Due to the economic downturn which has persisted over the last two years, getting a job let alone getting the right job has been challenging and often a very daunting task. Very often many job seekers have even failed in obtaining an interview due to a badly written resume. It is an accepted fact that these days, qualifications alone will not ensure you the job; you need to perform well during the job interview to stand out from your competitors. How well you perform during the job interview will determine whether your prospective employer will perceive you as the right candidate for the job.
Hence, it is imperative that you should carry out the necessary job interview preparation before the day of the interview to increase your confidence level and to conduct yourself well during the interview. The following paragraphs provide some guide and advice to help you build that confidence as you prepare for the job interview.
1. Your previous work experiences and achievements are the most important information in your resume. These elements determine your suitability for the prospective job you are seeking. How well you present to your future employers of your skills and experiences will help to promote your chances of getting the job. Before the interview, go through a mental rehearsal of what questions the interviewers might ask. By doing so, you will be more comfortable tackling the questions and be able to come across to your prospective employer as a confident person rather than unsure and awkward when presenting your experiences and capabilities.
2. During a job interview, most interviewers expects the conversation to be two way. You will give a favorable perception to the interviewer of your interest in the job if you ask intelligent questions of the role of the job and also the company. Carrying out a research of the job role and an understanding the job description will enable you to have an intelligent conversation with the interviewer. Likewise, it will help your cause by checking on the company website to obtain information on the company’s mission and vision and business offerings. Showing a keen interest in the company will give the impression of your enthusiasm and determination for the job to the interviewer.
3. Dressing appropriately and punctuality are important. A good personal image will help you in projecting a confident self image to the interviewer. Also ensure that you arrive punctually for the interview, taking note of the traffic condition leading to the place of your interview. Leave early to ensure that you arrive on time.
4. Your final impression to the interviewer is just as important as creating a positive first impression. When the interview is ended by the interviewer, you should thank the interviewer for his time and reaffirm your interest in the job and the opportunity to work for him and the company. Let the interviewer know that you are ever willing to furnish whatever other information required for the interviewer that he may need. Later follow up with an e-mail to the interviewer thanking him for the interview. Reaffirm your interest for the job by including a short note on why you consider yourself as the suitable candidate for the job in the e-mail.
In summary, be aware that besides a great resume, the job interview helps the employer ascertain the job candidate suitability for the job. Therefore, a proper job interview preparation is necessary if you are to prevail over your competitors to ensure that you are hired for the job that you so desired.