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Tips for Preparing for an Interview
Preparing for an interview is a crucial part of showing confidence and initiative. The more you prepare the more organised you will feel mentally and the better you actions and words will walk side by side. Some useful interview tips to bear in mind when preparing for an interview are:
Interview Tip # 1- Get Enough Sleep
Try to get enough sleep so as to avoid baggy eyes and lack of concentration during an interview. If you look tired due to lack of sleep this could be interpreted as lack of interest.
Interview Tip # 2- Research about the Company
Do the necessary research to get factual up-to-date information about the company that you are interested in. You can research about the company’s history and the progress that it has made over the years.
Interview Tip#3-Train yourself
It is easy to be taken off guard by an unexpected question; therefore, train yourself to answer as many “common interview questions” as possible. The more you train, the more eloquent and confident you will sound regarding what is being said. If you have some black marks in your professional history, then train yourself to be prepared to answer queries about these.
Interview Tip# 4- Prepare the questions you intend to ask during or after
The interview is also a time for you to get more information about the company and the position in question, so prepare yourself with relevant questions to ask. By asking questions you are demonstrating interest and showing that you are capable of taking the lead in a given situation.
Interview Tip # 5- Get Organised
Getting organised for an interview can entail getting directions to where the interview will be held, pre-selecting your clothes the day before the interview and organizing the necessary documents that you will take with you. If it is possible to get the name/s of the interviewer/s, then this can also be useful.
If you have a family, then ensure that certain motherly or fatherly duties are covered the night before the interview. Last minute preparations can throw you off balance and cause you to shift focus from the big day.
Interview Tip # 6- Train your body language
Your body language can be your biggest ally or enemy; therefore, try to train your hand movements, how you sit, your facial expressions and overall appearance before entering an interview.
Interview Tip # 7- Avoid buying new clothes and shoes
New clothes and shoes can distract you if you are wearing them for the very first time. The common question “I wonder if I am dressed well?” can break your concentration during the interview. If you must buy new clothes and shoes ensure that you are comfortable with them. You should sit, walk and wear them long enough to come to a conclusion.
Interview Tip#8- Avoid bright colours
Avoid colours that will “steal the moment” so to say. Anything that you wear should complement and highlight you instead of compete with you.
Interview Tip # 9- Smile
An interview can be a tense moment, but being rigid and serious throughout it can make this even worse. Try to smile and relax.
Interview Tip#10- Be Proactive
You do not have to wait until the interviewer extends his or her hand to consider giving a handshake. If you are seated when he or she walks into room, stand up to greet with a firm handshake and a smile. If you walk into the room and he or she is still seated, extend your hand to greet as well. It is considered rude and disrespectful to walk into an interview without a formal greeting.
Interview Tip # 11- Wait to Sit
If the interviewer is already in the room when you walk in, wait until you are guided about where to sit. If you find that this is taking too long, then you may ask “where would you like me to sit? or may I sit down please?”
Interview Tip # 12- Remember to turn off your mobile
A mobile ringing in the middle of an interview can be very distracting and break the flow of the conversation all together; therefore, put your mobile on “silent” or just turn it off completely.