Tips on How to Prepare for a Job Interview

1.       Prepare – You cannot afford to appear unprepared. Make a checklist of things you need to do prior and items you need to go along with (like your CV and credentials).

2.      The Job Description – Make sure to properly match your skills and experience with the description / requirements of the job that you have applied for. The interviewer may want to know how your skills would be relevant to the job.

3.      Practice – Get ready by practicing scenarios. You can get a friend to act several interview sessions to help build the right mindset and boost your confidence level.

4.      Research – Visit the company’s website. Find out as much as you can about the company, the leadership, their involvements etc. Get to know about the company as much as you can. Also, make sure to find out about their location and how to get there. To save you some stress and lateness drama.

5.      Dress for Success – ‘You will be addressed by the way you dress”. Do not overdress or underdress, a simple, formal and comfortable outfit would do. Blings, long boots, colored hair, saggy pants etc. are not appropriate. Personal hygiene is also important (fresh breathe, little spray or deodorant would do).  Make sure to look and smell nice.

6.      Be Observant – Make sure to show up a bit early for your interview. Take note of the environment, the building, the people, the culture etc. you never know…

7.      Be of Best Behavior – Greet everyone from you see, ask directions and follow instructions. Do not over-do it! Listen more (no matter how much you know), answer only when you are asked and do not interrupt the interviewer.

8.     Ask Questions – This is a good time to get to know about the company and people firsthand so, feel free to ask relevant questions after the interview. Most interviews ask if you have any questions so, go prepared.

-Claudia