You have to prepare for each and every job interview. Show your future bosses that you’re smart and ready for anything — and that you can communicate clearly and not go off track. Take a look at the following pointers to learn how to prepare for an interview.
- When answering interview questions, concentrate on what you can do for the company, not on what the company can do for you.
- When you provide answer for interview questions, focus on your skills and other factors that make you valuable immediately. Employers don’t want to wait for six months before you deliver benefits to them.
- Present a fitting image for the job you seek. Walk it, talk it, and look it. Use this job interviewing tips to make an impression!
- Be confident and friendly as you reply to interview questions. Throughout the interview, maintain good eye contact, have a firm handshake, and smile frequently. Don’t use first names unless asked to do so. Likeability is vital.
- Memorize a short speech that tells your story quickly. Remember, interview preparation is key.
- Don’t chatter to fill a silence. You risk nervously blurting out harmful information. Rather than providing a quick answer for interview questions, instead ask: “Would you rather hear about my skills in A or B?”
- Avoid bringing up negative aspects from your employment history — unless you must to get ahead of the bad news that you’re sure is coming. Don’t ever trash your current or past employers.
- Don’t ask about salary and benefits too soon. Use deft moves to avoid giving away your negotiating leverage when you go for your bottom-line pay even in tough times.
- Develop a storytelling knack as part of your interview preparation — memorize short little true stories that support your claims of relevant skills and accomplishments.
- Final quick tip on interviewing: Don’t leave without asking when a decision will be made and whether you can call back to check progress on the decision.
