Most people will be nervous heading into an interview for a potential job but preparation prior to arriving can ensure that are best equipped to handle what will be thrown at you and calm the nerves. Here are some tip that HR specialists recommend:
–Research (Have you done your background checks?)
Have you researched the company and its key people and what they do? You should know how long they have been in operation, how many offices they have, who the key people such as the CEO, General Manager and Chair of the Board is and if possible, who some of their key clients are. A lot of this information is readily available on websites or in business magazines.
–Where is the Interview (Location shouldn’t be a problem)
Are you familiar with the location of the interview and how to get there? If you are driving you will need to establish how long it will take to get there leaving ample time to park and enter the premises. On the other hand, if you are catching public transport, you will need to work out what type to take, the route that will get you there and the timetable that enables you to get there early enough.
–What to wear (Make a great first impression)
It is important that you consider what outfit to wear to an interview. If you aren’t familiar with the company and the types of clothing that employees wear, it would be beneficial to go and see existing staff members walking out of the building and/or going on their lunch break (it’s not a must). in a nutshell, just be professional.
Make sure you allow plenty of time to prepare yourself prior to the interview. Employers expect you to look your best and you should be ready to impress with a professional outfit that convey the right message about who you are. If in doubt, contact an HR professional. Check out Just Digital People if you need assistance on how to better prepare to land your dream job.
–Practice answers to anticipated questions
There are some pretty stock standard questions that most interviewers will ask so it is well advised to practice what your response will be. What are your strengths? What are you hobbies? What are you looking for in a workplace?
These and other questions relating to the skills you possess that are relevant to the job are most likely to be asked so it is wise to prepare some answers so that you don’t waste time in the interview thinking about an answer.
Be prepared for answers regarding any potential dangerous questions such as why you left your last job or what a former boss might say about you (particularly if things at prior jobs didn’t end well!)
–Questions you should be asking
It is also beneficial for you to know any questions that you would like to ask a potential employer. For instance, ask where the job is based and when is the anticipated start date should you be successful – these are particularly relevant if you are already employed in a job that is bound by a contract stating that you have to give a certain amount of notice prior to leaving a job.
You can easily land your dream job when you are well prepared. If you know what to expect, you will be in control.