Interviewing for new jobs can be intimidating, especially if you’re not sure what to expect or don’t have any experience interviewing in the past. However, with a little preparation and these five simple tips, you can interview with confidence and ace your interview! These tips will give you the tools you need to make a great impression that leaves your interviewer confident that you’re the right person for the job. Here are five tips on how to prep for a job interview.
Know your resume inside out
A resume doesn’t need to be fancy or flashy. But it does need to be well-organized and provide detailed information about your experience. If you’re looking for work, spend some time going over your resume with a fine-tooth comb, checking each section to ensure that all of your relevant skills, education, and work history are included. If you find any gaps in employment history or other missing details, take some time now to fill them in—it will pay off when you go into an interview with confidence that you have everything covered.
Practice, practice, practice
Practice makes perfect. Or, at least, it helps you prep for the job interview. Practice your answers with family and friends. Rehearse your interview style with a friend or in front of a mirror. It’s easy to get nervous when talking about yourself, but being confident is key. You want your interviewer(s) to feel like they can trust you.
Treat it like a test
It’s easy to get jittery before an interview. You might feel like you didn’t study enough or that you don’t know what kinds of questions you might be asked. To help relieve some of these pre-interview nerves, treat your interview like a test. Study the company you’re applying to beforehand. If you can show you know their business well, you’ll stand out in the pack.
Stay calm during the process
Meeting with potential employers can be intimidating, but it’s important not to let your anxiety get in your way. Try working up answers and practice questions ahead of time. This way, you can focus on feeling confident during your interview. Instead of worrying about how you’ll come across. It may seem like unnecessary preparation, but knowing what you want to say, and how you want to say, it will set you apart from other candidates.
Trust your gut feeling
In some cases, you may know nothing about a company or position, in which case your interview will be more informal. It’s important to trust your gut feeling during these types of interviews. If something doesn’t feel right, then it probably isn’t right. Trust yourself and don’t give in just because an interviewer might pressure you into believing that you really want to work for them. Your job is too important and so are your career aspirations. Stay focused!
