How to Prepare for a Job Interview - 5 Steps Guide for Interviewees

Receiving that email for a job interview can be exhilarating and a boost to one's self-esteem. In a way, getting that invite means you have shown your skillset and worthiness towards the organization or company you applied to. Despite this, there are things one can do to prepare for job interview questions and how to answer them. Taking the time to prepare for an interview could be what differentiates you from the rest of the pact, who may have also received an invitation to an interview. 

How to Prepare for Interview Tips

You have made it to the interview; now what? Here are some helpful tips that you should consider when preparing to go to your big interview. 

• Knowing about the company you applied to and understand what cultural diversity is in the workplace. This is important for your own mind as you want to ensure that while the work and the company are of interest, their values and practices align with your own beliefs and values.  

• Ask about what the expectations are for yourself, as well as the workload. Depending on the type of work, there could be interview questions about time management and how you manage your time under pressure and stressful situations. 
• Researching common job interview questions with answers. Despite how terrifying and stressful it may be, it is essential to remember that only so many questions could be asked; therefore, taking the time to research what questions could be asked and the best answers can be an excellent asset for yourself. 
• Have mock interview sessions with someone who can provide honest and productive feedback. When you do this, you are hoping that the other person can help you prepare for job interview questions, but also it allows you to imagine what it would be like in the interview session. 
• Look in the mirror and study your body language and how you enunciate when answering the questions. Even if you may be nervous or unsure of yourself, showing confidence in your posture and demeanor can go a long way. When practicing your interview questions, ask the person you are working with to provide feedback on how you respond, sit and act. 
• Find your motivation and inspiration because companies like to know that they are hiring someone who isn't just there for a paycheck but that they are going to contribute to the organization.

These minor considerations can make a big difference for when you go into your interview, and while it may seem like a lot of work for something you may or may not get, over time, the more interviews you do, the better prepared and informed you are going to be. It is better to be overprepared than underprepared. 

Preparing for the Day 

Sometimes knowing how to boost concentration and preparedness for an interview is hard to do, given there is already probably on your mind. There are, however, things you can do on the day of to accompany your interview preparation tips. 

A few things you can do on the day of your interview include: 

• Arriving early, consider arriving at your interview five to 10 minutes early; this way, you can make sure you know where you are going. If you have to park, you have factored that in too. It is better to be early than late. 
• Dress for the job you want, which means no jeans, shorts, or t-shirts. When preparing for an interview, always consider business casual or business; don't go for casual as it may give off the vibe you aren't serious about the job opportunity. Demonstrate professionalism in your outfit and in your style.

• Don't overdo the perfume or cologne. While it may be nice to smell, many organizations and companies have a scent-free environment, and it is better to go into your interview not overpowering them with smells. 
• Eat breakfast, no matter how unsettled or not hungry you may feel. Sometimes our body tells us or makes us feel as though we don't want to eat; however, it could be embarrassing to be in the middle of an interview, and your stomach starts to make rumbling sounds. Simply having a piece of toast can be helpful, just don't forget to brush your teat. 
• Turn your phone's ringer and vibrate off. While it may seem obvious, it is easily forgettable, and the last thing you want to do is have your phone go off in the middle of your job interview. 
• Use the washroom before you go into your interview. Again, while this may seem obvious, sometimes stress can do things to our body that is beyond our control. Even if you don't feel like it, go because you don't have to hold it in or stop the interview just to use the washroom. 
• Relax and breathe. Your nerves are surely going to be moving a mile a minute; however, it's important to remember you have made it this far. Your resume, application, it was reviewed and worthy of being brought in to speak with someone. Take this as a good sign, and remember, even if you don't get the job, see this interview as an opportunity to improve and improve for the next one. 

A typical interview can last anywhere between 15 to 30 minutes, sometimes longer and sometimes shorter. Once this is all done, you are going to realize that it wasn't as bad as you thought it was. Give yourself credit, and remember that uncomfortable, uneasy feeling is short-lived. 

Interview for Success

Going into an interview, whether it's for your dream job, the first job, or whether you are trying to figure out what your passion is - your success is going to rely on how you walk into that room and how confident you are. Believing in yourself is not always easy, but if you have taken the time to prepare for job interview questions, make sure that you are dressed for success and not drowning in cologne; that is a success you should be proud of.