The job interview is the most critical step during your job search journey. It might seem terrifying, but it is your chance to show the employer that you’re the qualified one. 

Hence, successful interviews don’t just happen in one clap. You have to prepare in advance your goals and qualifications for the roles.

Then, you can ace the interview and turn a stressful experience into something more pleasant. 

In this article, we create steps to prepare for a successful interview in 2022. 

 

 

STEP 1: Before The Interview

Analyze The Job Description

The first step of your job interview preparation is to analyze the job description. The job description lists the qualification, job duties, and information that the employer is looking for.

In addition, you also check the working method model such as on-site, hybrid, or remote. As we know, these working method occurs due to pandemic situation.

You require to read and review the job description thoroughly. Also, ensure your competencies are aligned for the job.

The more you match the job description, the better your chance of landing the position.

 

Do The Company Research

Before attending a job interview, it’s essential to do company research. It will gain you an insight into the company’s strategy, goals, and culture.

Hence, it will give you an edge over the competition. To concise the company background, you can visit the company’s website and its social media platforms.

You will learn about their clients, partnerships, competitors, business mergers and acquisitions, or expansion into new markets. 

You can also read their press releases to check their insight on projected growth and stability. Besides that, you can use Glassdoor and LinkedIn to find people who work there and what they say about the company. 

You can learn a new perspective and a glimpse into their industry standing. 

 

Read also

Avoid 8 Common Resume Mistakes: Fix It Now, Land The Job Next!

 

Prepare The Possible Questions And Answer

The interviewer will have a question set that you need to answer. The recruiter will ask you to describe a real-life example of your skill or behavior.

While you won’t be able to predict every question, you can prepare by creating a list of common interview questions.

Even though the employer doesn’t ask the exact questions, they will likely ask something similar.

Here are a few examples of common interview questions:

• Why do you want to work here?
• What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
• Why should we hire you?
• Why are you leaving your current position?
• Where do you see yourself in five years?
• Etc.

The best way to answer is to include your skills, knowledge, and abilities and match them to the company’s needs.

As a candidate, you shall present a clear idea without memorizing it. You have to answer it intelligently and naturally during the question and answer session.

 

Practice Interviewing

Practicing interviews is another effective way to relieve anxiety and improve your confidence. Moreover, it prepares you to improve the answer to specific questions.

You can also arrange an interview practice session with your friends or family.

If you have no one to be your interview partner, You can practice it by answering the potential question aloud in your room or somewhere. It may be awkward at first, but it’s normal.

 

STEP 2: During The Interview

Plan What To Wear

First impressions are very important. Therefore, your outfit for the job interview is essential to being prepared.

It is fine to choose your outfit long before the d-day rather than preparing it abruptly a few hours before the interview begins. Here are a few tips to prepare your interview outfit.

Women:

• Wear a suit with a jacket — not a dress
• Shoes with conservative heels
• Use makeup sparingly (keep it natural)
• If you have long hair, make sure it is neatly pulled back.
• Fingernails should be neat and trimmed.
• Make sure to have no visible body piercings or tattoos.
• Use minimal fragrance and empty your pockets,

Men:

• Make sure to be clean-shaven
• Fingernails should be neat and trimmed.
• Wear a long-sleeved dress shirt, tie and suit
• Wear dark shoes (black and laced up)
• Use minimal fragrance, empty your pockets, and make sure your shoes are cleaned and polished.
• Do not wear rings aside from a wedding or class ring.

 

Read also

From Internship Programs To Full-Time Employees, Is It Possible?

 

Be Punctual And Check Your Route

Proper planning on how to get to the office for an interview is important. If your interview place is an unfamiliar area, you have to double-check the location and find the best route to get there.

If you’re getting by car, you should allow enough time to anticipate traffic.

On the other hand, if you are taking public transportation, you ensure their departure schedule to prevent any delays.

For this reason, you have to arrive at least 10 minutes early if you have to inform the interviewer if an unexpected situation happens.

So they can give you another option to reschedule or wait for your arrival.

 

What To Bring To A Job Interview

Don’t come to the interview with an empty hand. Before you go to the interview location, be sure to know what to bring to a job interview.

You can bring extra copies of your resume, including a portfolio, pen, and a notebook. Then, you can compile it into one document to keep it tidy.

 

STEP 3: After The Interview

Prepare For Interview Questions

Interview sessions are two ways of communication. Hence, you are not coming just to answer, listen, and pay attention to what the interviewer said.

You can ask and give a good response rather than just providing rote answers to questions. 

For this reason, most employees feel confident about candidates who ask thoughtful questions and give a good response.

A good interview session will run more than 30 minutes. Therefore, it is your chance to engage and impress the recruiter!

At the end of the session, you should prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer.

Here are some examples of questions you could ask:

• I’ve enjoyed learning more about this opportunity. What are the next steps in the hiring process?
• Why do you enjoy working here?
• What qualities do your most successful employees have?

 

Read also

Different Types Of Recruiters, Which One Do You Need?

 

Follow Up With A Thank You Note

Don’t just leave your interview behind. After the interview session, you have to follow up an interview with a thank-you note. 

Sending a thank-you email will make you stand out from other candidates. It is a way to show your appreciation for the interviewer’s time and consideration. 

In addition, this effort is your chance to reaffirm why you’d be a good fit for the role and bring up points you forgot to mention.

If you don’t know the interviewer’s email, you can also email the recruiter or other point of contact. Then, you can ask them to send along your gratitude.

 

In a nutshell, sending your resume and portfolio can inform recruiters of a picture of your expertise and experience.

However, the interview session still takes the most considerable part to learning more about you and how you work. It also determines whether you are eligible to proceed to the next stage or not.

Every interview is unique. Therefore, you can follow these tips for successful interview preparation and practice your interview skill.

The more you prepare, the better you face it. Interviewers can tell if a candidate has prepared or not, and they will appreciate it if you have.

If you are ready to start your career, we are happy to help!  Let us know your goals, and we’ll match you with the right jobs.

You can also visit our website by clicking here. Elabram will help you to find the right job for your needs!

Good luck to all of you on the job hunt!