Advanced preparation is an essential part of the job interview process, as it greatly increases your chance of performing well and moving on to the next steps in the hiring phase. Even if you're highly qualified on paper, performing poorly during a job interview can land you a one-way ticket out the door. Follow these preparation tips to ensure you make a positive impression with recruiters and boost your chance of getting the job.
Research the Organization
Hiring managers are impressed by candidates who have knowledge about the organization's mission and practices, so take time to research the company before your job interview. Find out about the organization's history, and learn about the individuals currently running the show. Use resources such as the organization's website, Facebook page and Twitter feeds to learn about the company's current activities. Jot down some of the information you find, and come up with creative ways to mention key tidbits during the job interview.
Practice Common Interview Questions
Recruiters generally ask about previous jobs, volunteer positions and educational achievements during interviews. Prepare answers on these topics in advance, and practice them until you can deliver the answers comfortably. Ask a friend to help you rehearse answers to common questions such as "Why did you leave your last job?" or Why do you want to work for our company?" Make your answers as informative as possible to give recruiters a glimpse of your personality and work ethic.
Prepare Questions to Ask the Interviewer
As you research the company, prepare a few questions for the recruiter. Asking questions lets the recruiter know you're genuinely interested in working for the organization, and it also helps determine if the company is a good fit for you. Recruiters expect candidates to ask questions during job interviews, so don't hesitate to request more information about the company or certain aspects of the job.
Prepare Multiple Achievement Stories
Recruiters want to know what you bring to the table, so don't be shy about mentioning your achievements during a job interview. Prepare multiple achievement stories relating to the position you seek to let recruiters know you have what it takes to perform the job. Describe how you helped increase production by 30 percent or lowered operational costs in a specific department. These types of stories make you stand out from other applicants and increase your chance of getting a callback.
It's never a good idea to show up to a job interview unprepared. Obvious preparation for an interview not only demonstrates your respect for the recruiter's time, but it also displays your genuine interest in the position and strong desire to land the job. You never get a second chance to make a great first impression, so follow these preparation tips to ensure you always project a positive image during job interviews.
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