Job Interviews : How to Prepare for an Interview and Ace It

The interview process isn’t as scary as you might think, but it can be daunting to someone who’s never been through it before. Having some idea of what to expect and how to act during the interview can give you an edge over other candidates who may not have prepared or don’t know what they’re getting into. Here are some tips on how to prepare for an interview and ace it, so you land that job!

Think About What They Want

Ultimately, it is about what the interviewer wants. They want a person who can come in and fill the gaps that are missing or fulfilling the need of their company. Their job is to make sure they hire the best person possible, but you also have a responsibility to present yourself as someone who has potential that can be nurtured by this company.

Learn From Job Postings

It's one thing to prepare for an interview, but it's another to learn about the company or role you're applying for. You'll want to read up on their social media profiles, blog posts, etc. - basically anything that lets you know what they're all about.

Pay attention to any mentions of people in your industry who have worked there before and see if they've written anything online. If so, reach out to them via LinkedIn (or even better) and ask them about their experience!

Do Your Research

This one is pretty self-explanatory. Do your research on the company you're interviewing with, know who will be in the interview, what questions they may ask, and what might be of interest or concern to them. And if possible, do some research on the people interviewing you. Know their names, where they're from, and what they do with their time outside of work.

Practice Keywords

Practice answers to commonly asked interview questions in advance. You should always come prepared with the following:

1. Who are you?
2. What do you want from this job?
3. Why do you want this job?
4. What makes you a good fit for this position?

This will ensure that when it comes time for your interview, your answers are well-thought-out, concise, and show what you're capable of.

Read Also: How to Ace the Most Common Interview Questions

Emphasize Results in Your Answers

Before the interview, get a good night's sleep, eat breakfast (something light) and arrive at the interview site with plenty of time. The last thing you want is to show up flustered or drowsy because you just slept through your alarm! Plus, arriving early will give you some much-needed time to review any materials they may have emailed over.

When arriving, smile at everyone you meet. While this may seem simple, it can make all the difference in how they perceive you.

Keep Answering Simple

After preparing your resume, come up with some answers to possible interview questions. The best thing to do is prepare ahead of time. Once you're ready, try practising in front of a mirror or over the phone with a friend. This way you can see if there are any gaps in your story. You'll be more comfortable answering questions in person too when you know the best way to answer them ahead of time.

Get Comfortable With Silence

There is always a chance that you'll be sitting in front of the hiring manager with nothing but silence. The first tip on how to prepare for an interview is to get comfortable with being silent. This will give you time to think before speaking, which can actually make you seem more confident and well-spoken when you do speak.

Plus, it could mean the difference between feeling flustered or seeming as though you're completely in control.

Not All Questions Are Equal

Research ahead of time is key. You want to make sure you have done your homework on the company you are interviewing with, have done your research on the job opening and be as prepared as possible for any questions that may come up.

Plus, remember that it's not just about what you say - it's also about how you say it. Be aware of your body language, don't slouch or yawn, and be interested in what they are saying by leaning forward a little bit or nodding occasionally.

Remind Yourself Why You’re There

One of the most important things to do when you’re preparing for a job interview is to remind yourself why you want the job. The best way to do this is by compiling a list of reasons why you would be happy working there. This list can include benefits like better hours, better pay, more vacation time, more room for growth in your field, etc. 

Don’t forget that a positive attitude will also come across in your interview.

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