If a hiring manager contacts you to schedule a job interview, congratulations! You’re one step closer to securing a position that could be the first – or next – step in a long and exciting career. But first, you’ve got to nail the job interview and secure the opportunity. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you be as well prepared and on your game as possible:
- Research the company
- Read the job description
- Find the location before the day of the interview
- Plan your interview attire the night before
- Dress appropriately
- Be on time - at least 10 min early
- Stay calm and speak clearly
- Listen well and take notes
- Express gratitude
Important Note:
If you do not have extensive experience in the field you are pursuing, it is helpful to instead emphasize potentially relevant “soft skills” – like proficiency in teamwork, a strong work ethic, dependability, and problem-solving. Be prepared to provide detailed examples of how you put these skills to use in the past – if you have a job history to discuss. This helps bolster your qualifications, and often a worker’s ability to perform well with others is just as important, if not more so, as their knowledge of a specific tradecraft.
Don't Forget to Prepare Questions
Preparing questions for the interviewer will help you better understand the job you’re seeking – maybe it’s not really all that you’re looking for. You want to be sure that the position will be a good fit on both sides. Inquisitiveness about a specific project or company also demonstrates that you’ve taken the time to do some research, which underscores your interest in a job. Ask specific questions about the role’s day-to-day tasks, and mention specifics of the company itself.