2. Preparing Yourself for a Job Interview
Having spent time preparing the factual information for an interview, it is advisable to spend some time preparing yourself to look and feel confident on the day.
In this section of job interview tips we look at the most crucial considerations in getting yourself personally prepared in advance for that all important meeting and avoiding last minute panics.
Look the part: It may sound obvious, but planning ahead what you will wear to the job interview and ensuring that the whole outfit is clean and presentable before you go to the wardrobe on the day will avoid any last minute panics!
Feel the part: However well you physically prepare, most people feel nervous and apprehensive about attending job interviews. Taking time out to rehearse how you will introduce yourself, respond to the interviewer's questions, and ask questions about the job and the organisation will help you to become more 'polished' and exude confidence. You could ask a colleague or family member to ask you some likely job interview questions to practice your responses. They could then give you some feedback on how you came across. Alternatively, sit infront of a mirror and watch yourself as you practice your words.
You've heard the saying 'mind over matter'. It is also helpful to visualise the job interview going well with you looking really confident and the interviewer responding positively to you. Visualise yourself walking away from the interview with a warm confident glow. Remove any negative concerns from your mind that hinder your belief from things going well. This helps train your mind so that when you get to the actual job interview, your body follows your mind's belief that the interview will go well. Try it. You may be pleasantly surprised!
Experience from past interviews: Think about what you have learnt from previous interviews and identify what you will need to do differently this time to make your interview go well. If you have very little experience of job interviews, then ask a few colleagues of their experiences and take their learning into consideration when preparing yourself.
Plan the logistics: To avoid any last minute panics, plan your journey to the job interview and the things you may need to take with you to ensure you are sufficiently nourished and alert on the day, for example:
- Location of interview
- Map and directions for driving
- Car parking facilities
- Cash including change for parking and other incidentals
- Local station if travelling by train and distance to interview location
- Local transport options if needed to get to interview location
- Refreshments
- Documents for reference at interview
If you don't know the area well, as part of your job interview preparation ask a colleague who is more familiar with the area to establish the accessibility of the interview location. Alternatively, ask someone inside the prospective employer, for example, the telephonist.
About the Author
Written by Kim Larkins.
