Ace that interview. An applicant’s best tool is to come prepared for the meeting. The success of landing the job is entirely dependent on how you handle yourself during the interview and how knowledgeable you are of the tasks that the position will require from you.
Here are some tips to keep you on the lead.
Know them. It is important that you know where you are heading. Do some research about the company. Check their websites, find out what it is that they do and what they are good at. A little appreciation coming from you on how well they are doing will somehow lighten the mood as you talk.
What’s the job. Read through the job qualifications. Think of your skills and past experiences and how you can help them connect you to what it is that they need. Sell yourself now, this is the best time. Do not promise something if at the back of your mind you’re already thinking about how you will deliver. Cite examples of past experiences that will strengthen your application.
Next question, please. Write down possible questions to be asked and say the answers out loud. You don’t want them catching you grappling for words to say because you did not expect them to ask questions like: ‘Why are you leaving your current job?’ or, ‘What interests you about this opening?’ or, “What are your strengths and weaknesses?’. Practice answering out loud will help you look confident during the interview.
I’m nervous. Don’t just sit there and pray that the question you are dreaded to be asked won’t come up, instead, prepare how you will answer it. Practice saying the answer to the most dreaded question out loud. Practice makes perfect no matter how nervous you are.
My turn. Prepare your own questions. It is most likely that the interviewer will give you time to ask your questions. This is a time for you to know if you would like to pursue the job. You might ask questions like, “What are the biggest challenges the person in this position encounters?’ or, ‘How will the success of the person in this position be measured?’ or “How does a typical day or week look like in this position?’.
Start with the right mindset. Relax. Don’t aim for perfection. Remember that the person doing the interview hasn’t given flawless interviews as well. It will help to bear in mind that the reason they arranged an interview with you is that they have assessed you and that you might be qualified for the role.
