How to prepare for a job interview

Shamini Palanivel Management Department Eastern University,Sri Lanka

Job search isn't easy. There is searching for jobs, narrowing the jobs that you want to apply for and then desperately waiting for an interview call. However, once you get to the interview point, you know that you are a step closer to landing a job. The thing with job interviews is that many people make it too complicated. Of course, it's not easy to appear at an interview and be as calm as one could be, but it is something we all need to master.

The job interview is a time for them to get to know you better. They have already decided that you have the experience and knowledge that they require, that is why they want to meet you in person. What they really want to see at the interview is who you are. Your attitude and personality are going to be the most important factors in the decision making process.

The following job interview tips should help you get that second interview so you can land your dream job.

The key to a successful job interview is preparation. Remember that success occurs when preparation meets opportunity. If you get the opportunity to interview for a job, don't blow it by not being prepared. Instead, follow these guidelines to interview preparation.

* Research the company: Employers want someone who is excited about the position and is informed about the company and its industry. Find out a little bit about the company's history. What is its mission statement? Who is the company's competitors? The interviewer may ask you questions about the company.

By knowing this information, you will show the interviewer that you have taken the initiative to research the company and that you are a real go-getter.

* Prepare questions to ask the interviewer: These questions should be relevant to the job, employer, and organization. Asking questions will help you make an informed decision about taking the job as well as display your interest in the position.

* Practise interviewing: Ask a friend to be the interviewer or see if the career centre at your college has a mock interview service. Be prepared for open-ended questions such as, "What are your career goals?" and "What motivates you?" Prepare information from your past experiences that would relate to and benefit the position.

* Dress appropriately: All employers look for neat, clean, and well-groomed people. Men should wear a suit, tie, and dress shoes. Women should wear a suit, stockings, and dress shoes with minimum make-up, jewellery, and perfume. Remember it is better to overdress than to be too casual.

* Be on time: Better yet, arrive early. Just don't be late. This is the interviewer's first impression of you. If you arrive just a few minutes late, the interviewer will automatically see you in a negative way.

* Bring extra copies of your resume: You may need extra copies if you are asked to interview with more than one person. Carry them in a professional binder so they will stay clean and neat.

* Be aware of body language: Try to look energetic. Give a firm handshake upon meeting the interviewer. Maintain eye contact, but don't stare. Display good posture, and don't forget to smile. These nonverbal actions show that you are interested in being there.

* Give qualitative answers: Avoid answering questions using "yes" or "no". Employers want to know what you can offer the company. Give examples of your past performance because it is the best indicator of your future performance. Make sure to speak positively of all past employers and experiences.

* Emphasize your strengths: Let the employer know that you are reliable and/or that you have great communication skills.

The interview process is about selling yourself and what better way than to market what you do best.

* Be honest: Never exaggerate or lie about your past experiences. If your grade point average is not as high as you would like or you don't have any extracurricular activities, admit that these are weaknesses that you are trying to improve.

* Never sell yourself short: At many an interview the question asked is "what are your salary expectations?" This is a vital question for both yourself and your prospective employer. In order to answer this question successfully, you need to assess your market worth.

One way to do this is to add a monetary value for each qualification you hold and for each year of work experience. Once you have done this, compare it with your present salary. This will give you a good feel on what salary to request.

* Ask questions: Remember that you already know what questions to ask because you are prepared. Ask the questions that you have practised and any questions that you have thought of while being interviewed.

* Remain calm. Avoid nervous habits such as tapping your foot, playing with your hair, or biting your nails.

Remaining confident will prove to the interviewer that you are secure in your abilities to do the job.

* Close the job interview positively: Make sure to thank the interviewer for his or her time and shake the interviewer's hand. Don't forget to let him or her know that you look forward to hearing from the company soon. Express your interest in the position.

*Interview follow up

You may think that after your interview the rest is left up to the employer. Well, the decision on who to hire is up to the employer, but you still have one last chance to prove to the interviewer that you are the person for the job. You have to follow up in order to show the company that you are still interested in the position even after being interviewed. Here is what you should do for the interview follow up:

*Send a handwritten thank-you note: Doing this shows that you have good business etiquette.

This note should again thank the interviewer for his or her time and indicate your interest in the job.

You should refer to specific points discussed during the job interview that focus on how you can contribute to the company.

* Observe the company culture if you get a second interview: Ask if you can spend time watching the activities of different employees. This will allow you to see if you fit with the company and if the environment is comfortable for you.

Every interview is a learning experience.

As soon as the interview is over, step back and reflect on how the interview went. Did you answer the interviewer's questions clearly, how did they respond to you, how well did you present your strengths, and did you get all of your questions answered about the job and the company.

Use this information to practise for your next interview.

Good Luck