If there is something that tends to make people quite nervous, it is job interviews. This is quite normal, job interviews are the prelude to being able to have a job that will bring you professional development and money at the end of the month. There are some steps you can take into account when you have to do an interview and that way you make sure that you have made a good impression for sure on your interviewers.
First of all, you should take your time to prepare for the interview so that you can ensure that this position has a good chance that it is for you. What should you keep in mind? Follow these tips.
Analyze the work
You will have to analyze the job, know the company and thus know what exactly they are offering you. There is nothing worse for an interviewer than having a candidate who has only come 'to try their luck'. It is necessary that he sees a real interest in you and above all, that you understand not only the job position, but also of what exactly they ask you to develop in that particular job position.
Make a list of your skills, the knowledge you have and your professional and personal qualities that make you perfect to fill that job. This is essential that you have it very clear because it will help the interviewer to see great potential in you.
Experiences in previous jobs similar to the position required
Once you figure out what your skills are for that job, you should also have a list of your jobs you've done before that match the requirements for that job. If you do not have demonstrable experience, then it will be good to highlight above all, your skills.
In this case, you can include in the list the skills, qualities, certifications, experiences, professional qualifications, knowledge ... that fit the required job position. Think of concrete examples from your previous jobs that demonstrate your skills and offer possible references so they can check the veracity of your statements.
Check job requirements
It is important that you have a good review of the job requirements, your list of skills and assets, as well as your examples before the interview. Do not leave anything to improvisation, you must be prepared to be able to explain everything you need in maximum detail.
This will help you to be well prepared to answer job-specific questions in the interview as well as potential behavioral questions designed to determine if you have the knowledge, skills and qualities necessary to perform the job you aspire to.
Investigate the company
If you do not understand what the company is about, the interviewer will not waste time with you and will quickly dismiss you. Before going to the job interview, you should find out as much as you can about the job and the company in all its magnitude.
Researching the company is a critical part of preparing for the interview. It will help you prepare both to answer the interview questions about the company and to ask the interviewer questions about the company. You can also find out if the company and company culture are right for you.
You can check the company's website to find out everything about it. Read everything and especially the 'about us'. It is important that you get an idea of how the company compares with other organizations in the same sector, that you read opinions of people who have worked in that company before or who are currently in it.
Practice the interview
It will be necessary that you visualize yourself at the time of the interview and that you imagine the possible questions that they will ask you to practice different types of answers. Even if these questions are not asked later, at least you will be calmer because you will feel more prepared to do the interview in the best possible way.
In this sense, take the time you need to practice answering the interview questions. All of this will also help calm your nerves because you will not be improvising answers at the very moment of the interview. If you improvise you can be wrong and have many points deducted as a good candidate.
Practice interviewing a friend or family member ahead of time and it will be much easier when you are in a job interview. Try to practice the phone or in-person interview with people around you. Depending on the type of interview you have to carry out (telephone, video call or in person), try this modality with people you trust.
Go over the questions and answers of a common job interview and think about how you will answer, how you will respond. If the interview is in person, you should also keep in mind the importance of non-verbal language.
Other things you can't ignore
There are other aspects that you cannot and should not ignore, because they are small details that you should also take into account for the success of the interview:
- Be punctual. Time is money and you shouldn't let anyone lose it. Leave home on time to avoid being late, it is better that you arrive at least 15 minutes in advance.
- Dress well. It depends on the type of work you aspire to, you should dress in one way or another. The ideal is to dress in a balanced way between formal and informal. Making a good impression, with clothes that fit you well and that are not in bad condition.
- Good aspect. Just as important is the clothes you wear as well as your appearance and your hygiene. Maintain good hygiene. Take your hair well-groomed, shower before leaving home, perfume yourself and keep a healthy appearance. It is necessary that you have a good diet and lifestyle, as well as having slept the necessary hours to be well because that also shows in your appearance quickly.
- Keep a positive attitude. People almost naturally shy away from people who are pessimistic. It is important that you maintain a positive attitude all the time, both about your past, as well as your present and future. Convey confidence and security in yourself and you will already have half the ground gained.