At this point, you are just about getting through high school or college and thinking about joining the workforce. What a great feeling to have and one that is likely to make you feel more independent at the same time. Getting a job might seem like an easy process, but depending on the line of work you are going into, the competition for that job could be pretty stiff. Polishing up your resume and job interview skills might be a good practice to help you prepare for your first job interview. Here we are going to discuss the five ways you can prepare yourself for a successful job interview.
What You Wear Matters
You might not be thinking about the clothes you are going to wear to your job interview because you figure it does not really matter. That would be your first mistake. What you wear can say a lot about you, and whether you are looking to work full-time or part-time, it does not matter. Decide what you are going to wear ahead of time and make sure it says good things about your personality. Keep the jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers at home for this.
Additional References Can Save Your Life
When you filled out the job application, you listed references because, in most cases, an employer would want to ask them what type of worker you are. Having good references can save the day for you, but before you head to your interview, gather a couple more references to use just in case the person looking to hire you is still not convinced. This will show that you are prepared and also give them the confidence they are going to choose the right person. Do not forget the name, phone number and/or email address of these people, so they can easily be contacted.
Do Some Research
When you decide where you want to apply, there is a good chance that you already know a little about the employer, and that is a good thing. Before your job interview, take a minute and do a quick job application review to make sure yours reads perfectly. Then do some extra research about the company you are applying to. Find out how many employees they have, what countries they operate in, and even how often they have expanded in the last 10 years. All of this information brings good questions to the table during an interview.
Practice Makes Perfect
It might seem like a weird thing to do, but step in front of a mirror and practice your actual job interview. Go over some questions, or have another person ask a couple to get you in the right mindset for the job interview. Being able to answer tough questions on the spot is a good thing to have on your side of the table.
Thank You Notes Are Not Uncommon
After you are home and wondering if you have the job, take a few minutes and prepare a thank you note for the company. If you know the name of the person who interviewed you, jot that down on the note and try to make it personal. Sending a quick email thanking them for their time can go a long way, even if you are not chosen this time.