College is the last leg of our school lives for the majority and graduating is a sentimental moment as it can be joyous since “all great things come to an end”. But it can be worrisome at the same time as the real world awaits you—the workforce, a daunting world for fresh graduates at first as it is a paradox from school education. You are on your own to discover the ropes of the corporate world to enter and survive.
A part of the requirements before securing a job is something we all have to face in the world of “adulting”. The job interview (ugh!). It’s a nerve-wracking process that defines if you fit the company with its ethos and the environment in nature. And to ace that interview, here are tips on how to prepare for it.
Research the company profile
Each company has its different proposition that differs from one to another per industry. Researching the company in depth will certainly help you as a future employee. It’s good to see firsthand if their values align with your needs and wants as a starting worker.
Assessing company profiles is fairly easy, such as exploring their websites or even asking for advice from current and previous employees about their culture and experience. These simple steps will help you think judiciously about your future workplace as an investment for career and personal growth, so don’t forget to click on that About Us page.
Review the job listing
More often than not do we see job listings published through various job hiring platforms. It’s crucial, and only logical, to review the job listing thoroughly as it can give you a framework for the job that you are entering. Trust me, it’s all in the details. Reading them over while looking at your own skills can help guide you on what to put in your resume and how to demonstrate your interest in the job and company—to prove you’re the most viable candidate, of course.
Rehearse for the interview proper
We can’t all be actors, and many of us can’t always keep our cool. But we can always try! The interview proper will define your fit with the company as you would declare your answers orally. It’s highly important to rehearse days before the interview and work on commonly asked questions. Asking questions from simple to complex by yourself will aid you in how the interview flow would be. Rehearsing would enlighten the job applicant on how to speak eloquently to the interviewer and have self-control in speech delivery. It’s absolutely daunting, but then life goes on after that. Confidence and knowledge in your own skills are key!
Here are some commonly asked questions in job interviews:
- Tell me something about yourself.
- How did you hear about this job offer?
- Why did you decide to apply for this position?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- What do you know about this company?
- Why should we hire you?
- What are your salary requirements?
- Are you considering other positions from other companies?
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
- Do you have any questions for us?
Do this in front of the mirror, or practice it with a friend!
Study your resume
Your resume is the golden piece that you would have to submit to the company. This simply demonstrates your achievements and educational background in paper. Studying your resume would give you an idea of how you would translate your paper into reality before the interview as interviewers would often source potential questions from the resume itself.
Carefully curate your resume and include only things that the company would find interesting—such as the achievements you obtained in your previous job, or any relevant accomplishments you earned while studying.
Demonstrate your interest to the interviewer
During the interview, you might want to demonstrate your interest to the interviewer by incorporating your answers that align with their vision, mission, and goals along with your values in life. Through this, you are proving to them that you have a strong command of problem-solving skills, along with other areas of expertise.
Moreover, when answering their questions you should be enthusiastic to give the atmosphere that you are a viable candidate for the company. Though demonstrating your interest is not only about being enthusiastic, it’s also about having both the hard and soft skills that can bring to the table.
Dress decently
The adage “dress to impress” is something we hear a lot. Dressing decently, or in casual business wear, is as important as dressing up nicely for your first date. Even more so as this would create a strong impression of you. The job interview is the first event to strengthen your public image as a professional by dressing decently and that equates to professional success in your chosen job if hired.
Go with a business casual look. But it never hurts to invest in dress pants, khakis and chinos, knee-length skirts, button-down shirts, and a minimalistic blazer you can use more than once. Jeans are entering the modern business casual wear, but make sure they don’t have holes!
Do you have any questions for us?
Now, this is often the last question set by the interviewer. Many experts believe that this question can make or break your job interview. It’s a significant reminder to never say “No, I don’t have any questions”. You should always have questions, no matter how disconcerting the whole experience may be. You might want to say “no” just to end the interview. Don’t be cocky, but be confident and sincere. Having a list of insightful questions ready can show you’re committed, thoughtful, and professional.
Here are some questions you can ask at the end of an interview:
- What responsibilities can I expect from this position?
- How has this position changed over time?
- What’s the work culture in the company like?
- Do you provide professional development opportunities? If so, what are those like?
- Can you tell me more about the department or team I’d be working in?
- What are some challenges I might face in this position?
- How does the company measure success in this role?
- Can you tell me more about the department or team I’d be working in?
- How does the company measure success in this role?
- What’s the biggest challenge the company has faced in the past year?
- Do you have any questions or concerns about my qualifications?
Thinking you’re ready to knock those interviewers off their socks? We’re positive you are! Don’t forget to be you and do your best.
