The best time to start preparing for any job interview is as soon as it is scheduled. So, you will have to start preparing and studying for your interview days beforehand.
So now, you got a job interview coming up today and you waited until the last minute to get ready and you still want to make a strong first impression in order to get the job offer you really desire. The good news is, it’s not too late and you’ve come to the right place.
Read the below tips carefully and prepare yourself quickly.
Even if you only have a few minutes to spare, I'm going to show you exactly what you need to do so that you can use your time wisely to come out of the interview successfully.
Before we start, make sure you keep a copy of the interview letter, resume, and other documents including a pen and sheet of paper with you.
Time is short. So let’s start with 5 things you should prepare before you leave your home for the interview. That is the maximum you can prepare for quickly.
1. Dress to express
Make sure you have dressed appropriately for your interview. This is one of the most crucial things you can do before heading up to your interview and it will help you make a strong first impression. When it comes to picking what to wear to a job interview, make sure you wear formals that reflects your self-confidence.
Keep in mind that the same rules apply if you have a video interview, and if you have plenty of time to choose your wardrobe before your job interview, make sure to read our article about what to dress for a job interview.
Now, if you already locked your house and you don't have time to change, don't panic because step number two, you can do it on the go.
2. Examine the job description thoroughly
Make sure you pick up the job posting and read it thoroughly before going to the interview. Make sure you understand exactly what they're looking for in a candidate and what you'll be focusing on. Look at the keywords and buzzwords in the job description and you can use them during the interview.
Visualize how you'll respond to the questions that may be posed to you. Consider the most important projects you've worked on or some of your finest achievements.
Consider the most important projects you've worked on or some of your finest achievements. Consider telling them career anecdotes that demonstrate your qualifications and why you are the ideal candidate for the job. Examining the job posting will provide you with a lot of information about what they're looking for.
3. Find out about the company
Recruiters' biggest red flags are people who don't know much about the organization they're interviewing. Make sure you've done your homework if you truly want the job.
Learn about their mission, key beliefs, products or services they offer, the company's values, and why they do what they do. So, take a brief look at the company's website for a minute. Check their social media sites to see what their most recent post was. What are some of the topics they're discussing right now, and what are some of their major pain points? You can also try Googling the company to see whether they've been mentioned in the news or on the internet.
You can also see any of your friends are working at the company through LinkedIn and try to find out about the company by asking the friends in your network.
If you don't already know what the company does, it's important that you spend a few minutes before the interview to understand some of the organization's core functions.
4. Prepare yourself to make the first impression
Prepare to make a good first impression. Making a strong first impression in an interview can make all the difference in whether your interview goes well or not.
So spend a few minutes visualizing how you'll introduce yourself to your interviewer so that you can establish that initial impression. So think about the first few things you'll say to the interviewer. It could be like – “Hello, It's nice to meet you. My name is Priya Naik” or “Hello I am Priya Naik. I am so excited to be here today”.
With a smile and a handshake, greet your interviewer. You must approach the interview with all of your energy, emotion, and excitement. Put your whole body into whatever you do and say, so it's not just your lips moving, but your entire body, and the way you speak. It's all in the way you present yourself.
Preparing everything ahead of time will help you make a better first impression. It will also aid in the smooth running of your interview. If you have a few minutes before your interview, make sure to read through this post to prepare yourself for the most commonly asked questions. You'll learn how to make a proper introduction in an interview.
5. Questions to ask the interviewer
Your interviewer may ask if you have any follow-up questions at the end of the interview. You should not say you don't have any questions as a last resort. You should go to the interview prepared to ask the interviewer some solid questions.
You can ask questions about the company. You are free to ask questions regarding the role, as well as the team you may be working with. You're interviewing them to see if this position is a good fit for you. As a result, you should approach your interview as a two-way conversation. The benefit of asking your interviewer questions is that it relieves some of the pressure on you while putting it back on them.
Final thoughts
It’s perfectly acceptable to be nervous. But don’t let your nerves get in the way of your interview performance. You’ll succeed if you prepare, practice, and arrive on time. You will improve your interviewing skills as you attend more interviews. So start preparing and all the best for your upcoming interview.
