Prepare for a Job Interview
Edited by Lor777, Ephraim, Melissa Meyer, Eng and 3 others
Successful interviews are the result of good preparation. Preparation not only gives you the information you need and the appearance you want to present, but, more importantly, the confidence to succeed.
The Philosophy of Preparing for a Job Interview
Think of preparing for an interview like preparing for a final exam. If you start studying well in advance, it helps. If you get enough of a head start on studying, you won't have to cram the night before. What this means is that you can get to sleep on time, have a good breakfast, and freshen up properly so you will arrive on time and feeling rested when you sit down for the exam. There will be an air of calmness and confidence that will help you think straight throughout the exam. You will leave knowing that regardless of the outcome, you gave it your best shot--you did the best you could. If you give the same preparation to an interview, you will gain the same satisfaction.
There are four areas to consider when preparing for a job interview:
- 1Situational Knowledge.
- 2Mental Preparation.
- 3Physical Preparation.
- 4Written Preparation.
Situational Knowledge
These are things you should know before you're on your way out the door for you job interview.
- 1Where's the company located?
- 2How long will it take to get there?
- 3Where are you going to park?
- 4Do you know what office to go to?
- 5Do you know what the name and title of the person with whom you will be interviewing?
- 6Do you have the phone number of the company so you can call if you're going to be late for some reason?
- 7Do you know if you will be interviewing with more than one person?
Mental Preparation
Mental preparation for a job interview involves several areas. It involves your knowledge of the company, the position for you are applying for, and the career path you wish to follow. It also includes your mental attitude about work in general, your expectations about the job, and your confidence in your ability to do the job.
You have seen the kind of information you should research about the company with which you are to interview. Knowledge about the company serves many purposes during a job interview.
- 1It confirms your real interest in working for the company.
Part of preparing mentally for an interview is having a clear understanding about the job you are interviewing for. Time after time, interviewers comment that applicants do not really understand the nature of the job for which they are applying. The area in which applicants fall short is lack of specific information available to really answer questions effectively. And yet, isn't it critical to know what you are getting into when you choose a career field? Make yourself convincing during your job interview. Be able to speak comfortably about the job you are applying for as it relates to your career field and the professional objectives you have developed. Let the interviewer know that you have an overall plan. Employers like to see applicants who have career direction.
Next, your mental attitude about work will be evaluated in your interview. You should be enthusiastic about the challenges your career presents to you, compared to the person who does not see the value of work beyond the paycheck. If you emanate motivation and enthusiasm about work, the employer will see that you might be able to make some valuable contributions to the company. Your work ethic is important.
Physical Preparation
Physical preparation for a job interview reinforces your mental preparation. Now that you've prepped yourself mentally, and you know quite a bit about the company you are applying for a job with, it's a very good idea to consider what you'll wear. First impressions are so important in this setting, because unlike social situations, you will have no second chance to redeem yourself. If you feel sick, tired, or sloppy, your mental attitude and alertness will be diminished. The following are some important guidelines:
- Start with good hygiene and good grooming.
- Get proper rest the night before.
- Eat breakfast.
- Wear a professional outfit that still reveals your own personal style.
- Present a professional image.
- Wear little jewelry.
- Do not wear perfume.
- Remember to have clean hair, neatly and stylishly groomed.
- Arrive 15 minutes early.
- Relax.
- Smile.
- Be energetic.
For Men
- 1Suits with bright colors will tend to distract the interviewer. Add a splash of color with a unique tie, rather than a purple suit.Wear a suit that is predominately a solid color - Navy Blue, Black or Dark Grey for these colors will be easy on the eyes for the interviewer.
- 2Pick a long sleeved shirt preferably to wear under the suit either white or a color that will complement the suit.
- 3Choose a belt to wear that will coordinate with the suit in full (for example do not wear a brown belt with a black suit)
- 4Wear dark socks along with you suit for bright socks will also grab the interviewers' attention for no real good reason.
- 5Equip yourself with as little jewelry as possible or even no jewelry at all during the interview
- 6Dark shoes are to be worn
For Women
- 1If you're wearing a suit, stick to neutral tones and avoid busy patterns.
- 2Ensure that the suit skirt (if being worn) is long enough to be worn comfortably while sitting down during the interviewing process.
- 3Wear a blouse that will go along with the suit outfit (like the men)
- 4Refrain from wearing any type of jewelry that will seem to be distracting such as dangling earrings, excessive amounts of wrist jewelry or too many amounts of earrings.
- 5Don't go into an interview with bare legs - even in the summer.
- 6It's just not appropriate for an interview.Don't unbutton your blouse to reveal cleavage...even if yours is beautiful.
- 7Dark shoes
Grooming For Women
- 1Do not over do it.Wear light makeup.
- 2Get a manicure before going to the interview.
- 3Neatly styled hair (refrain from having any type of beads or jewelry in your hair)
For Men
- 1Trim nails before the interview.
- 2Clean shaven or neatly trimmed beard and mustache.
- 3(also take care of nose/ear hair)Neatly cut or trimmed hair.
Written Preparation
It is not inappropriate to bring notes with you on an interview. Bring notes from your company research in case you need them. Prepare a brief list of questions to have with you. Write down any miscellaneous information that does not appear on your resume that you feel might be worth bringing up at the interview. Summarize the details of the job, as you perceive them from the ad you read or the information you researched. This information should not prove to be a distraction during the interview but rather a help should you need it. Remember how important eye contact is as an indicator of listening and interest level.
Self-Preparation Summary
- 1Is my goal clear to me?
- 2Have I decided if and where I am willing to relocate?
- 3Have I decided how much I need to earn to meet my living expenses?
- 4Have I researched the company enough?
- 5Do I know the company well enough?
- 6Can I explain to an employer why I want to work for this company?
- 7Can I also explain to an employer why the company should hire me?
- 8Do I have the proper outfits to wear on my interview?
- 9Will I be well groomed, alert, and on time for my interview?
- 10Is my resume ready?
- 11Have I developed a positive attitude so that the interview will be successful?
Tips, Tricks & Warnings
- Know what to expect on an interview.
- Having information about the employer and the available job is important.
- Organizing your self-presentation will help you interview successfully.
- The real key to your success will lie in your ability to stand out from other job candidates.
- All this depends on the job you are applying for. If you are trying for a job in an arts organization, dressing a little funky would work well. This article is geared toward the business world.
Questions and Answers
What are the proper earrings to wear for an interview?
A job interview can be one of the most important events in your life, so you need to look elegant without attracting attention due to screaming jewelry. Earrings can definitely give a finished look of your entire ensemble, but you have to find a suitable pair, which will combine the classic and business appearances. Even if you're one of those extravagant women who have multiple holes in her ears, you should skip some of the earrings for a day! This is most likely your first contact with the company, so you don't know how conservative your would-be boss is, or the policies of the firm. You also have to avoid big hoop earrings in colors like pink or red, as well as heavy dangling earrings.
With this in mind, the most appropriate earrings for an interview would be a simple pair of small ones. When you turn your head the earrings should be "quiet", so a pair of stud earrings that fit neatly on your earlobe is also suitable.
If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.
