Competition for jobs is high in today’s world. The difference between one person getting the job and the other not getting it often is based on the job interview. There maybe only one job available that fits your qualifications and skills but you will not be the only person applying nor interviewing for the job. So, you need to make sure you are a step ahead of the competition and the way to do that is to be completely prepared. Being prepared will allow you to feel confident during the interview and it will leave a good impression with the employer.
A few things to prepare yourself for the interview:
1. Make sure you do your research on the company. Know everything there is to know or talk to friends and family that may know something about the company.
2. Record yourself involved in an interview until you feel confident in the answers you provide.
3. Provide positive answers to any negative questions that may arise. For example, the employer states we are looking for someone who has 10 years of experience but you only have 5, why should we hire you? Never mention your shortcomings.
4. Dress appropriately in business attire. Do not wear anything you would wear at a party, club, at the beach, lounging around your home, on a date trying to impress someone (meaning nothing seductive or loose or tight fitting). Stay away from excessiveness – refrain from too much perfume, jewelry, colors, hairstyles, dangling or big hoop earrings, etc. No flip flops, tops showing bare midriffs, and cover those tattoos.
5. Make sure you smell fresh, look clean (no wrinkles, and hair combed).
6. And most importantly, arrive on time. If you can’t show up on time for an interview what does that tell an employer. It tells them you are not taking the interview or job seriously, this is a habit, and that you are not dependable. If you are running late, call and let the employer know.
These tips seem very reasonable but one would be surprised at how many people seem to lack this knowledge.