How To Prepare For A Job-Interview

First the job seeker has to find a job opening, apply for the job and get an interview scheduled. I wont get into the job hunting arena other than to say, look every where and network with everybody. Your best jobs go to people who know people.

Hit the bricks if you need a job and go out there and look for companies and visit them to check for new unadvertised openings. You can often get in the door before they even place an ad or hang a sign.

Lets get started on some Job Interview Tips because if you make a bad first impression and mess up your interview, you just give that job to another applicant.

First and foremost, Dress for the job you are trying to get. Find out and where what you would wear on your first day on the job. Clean and pressed, well groomed and don't wear tennis shoes. Just dress for work in newer clothes and a good pair of shoes.

Research the company and the business so you know what they would be looking for in an employee. Learn all you can. You can't be too prepared. Study the work you would be doing and know what is probably expected.

Make a list of all your skills that apply to this job. Make a list of times in the past where you used these skills to help prior employers.
Be prepared to give examples of what you did before and how it helped the company. Over and beyond the basic requirements of the job examples help the interviewer picture how you fit in.

Find some practice interview questions online and practice them until you can respond with a well thought out response before you even drive to the interview. Practice for unexpected questions, have someone ask you a few and get used to staying calm and thinking quickly.

Don't try to be fake.

Be yourself as you want to be. Confident, calm, easygoing and well qualified for this position. Positive, keep things on a positive and ready to go mentality. Avoid negatives.

Arrive 15 minutes early.

Don't get flustered with an unexpected question, relax and take 20 seconds to think of a good answer. Pauses are good. Don't worry about them. Just take your time to come up with a reasonable answer. If you really don't understand what they are asking, ask for more details.

The more interviews you do, the better you will get at them. Remember the interviewer does tons of these and most people only have a handful in 15 years. So apply and interview at some jobs you really are not too interested in. Use them for interview practice.

To really come off well in an interview you don't want to come off as too needy or eager, let them sell you the job as much as you try to sell yourself.

Use the interview to dig deeper into the company, other workers, other jobs, management style and find out who you would be working directly under. Ask questions about the job and company. Be interested.

Explain what you are looking for and why. Don't look like you are desperate for anything.

Talk about your personal skills and what you can bring to the job.

Memorize a list of 5 questions you want answers to. They are bound to ask if you have any questions so be ready.

Don't ask about benefits, holidays or vacation unless they bring it up first. Have an idea of what salary range you are expecting if it wasn't in the advertisement.

To prepare for an employment interview, spend some time thinking about making a great first impression. What you wear will make a difference. Dress like you would going to work your first day. A little better dressed then typical is good.

Be well groomed and look your best. Get some sleep before interview day. Get a tan if possible.

1. Look good
2. Arrive 15 minutes early
3. Research the job and company
4. Write down a list of questions you will ask.
5. Be prepared for unexpected questions and interruptions.
6. Stay calm and confident and relax but don't slouch in the chair
7. Be in a positive state of mind, avoid talking negatively.
8. Shake hands firmly
9. Don't be desperate for any job
10. If possible, interview a few times for jobs you are not really interested in for practice. You will be much better prepared for a job you really want.
11. Always phrase answers in a way that shows what you can offer the company not what you can get.

This is your first impression so make yourself stand out as a logical first choice and you might be surprised with an instant job offer.

Be personable and friendly. Smile and use a little humor.

Typical Questions asked at a job interview....

About The New Job

What interests you about this job?
Why do you want this job?
What can you do for the company?
Why are you the best person for the job?
What do you know about this company?
Why do you want to work here?
Why should I hire you?
What experience do you have to really make a difference here?

Tell me about You

What is your biggest strength? What is your biggest weakness?
Do you take work home with you?
Describe the pace at which you work?
When things happen, how do you handle stress and pressure?
How do you approach a difficult decision?
Tell me about yourself?
What has been the biggest disappointment in your life?
What do people often criticize you about?
If we asked people who know you why you should get this job, what would they say?
Give me a few examples of teamwork in your past?
Do you prefer any specific kind of work environment?
Tell me about a difficult work situation and how you overcame it?

What are your salary requirements?
Do you like working independently or prefer working on a team?
How do you handle heavy workloads?
When was the last time you were really angry? Tell me what happened and what you did?
How do you handle a situation where you believe your boss is wrong?

Questions About Your Work History

Describe your last employer?
What were your responsibilities?
Where your expectations for the job met? What was missing?
Describe a few major challenges or problems you faced?
How did you handle a major problem?
What did you find the most and least rewarding there?
What was it like working for your boss? What were his strengths and weaknesses?
Why did you leave your last job?
What have you been doing since you left?
Why were you fired?
Who was your best boss and who was your worst boss? Why?
What was your best accomplisment there?
Describe a few things you are glad you learned at your last job?

Questions About Your Future

What are your goals in the next 5 years?
How will you attain these goals?
What is important to you?
What are you really looking for in your next job?
If you don't get this job, what will you do?
What skills do you need to improve in the next 5 years?

The most important thing when going to a job interview is to be yourself. But at your best.

Don't be phony or fake. Be personable/friendly and easy going. Stay calm and relaxed but interested in the job and company. You want to get off to a good start so stay positive and upbeat.

Avoid complaining about anything. Be dressed a little better then expected. Make sure you look your best.

Prepare by practicing giving answers to the common job interview questions. Have some questions you want answered. Find out more about the company and the business itself.

Demonstrate how you can offer solutions to problems and are not looking for just a job. You want to really make a difference and are willing to put in extra effort.

Don't try to be too cocky. Admit a couple of things you would like to improve while working. Things that will make you a better person. Things that will make you more productive and a better team player.

Ask to walk around and talk to a few employees and you potential boss if possible. Ask the interviewer what they are really looking for in a new employee and what are the expectations.

Eye contact is critical but don't stare them down. Frequent eye contact when listening is important. Have a sparkle in your eye and look for things you have in common with them. Build the connection so you stand out.

Show where you could fit in and the best skills you have for this position.

Explain your past work history in the best light possible. If you were fired, explain what it taught you and how you have worked on any issues.

But don't volunteer any negatives, let them bring them up.

Don't bad mouth prior employers and bosses. If you didn't get along, leave it at that. Show you gave it time and tried to work things out.

Thank your interviewer.

Send an email after the interview if it went well. Do something few do, send them a thank you letter in the mail.

More Job Interview Secrets