11 Tips to help you be interview-ready

How do you feel when you have a job interview? Anxious? Scared? Dreading failure? Feeling insecure? Maybe you’re just not ready! These are all legitimate feelings and they happen to the majority of job seekers with varying degrees. Such feelings surface for a myriad of reasons. On top of the list are low self-confidence in speaking, lack of preparedness, not knowing how to approach questions, and low self-worth. It all boils down to your psyche prior to the interview. If you feel like a nervous wreck, chances are you won’t present yourself well. How do you bridge the gaps if you have them? In two words: “good preparation.”

You see, the fact that you have been selected for an interview is a good sign. The downside? There could be dozens of people vying for the same spot. How do you get ready to compete and win? Oh, did I mention that some recruiters put you through two to three interviews, if not more? Talk about pressure! It’s like auditioning for a reality show, only without the glamour and TV cameras. You may be thinking, “I have the knowledge and experiences to get through the interview.” Think again. Job seekers often underestimate the importance of soft skills and psychological preparation. It’s highly possible that someone with fewer qualifications and less experience than you might snag the job. Here are a few pointers to help you be interview-ready:

1. Do your homework: Research the organization and relevant industries thoroughly. You may even get a kick out of your research skills.
2. Massage your resume: Tailor it to be more applicable to the job and the organization. Leave the cookie cutter approach for the kitchen.
3. Play out scenarios: Practice answering questions, especially situational ones. Imagine you’re in a TV drama where every answer could win you a prize.
4. Sharpen your speaking skills: Get comfortable speaking off-the-cuff. It’s like stand-up comedy, but your punchline is a great job offer.
5. Learn response techniques: Understand the best ways to answer different types of questions. Again, no cookie cutter approach.
6. Prepare your elevator pitch: Practice it until it’s smooth and confident. Make it so good that even your spouse (or a rival sibling) is impressed.
7. Highlight your achievements: Have your major successes and stories ready to share. It’s your personal highlight reel—time to show off those MVP moments.
8. Prepare questions: Have thoughtful questions ready for the interviewers. Think of it as role reversal—you get to play detective for a bit.
9. Psych yourself up: Learn how to mentally prepare for the event. Channel your inner athlete; it’s game day!
10. Dress appropriately: Look the part to make a strong first impression. It’s your chance to be a fashion icon—at least for an hour.
11. Make a great first impression: Ensure you connect with the interviewer right away, so much as it would be love from first sight!

I know what you’re thinking, “Easier said than done, huh?” Very true. That’s one reason why many job seekers turn to coaching, especially to boost their comfort and confidence levels and learn techniques to handle job interviews effectively. If you feel you need job interview coaching, please direct message here. Because, let’s face it, even superheroes need a sidekick sometimes!

Mohamed Isa Mohamed Shukri