Preparing for an interview is as important as the interview itself. Here are a few ideas on how to be ready.
Review job requirements. Draw a vertical line down the center of a blank page (or, you can do this on your computer). At the top of the left side, write “WHAT THE EMPLOYER WANTS.” On the right side of the paper, put “WHAT I HAVE TO OFFER.” Next, list the key job requirements on the left side and your ability to meet each on the right side.
Know the organization. Before going in for an interview, find out as much as possible about the organization. Start with an Internet search then look for magazine articles and books with information about the company at the library.
Review possible questions. Brainstorm questions with a friend and prepare answers which show you understand the job. Anticipate what you will be asked and have answers ready. This will make you look better and increase your confidence during the interview.
Check your mannerisms. In a university study, interviewers described the people who were offered jobs at a job fair as enthusiastic, confident, smiling, and self-assured. They said the applicants had a firm handshake, had good posture, and were neatly dressed. The interviewers felt the winning applicants were serious about finding a job and expected to get an offer.
Negative mannerisms like tapping your feet or fingers during an interview may be taken as a lack of self-confidence. Nervousness may cause you to tap your pen or jingle your keys or jewelry. Ask a friend to check for body language that may distract an interviewer. Practice doing interviews with friends to learn to control any annoying actions.
Be enthusiastic. Employers look for people who are enthusiastic and confident. Those who smile and act as if they can get along with the rest of the staff have an edge over those who don’t. If this doesn’t come naturally to you, then practice.
Act healthy. Employers also want someone who is going to stay long enough to justify the cost of training and not be absent a lot. Healthy looking, healthy talking, self-confident people get picked first.
Try these ideas and be better prepared for that next interview.
The author's job-search advice has appeared in more than forty newspapers and other publications around the country. He has worked as a corporate recruiter in information technology and, as an IT supervisor has reviewed many applications and held many interviews over the years in both the private and public sector. His knowledge of the emotional impact of a job loss comes from his own experience as well as training received to help people who have lost jobs and faced other losses.