
When asked a question, subtly highlight your skills and talents, and explain how they will help you and the company get the work done. Also, remember that you should not overdo this!
And finally, before we wrap up on the interview tips, I am going to let you in on a little secret that helped me a lot with facing interviews. Growth Central! Growth Central offers a course on how to prepare for interviews and it covers just the right aspects! Click here and reserve your spot now!