A job interview can be a very stressful experience if you are not prepared. You could be the smartest applicant, have the most experience, and be the best for the job but if you blow the interview you will not get a second chance. Statistics show there are many brilliant professionals that get stuck in undesirable jobs because they perform poorly in interviews. Whether you perform poorly or not there is always room for improvement. The following tips will make you look like a strong contender in your next job interview.
1. Get rest. Get plenty of rest the night before the interview. If you go into the interview sleepy you will not portray yourself as sharply.
2. Eat breakfast and lunch. This sounds like a no-brainer but many people do not eat a healthy breakfast or lunch. Food is fuel for your body and brain. Make sure you fuel up to be at your best!
3. Research the company. Prior to going on an interview you should research the company you are interviewing with and make sure you understand what they do, their ethics, and history.
4. Research the position. Do research on the position that you will be interviewing for and how it may be different from prior positions you may have held. If it is a position that is more advanced than the one you hold at the present moment, make sure you can communicate why you think you will be the right person for the job and how your qualifications line up with their need.
5. Research the interviewer. Prior to being interviewed, find out what type of personality the interviewer has. If you find out they are a very serious person or have a sense of humor you will better know how to handle yourself in the interview.
6. Know yourself. This is one of the most important items on the list. If you don’t know yourself, your interviewer will surely not be able to know why they need to hire you. Know your strengths, weaknesses, and what your goals are. Be confident without bragging.
7. Practice. Research questions the interviewer may ask. Do you have a friend or family member in the same line of work? Use them for additional information and run through a practice interview.
8. Dress nicely. Even if the position you are interviewing for does not require you to dress nicely, do so on your interview. This will show the interviewer that you are a serious professional.
9. Be on time. Being late will throw up huge red flags. If you show up late to an interview the interviewer will think you will not be a good candidate for the position and that you may have a habit of being late to work. All employers hate when their employees are late for work.
10. Stay calm. Even if you used all of the tips above not staying calm will kill all of the work you have executed prior to the interview. Before the interview relax with some calming music like jazz or classical. Have a glass of water and clear your mind.
If you are a highly qualified professional you deserve the best. Always be honing your skills and prepare yourself for the next great opportunity. Good luck!
