A job interview allows a potential employer to learn more about you. It also allows you to get to know the company. The interview brings you one step closer to getting a job. Something in your resume and application has interested the employer enough to call you in for an interview. With a little practice and preparation beforehand, you can get through a job interview successfully.
Know Yourself
Standard interview questions ask about your strengths, weaknesses and job skills. Be prepared with answers to these questions. Think of examples of times in other jobs, or in volunteer positions, when you demonstrated your strengths or used particular skills. Talk about how you manage your weaknesses, or a time when you worked to overcome a weakness. You can find sample interview questions online. Spend some time composing your answers and memorize the key points you want to get across.
Know the Company
According to Grand Rapids Community College, some interviewers will ask questions to test your knowledge of the company. You should at least know the products or services the company offers, the size and structure of the company, the company's chief competition and a little about the position for which you're interviewing. You can find most of this information on the company website.
Make a Good Impression
Dress professionally and conservatively in a suit and tie for men and a skirt or pant suit for women. Shake hands and make eye contact when you are introduced to anyone. Sit up straight. Listen and ask questions. Speak clearly. An organization may interview many people for a position and you want to stand out, but in a good way. Grand Rapids Community College reports that the employer may decide whether or not they're interested in hiring you in as little as two minutes into the interview.
Rehearse
Enlist a friend to help you practice for your interview. Go through the steps of introducing yourself, then answering sample interview questions. Rehearsing this way can help you refine your responses and become more comfortable talking about yourself.
Say Thank You
Send a thank you note to the person who interviewed you immediately after the interview. Employers told Grand Rapids Community College career counselors that whether or not an interviewee sent a thank you note within 24 hours of an interview could be a tie breaker in trying to decide between two equally well-qualified job candidates.
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