How to Prepare for a Job Interview

Preparing yourself for a job interview can be stressful for some people, but now that you have an interview it is time for you to overcome your fear barriers and prepare yourself before the interview. The first impression is always the best impression so you want to dazzle the employer by walking in shoulders high, well dressed and groomed, nice smile, firm handshake, eye to eye contact, and sit when asked by the employer. Before you get to that point of walking in that employer’s room it is always important to do some homework first. Research about the company before the interview because it shows commitment and that is a quality that employers look for when hiring. You want to get to know all about the company and their mission study that and also more insight on the job for which you are applying for. Make sure their qualification matches your skills and abilities and be enthusiastic when speaking. Study your resume it is good to memorize what is on your resume so when the employer asks you a question about what is on your resume, you will know it and you should be not fumbling back and forth between words. Study you weakness and strengths as you compare your skills with the employer’s qualifications use the skill that you are qualified for as your strength. Your weakness is the qualifications that your employer is looking for that are not listed in your job description, study them and turn that it into a strength to show the employer that you may not have experience in that area , but know a lot about the subject and eager to learn more from working in their establishment. It is also important to produce a portfolio of yourself to show employers and they seeks for candidates who are well organized, prepared, knows the inn’s and out’s of the company and willing to go the extra mile to get the job done efficiently. Your job portfolio should include: †¢Resume †¢Master Application †¢Reference Page †¢Cover Letter †¢Thank You Letter †¢Certifications†¦ Perfect attendance, employee of the month, outstanding performance, participation awards †¢Letters of Recommendation†¦ from your former employer, past teachers, someone work with you on volunteer project †¢High School / G. E. D Certificate †¢Police Clearance †¢Valid Picture I. D †¢Social Security Card Indicates what credentials are need for the interview to prepare yourself for the questions the employer my through at you and remember never leave home without you portfolio! Through research, practicing, taking deep breaths inhale exh ale and visualizing how the interview will go can help you overcome nerviness and prepare you to stay calm. Staying mentally prepared will keep you advanced in an interview. That apply to your weakness as well write them down and go over them many times as that will help you nail the interview. This will help you gain confidence and stay in control of the interview but it is important to remember that the employer is in the driver seat, never try to take the lead. Prepare yourself for the end of the interview write down ten questions to ask the employer never ask about salary until the second interview and only after the employer mentions it first. This is what I would prepare and study to ask the employer: †¢When hiring what do you look for in an employee? †¢What type of skills do you look for when hiring? †¢When viewing a resume what shows the most interest? What type educational background do you look for? †¢What skills do I need to work on to get promoted in the company? †¢Does it take a long time for promotions? †¢If I want to go back to school to advance in the company does the company pay for school/training? †¢How many years have you been with the company? †¢How did you get the position that you are in? †¢What is your edu cational background? These are some good question to ask the employer to gain some more insight about the company and the interviewer, it shows interest and that you are open to learn. Also it helps you to identify if all what the employer’s answers are compares to your job description that you are a possible candidate for the position. Now that you have mentally prepared yourself for the interview, it is now the nigh before the interview what should you do? First you should get your wardrobe together find something suitable for the interview, wear darker colors not to loud, you don’t want to distract the employer with bright colors. Iron your cloths, bath or shower and do all you’re grooming the night before Get a goodnights rest by getting at least eight hours worth of sleep. Waking up early, having a well-balance breakfast, more grooming, it is best not to wear perfume/cologne the employer my be allergic to it, get ready early, visualize, review and practices for interview. Study your list that you made of your weakness and strengths and practice how you will articulate them, and arrive at the interview at lease fifteen minutes early.