Career Articles

How do I Prepare for a Successful Job Interview?

One of the most common phrases by people looking for jobs is “How Do I prepare for a Job Interview”.  An invitation to an interview elicits anxiety in many people.  This can either be bad or good depending on the self esteem of the person at that moment.

Those who have attended several interviews without much success may have a negative attitude.  This may be as a result of the number of interviews they could have attended without being successful.

However, the number of unsuccessful interview should not deter you from preparing for the next interview.  The following outlines the basic preparations a person can take as they prepare for a job interview.

• Verbally match your qualifications to the job description and specifications required for the position.  This will remind you of what the organization requires and how well you fit the position.
  
  
• Review the application letter and curriculum vitae you used to apply for the position.  This is important because it reminds you of the reasons why you applied for the job and how well your skills fitted with the job description.
  
  
• Make a point to visit the company that has invited you to interview so that you gauge the distance from your home.  This is usually very important to avoid lateness on the interview date.
  
  
• The Internet has so many interview questions from which you can select the most relevant to the position you applied.  Get someone to ask you the questions and answer. 
  
  
• However, in case you do not have anyone, you can record the questions and answer to them. This not only builds up your confidence level but reminds you of certain achievements and skills that you have.
  
  
• Put all your relevant documentation in order, certified copies of your certificates, curriculum vitae, and application letter in one folder.
  
  
• It is usually very polite to inform your referees about your career life and the current interview you have been invited to.  This is important so that none of them are taken by surprise when you become successful at the interview and your prospective employer contacts them for a recommendation.  It is advisable to issue them with your current curriculum vitae.
  
  
• Finally on the interview date, wake up very early, dress well, and try to be calm.  Keep a positive mindset and attend the interview.  Listen and understand before answering any question.  Should you not understand, politely request them to repeat.
  
  
• When the interview is over, thank the panelist and go back to your routine work and wait.