A job interview is simply a discussion between two people who share a common goal: to fill a position. The interview serves to assess the basic requirements for the position. Here are some key steps to prepare:
- Research the Company: Understanding the company, its culture, the role, compensation, and other important factors is crucial. Visit the company’s website and ask friends for insights. This will give you a sense of what the company is like and what its values are.
- Set a Reminder: Ensure you remember the interview time. If you cannot attend, send an email well in advance to the interviewer to reschedule.
- Preparation is Key: Being personable, smiling, and confident isn’t enough. Companies often interview many candidates and use structured systems to assess skills accurately. Start preparing at least a week in advance to organize your thoughts and get ready for the meeting.
- Tell Your Story: Don’t read your CV during the interview; they’ve already seen it. Discuss how your previous experience or education led you to apply for this position. Explain the relevance of your background and why you chose this career path. People love stories, so make your narrative engaging.
- Be Precise: Use specific examples relevant to the role. Structure your examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Describe a situation where you faced a new challenge, how you reacted, and what you learned.
- Prepare Notes: If the interview is virtual, keep some notes nearby. You can glance at them occasionally but avoid reading them directly during the interview.
- Dress Professionally: Choose colours like light blue or navy, which suggest trustworthiness, honesty, and responsibility. Remember to smile, as people will decide if they want to work with you based on your demeanour. Leave a good impression.
- Ask Questions: Only ask questions if you genuinely have them. If everything is clear, simply say: “Thank you very much; everything is very clear to me at this stage.”
- Send Thank-You Notes: After the interview, send a personalized thank-you email to the interviewer.
Be yourself, be authentic, and be consistent.