Let’s face it, no one likes job interviews. They’re stressful, uncomfortable, and never a sure thing. Luckily, we’re here to help. In this Interview Preparation Guide, we’ll demystify the interview process by looking at its key stages. With this information, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence needed to set yourself up for success.
First things first, what exactly is a job interview? An interview is a meeting between you and your prospective employer to directly discuss (either in person or on the phone) your application, who you are, and how you would fit the demands of the role. While these might sound like simple questions to answer, employers are looking for specific answers. For example, when asked why you want to work for the company, it’s not enough to just say that you need a job to pay the bills. You need to explain how your previous work experience and passion for the field make you the ideal candidate. Luckily, with the right preparations, you should be able to answer these questions with flying colors.
Much like a student studying for a test, those who go into the interview prepared almost always do better. This should be fairly obvious, but so many people self sabotage by going into the interview unprepared. Don’t do this. You need to do your homework if you want to give yourself a chance to succeed. Before the interview, research the company and prepare answers to commonly asked interview questions. You should also conduct mock interviews to make sure you are ready to answer these questions.
Well done, you’ve done your preparation and are now ready for the big day. Make sure you’ve dressed properly and make sure to arrive early. Remember, early is on time, on time is late, and late is unacceptable. By arriving early, you show your potential employer that you’re serious and reliable. It also gives you an opportunity to go back over your application, your interview questions and answers.
Finally, the big moment has arrived. It’s time to interview. Relax. The hardest part of the process was all the time, energy, and effort you put into preparing for this interview. Just remember to stay true to yourself, treat your interviewer with respect, and speak confidently. Even if you don’t get the job, it’s no big deal. With each interview, you get better. This will pay off in the long run.
So, you’ve just completed the interview. Congratulations! Give yourself a pat on the back for putting yourself out there. However, your job is not done yet. Don't forget to send a thank you note to your interviewer. While it might not seem like a big deal, this little gesture can be the difference maker in a tight race. This follow-up note can also include questions about the next steps in the application process.
Now comes the best part of the interview process, the time to unwind. After this stressful endeavor, you’ve earned a break. Find an activity you enjoy and put the interview out of your mind. Don’t worry, there'll be plenty of work to do when you get back.
In this guide, we discussed the various stages of the interview process and what they entail. Hopefully, you’ve found it helpful. While nothing’s guaranteed, by following this guide, you set yourself up for success. For more helpful Interview preparation tips, check out Union Kitchen Resources.