Making It Big Monday

How to Prepare for a Job Interview

Do you have a job interview on your schedule? Review tips and advice on how to prepare for an interview so you can ace the interview and make a terrific impression on the interviewer.
Here are tips on analyzing the job and making sure the hiring manager knows why you're a good match, researching the company, practice interviewing, what to wear and what to bring to the interview, how to impress during the interview, and how to follow up.

Analyze the Job
An important part of interview preparation is to take the time to analyze the job posting, or job description, if you have it. Analyze what the company is seeking in a candidate.
Make a list of the skills, knowledge, professional and personal qualities that are required by the employer and are critical for success in the job.

Make a Match
When you have created a list of the qualifications for the job, make a list of your assets and match them to the job requirements.
Create a list of up to 10 assets, including skills, certifications, experiences, professional qualifications and abilities, computer skills, and knowledge bases ready to share with the interviewer. Be sure your assets correlate directly with the skills and abilities required by the company.Review your list, and the job requirements, prior to the interview so you're ready to share them during the interview.You'll be ready to answer job specific interview questions designed to determine if you have the knowledge and skills needed to perform the job. Job Specific Interview Questions Research the CompanyBefore you go on a job interview, it's important to find out as much as you can about the company. Company research is a critical part of interview preparation. It will help you prepare to both answer interview questions and to ask the interviewer questions. You will also be able to find out whether the company and the company culture are a good fit for you. Take some time, in advance, to discover as much information as you can about the company. Spend time, as well, tapping into your network to see who you know who can help give you an interview edge over the other candidates. Here's more advice on how to research a company.

Practice Interviewing
Taking the time to practice answering the interview questions you will probably be asked during a job interview will help give you a framework for your responses and will help calm your nerves, because you won't be scrambling for an answer while you're in the interview hot seat.
Practice interviewing with a friend or family member ahead of time and it will be much easier when you're actually in a job interview.Review common job interview question and answers and think about how you will respond so you are prepared to answer.

Get Your Interview Clothes Ready
Don't wait until the last minute to make sure your interview clothes are ready. Have an interview outfit ready to wear at all times, so you don't have to think about what you're going to wear while you're scrambling to get ready for a job interview.
Regardless of the type of job you're interviewing for, that first impression should be be a great one. When dressing for an interview for a professional position, dress accordingly in business attire.
If you're applying for a job in a more casual environment, a store or restaurant, for example, it's still important to be neat, tidy, and well-groomed, and to present a positive image to the employer.
Here's more on what to wear to an interview.
What to Bring to the Interview
It's important to know what to bring to a job interview - a portfolio with extra copies of your resume, a list of references, and a list of questions ask the interviewer..
It's also important what not to bring - your cellphone, a cup of coffee, gum, or anything else other than yourself and your credentials.Here's a list of what to bring to an interview to review.

Get Directions
It's important to know where you need to go for your job interview - ahead of time. Use Google Maps or Mapquest to get directions if you're not sure where you are going.
Program your GPS, if you have one, so you can find the best route to the company. Check on parking, if it's an issue. If you have the time, it's a good idea to do a practice run a day or two before the interview. That way, you'll be sure about where you going and how long it will take to get there. Give yourself a few extra minutes and arrive a little early at the interview.

Practice Interview Etiquette
Proper interview etiquette is important. Remember to greet the receptionist, your interviewer, and everyone else you meet politely, pleasantly and enthusiastically.
During the interview watch your body language - shake hands firmly and make eye contact as you articulate your points.Relax and lean forward a little towards the interviewer so you appear interested and engaged. Don't lean back or slump in your chair. You will look too casual and relaxed. Keep your feet on the floor and your back against the lower back of the chair. Pay attention, be attentive, and look interested. The more positive an impression you make, the better you'll do during the job interview. These job interview etiquette tips will help you make the best impression on the hiring manager.

Listen and Ask Questions
During a job interview, listening is just as important as answering questions. If you're not paying attention, you're not going to be able to give a good response.
It's important to listen to the interviewer, to pay attention, and to take time, if you need it, to compose an appropriate answer.Also, be ready to engage the interviewer. You want there to be a give and take type of conversation, so you're building a relationship with the interviewer rather than just giving rote responses to questions. Have questions of your own ready to ask the interviewer.Towards the end of the interview let the recruiter know that you believe the job is an excellent fit and that you are highly interested.

Follow Up with a Thank You Note
Follow up a job interview with a thank you note reiterating your interest in the job.
Consider your thank you letter as a follow-up "sales" letters. Restate why you want the job, what your qualifications are, how you might make significant contributions, and so on. This thank you letter is also the perfect opportunity to discuss anything of importance that your interviewer neglected to ask or that you neglected to answer as thoroughly, or as well, as you would have liked.

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