How to Prepare for a Job Interview

          Jobs are not easy to get, do it this way.

Is there a job interview on the horizon for you? Preparing for an interview ahead of time will help you ace the interview and land a job offer. There are a few things you can do before (and after) the interview to make a great first impression on your future employer.

Although preparing for an interview can be daunting, there are some actions you can take to ensure a good interview. In this essay, we'll develop an interviewing preparation checklist. Check all of these boxes before attending your job interview:

1. Do your homework on the industry and the firm

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 explore a dozen distinct sectors in depth. Instead, narrow your employment search to a few industries.

2. Be clear about your "selling points" and why you want the job

Prepare for each interview by thinking about three to five key selling points, such as why you are the ideal applicant for the job. Prepare a demonstration of each selling element ("I am an excellent communicator. For example, I persuaded a bunch of people to ...... Also, be prepared to tell the interviewer why you want the position, including what attracts you to it, what benefits it provides that you value, and what skills it requires. If an interviewer doesn't believe you're truly passionate about the job, he or she will not extend you an offer — no matter how qualified you are!

3. Anticipate the interviewer's reservations and concerns

There are usually more applicants for open opportunities than there are available positions. As a result, interviewers hunt for ways to eliminate candidates. Put yourself in their place and consider why they might be hesitant to recruit you ("I don't have this," "I'm not that," and so on). Then prepare your defense: "I understand you may believe I am not the greatest candidate for this post due to [their reservation]." But you should be aware of [cause for the interviewer's lack of concern]."

4. Get ready for the most typical interview questions

A list of a hundred or more "common interview questions" can be found in every "how to interview" book. (If there are so many typical 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 standing, 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.

5. Prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer

Bring some thoughtful questions for the interviewer that reflect your understanding of the organization as well as your seriousness. When interviewers ask whether you have any questions, you should always have one or two prepared. If you answer, "No, not really," he or she might assume you aren't interested in the position or the firm. "If you could construct the ideal candidate for this position from the ground up, what would he or she be like?" is a good all-purpose question.

6. Be bold and self-assured during the interview

Some normally outspoken candidates become too meek during job interviews, maybe in an effort to be courteous. However, civility does not imply passivity. An interview is similar to any other conversation in that it is a dance in which you and your partner move together while simultaneously replying to each other. Don't make the mistake of just waiting for the interviewer to bring up the Nobel Prize. It is your obligation to ensure that he understands your major selling points.

7. Be prepared to answer inquiries that are illegal or inappropriate

Questions regarding your ethnicity, age, gender, religion, marital status, and sexual orientation during an interview are inappropriate and, in many cases, unlawful. You may, however, receive one or more of them. If that's the case, you have a few options. You can simply ask a question ("I'm not sure how that relates to my application"), or you can try to answer "the question behind the question": "I'm not sure if I'll decide to have children in the near future, but if you're wondering if I'll be leaving my job for an extended period of time, I can say that I'm very committed to my career and frankly can't imagine giving it up."

8. Take a copy of your resume with you to each interview

When you go to each interview, bring a copy of your CV with you. If the interviewer has misplaced his or her copy, pulling out your extra copy and handing it over will save you a lot of time (and embarrassment for the interviewer).

9. Make the most of the question "Tell me about yourself"

This is a question that many interviewers ask at the start of the interview. So, what should you do? It's fine if you tell a narrative about where you were born, what your parents do, how many siblings and sisters you have, or how many pets and cats you have. But would you like the interviewer to jot down your dog's breed – or why the company should hire you?

Consider saying something like this in response to this question: "So, obviously, I could tell you about a number of topics, and if there's something specific you're looking for, please let me know. But [your selling points] are the three things I believe are most important for you to know about me. If you'd like, I can elaborate on those points." "Sure, go ahead," interviewers will always say. After that, you say, "In regards to the first point, [insert an example]. I also [example of another selling factor] while I worked at [business]." Etc. This technique allows you to concentrate on all of your major selling points for the first 10-15 minutes of the interview. The question, "Tell me about yourself," is a good opportunity. It's not to be missed!

10. Use appropriate body language

Make eye contact, shake hands firmly, maintain decent posture, speak clearly, and avoid wearing perfume or fragrance! Small rooms with poor air circulation are sometimes used as interview sites. You want the interviewer to focus on your qualifications, not faint out because you wore Chanel No. 5 and the candidate before you were showered with Brut, and the two have combined to generate a deadly gas that causes you to lose the job!

11. Finish on a high note

What did a salesman do wrong if he came to you and displayed his product, then thanked you for your time and walked out the door? You weren't asked to buy it! If you think you'd be a good fit for a job after an interview, ask for it! Tell the interviewer that you'd love the job - that you were excited about it before the interview and are even more excited now – and that you're certain you'd enjoy working there. If there are two equally good candidates at the conclusion of the search – you and someone else – the interviewer will believe you are more likely to accept the offer and will be more inclined to make you an offer.

Even better, utilize the information you gained from your MyPath career assessment to explain why you believe this is the right position for you: "I've done some rigorous professional self-assessment, and I know that [one or two of your most key career interest themes] are the ones that interest me the most, and – correct me if I'm wrong – it appears that this position would allow me to express those interests."

I also know that [two or three of your most important motivators are] and I have a feeling that if I do well in this role, I will receive those benefits.

Finally, I am aware of my strongest abilities, which are [two or three of your strongest abilities], and I believe those are the skills you require the most for this position." You'll be (a) asking for the job, (b) describing why you think it's a good fit, (c) demonstrating your thinking and maturity, and (d) further disarming the tug-of-war dynamic that interviewers expect if you follow this recommendation. You'll be creating the most powerful "close" imaginable - and that's priceless!