How to prepare for a job interview

Are you experiencing a nervous breakdown and anxiously overthinking every bad scenario of failing a job interview? When applying for a job, did you hold your breath before hitting the submit button, and the tension is then released once you hit it? But all of a sudden, the tension comes back again when you receive a job interview invite. You will then start to visualise the stuttering, the sweating hands and worst, the deafening silence of not knowing what to answer when questions are thrown at you during the interview. ?

Undeniably, receiving a job interview invitation can be nerve-wracking for some candidates. Fear not, as it is quite common to be overwhelmed no matter the number of times you land an interview opportunity. To ease the process, here are some steps you can take to prepare yourself for the job interview:

1.??????Examine the job description

Before attending the interview, be sure to prepare yourself well by reading the job description carefully once again because, in the rush of the moment to apply for a job, you could have missed a point or two about the job description. Use the information you retrieve from the description as a guide to prepare yourself for the interview and ensure that you are qualified for the job. The job description will also give a hint of possible questions the interviewer may ask during the interview. Align yourself with the details mentioned so the interviewer can see that you are prepared when answering the questions.

2.??????Research the company

As a candidate, make sure you do background research on the company you have applied for because it will allow you to learn valuable information about the company, such as the company’s industry, stakeholders, culture, and other information which you could find online. Researching about the company can also provide context for your interview conversations that will help you to prepare thoughtful answers when the interviewer asks company-related questions to you. Moreover, equipping yourself with knowledge about the company will make you increase your level of comfort during the interview. ??

3.??????Research the role ?

Once you have done the necessary research on the company, you must also research the role you applied for because the role as described in the job advertisement could be brief. Doing research on the role will shed some light on the possible responsibilities that the position carries, which will help you to answer position-related questions directed to you smoothly and confidently. Knowing what the job would entail could also help you to visualise yourself in the position to help you respond more accurately. It will also show the interviewer that you are enthusiastic and interested in the position.

4.??????Prepared answer script for common questions

Ideally, it is encouraged to prepare an answer script for common questions interviewers will ask during the interview as it will help you to be more ready. With a script in hand, you can now practise in front of a mirror by looking at the prepared answer, allowing you to practise your communication skills and body language that is often disregarded, such as making eye contact and sitting up straight. That being said, preparing an answer script can help you answer and react more naturally during the interview, leaving a positive and lasting impression on the interviewers. ?

5.??????Prepare thoughtful questions for the interviewer

Answering questions from the interviewers is a given, but you should also ask questions during the interview, which could boost your chance of landing the job. Treat the interview like a two-way conversation. As a candidate, preparing questions to be asked during the interview will show the interviewers that you took the time to research about the company and that you are interested in joining the company. When the interviewers ask you, “do you have any questions for me?” ask them away with your questions to get the answers about the job or the company that could not be found online. ???

6.??????Bring a portfolio for the interview

With the world of digitalisation making its way into the corporate world, most interviewers now choose to accept digital copies of your portfolio. Nonetheless, it is best to prepare hard copies of your portfolio as well to be brought along during the interview. In a situation where the interviewers do not have access to the digital version of your portfolio, you can then present the portfolio you have in hand. This action will show the interviewers that you are ?proactive and organised , which are some the qualities sought after by employers. Your portfolio should include your resume or CV, academic certificates, professional certificates, awards and recognition certificates, and work samples, among others. ?[i][ii]

[i] https://www.thebalancemoney.com/

[ii] https://www.indeed.com/