How to Prepare Yourself for a Job Interview?

I’ve worked in the recruitment industry for over 20 years across several Industries. In this time, I have learnt a lot from hiring managers in post-interview feedback as to what makes for a good meeting and what doesn’t.

Some of the most common and detrimental mistakes candidates have made during an interview is dressing inappropriately, speaking negatively about a current or previous employer, and going off the topic being discussed. So, be careful about your caffeine intake prior to the meeting! Other common mistakes included not providing specific answers, not knowing anything about the company you’re being interviewed for, and not asking good questions.

In this article, I discuss some things to think about in preparation before your interview. 

1. Leave a positive impression

It’s not just what you say but how you say it that reinforces the message. For people to create an overall positive impression of you:

• Make sure you arrive on time. If something unexpected occurs, make contact as soon as possible to explain you may be delayed. Arriving a few minutes early will give you time to gather your thoughts and absorb your surroundings. 10-15 Minutes is appropriate, but not too early.  

As the interview progresses, you will continue to make a positive impression if you: 

• Listen carefully to the current question and try to give concise answers supported with actual examples. 
• Avoid answering simply ‘yes’ or ‘no’.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if a question isn’t clear.
• Speak clearly and loudly enough and try not to speak too fast. This can be difficult when you are nervous, but take a deep breath before you start to answer a question and work on keeping your answers concise.
  

2. Think about body language

Be aware of what your body language is saying and how to use it to strengthen your chance to make a positive impression.

• Shake hands with the interviewer firmly at the beginning and end of the interview. 
• Good posture and a friendly expression will indicate that you have a positive approach. 
• Relax into your chair, but without slouching. 
• Maintain good eye contact. If you have more than one person interviewing you, look at the person asking the question when you reply but glance at the other interviewers to make them feel included. 
• Try to smile from time to time where appropriate. 

3 Have self-knowledge

Read your CV again, thinking specifically about the qualities the employer is looking for. Work out how you can best demonstrate these skills and how you can sell yourself at the interview. Remember that they’ve shortlisted you for a reason. They want to meet with you because they’re prepared to spend time finding out more about you. Think about how you match up to the job description. Remember the people you’re competing with for the role will probably have very similar backgrounds to your own, so you need to make the most of your unique experiences and achievements. Don’t undersell yourself as there’s stiff competition out there. Always:

• Prepare your answers, but avoid sounding as if they are scripted. Then be aware of your attitude-enthusiasm; a positive outlook and honesty are the best policies.
• Prepare your questions to ask. This is your chance to find out more and to see whether the company matches your needs. Clients are happy for you to bring written prepared questions as it shows that you are thorough and organised.

In order to organise your thoughts, you could ask yourself questions such as: 

• What does the job involve and why do I want it? 
• What qualities do I have that make me suitable? 
• What are my key strengths and development needs? 
• How would I like my career to develop? 
• What skills will I need and what skills have I gained from my work-related and extracurricular activities? Think of actual examples.

The ultimate tip

Put yourself in the interviewers place, what would you ask, how would you be convinced you’d found the right person for the job? We have to remember that a resume is just a flat piece of paper, it’s the meeting that’s going to elevate who you are. Let them know what your capabilities are and why you’re the best person for the job. Then you will see how you can tell that an interview went well.

If you would like more coaching on how to prepare yourself for an interview, please feel free to reach out to me on 0477 013 709 or email me at jenny@lawsondelaney.com.au.