Some statistics show that just 2 percent of people who apply for a job reach the interview phase. Then, when a candidate thinks he reaches the promised land, he somehow fails to prepare for the job interview thinking that the hard part is already over. Preparing for this final phase remains a critical aspect to landing a job, because it impresses employers and it boosts your confidence. Here are nine ways you can ready yourself.
1. Write Down Accomplishments
Sit down and reflect on what you've done to reach this point in your career. Write down the most important accomplishments, especially ones over the past year or with long-time employers. Going over this list boosts your confidence as you notice the exciting things you can share with your future employer. Your excitement then shows through in your attitude.
2. Know Your Resume
You turned in your resume to the prospective company several weeks ago. During your job interview, chances are the people in front of you will refer to it several times. Memorize every word on the page so you can have it ready for more details.
3. Bring a Portfolio
Bring a portfolio to the job interview to show past work and past accomplishments. Did you finish a major project just in time for the board meeting? Save a copy of it and bring it with you. Did you create a computer program that increased a product's efficiency? Show how this works.
4. Understand Questions
Get to know standard job interview questions ahead of time, such as things about your greatest weakness, your future plans and knowing your work style. Know how to respond to these questions as if you're relating a story.
5. Tell Your Story
Interviewers often ask about a time in your past when you solved a problem. Respond by talking about the situation, how you handled the task, the action you took and then the results of your action. This method becomes the basis for telling stories throughout the interview.
6. Research the Industry
Walk into your face time with knowledge of industry trends, recent news and problems facing the company. Understanding the industry means you have a better grasp of how you can solve problems facing you in your new position.
7. Know the Company
The internet contains tons of information, so use it effectively to discover important talking points about the company and the interviewers in front of you. Get to know the company's mission, major customers, some of the staff and the company culture through the firm's web portal, LinkedIn pages, social media and press releases.
8. Ask Questions
A job interview is a two-way street. You get to ask questions of the people in front of you, usually towards the end of the interview. Employers expect you to ask relevant questions, so prepare some ahead of time.
9. Get to Know Your Supervisor
Look up the hiring manager on social media to create talking points. Ask this person questions about his leadership style, how long he's been with the company and other relevant facts to give you an idea of how this person handles day-to-day operations.
Getting to the job interview is no small feat. Win the day by preparing a few days in advance to show you mean business.
Photo courtesy of Motohiko Tokuriki at Flickr.com
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