Searching and applying for jobs can be tiring and extremely difficult. Nerve-wracking is also another word that most likely comes to your mind. Some people spend months and maybe even years to find a job that fits them well. Also, with the economy the way that it is, and the fact that more and more people are going to college in order to hopefully gain a better job after graduation, it has become even more hard to find a job for yourself.
Luckily, I was able to find a job relatively quickly after I graduated from college a couple of years ago. I made sure to look before I graduated, so that I could escape the rush of every other graduate who was looking for a job right at graduation as well. I’m not going to lie though, the interview processes were terrifying to me. Whether it was a phone interview, in-person interview or a group interview, my heart was beating insanely fast at every one.
However, even though I was super nervous at every single interview, I did do well at them. I was offered every job that I applied for, and was able to have my choice (I still work at the same company). I practiced, researched and made sure I was prepared for every single interview and this showed in the results that I had.
Below are some good tips for job interviews, and also what I did:
1. Research.
I researched everything that at least somewhat related to job interviews like crazy. I believe that you can honestly never be TOO prepared for anything. There’s always something that you can learn.
Start with looking up the company that you are interviewing at. Try and see what the dress code is. You don’t want to be too overly dressed or too underdressed. You can see what the dress code is by asking around or perhaps just driving by the building and see what people are wearing as they enter and exit.
Also research the position and industry that you are wanting to obtain a job in. You can look up common questions that the industry tends to ask in interviews. Research anything and everything. There are tons of articles out there.
2. Practice.
When I was practicing for my interviews, I researched every possible question that I could have. I then wrote and typed everything up, along with all of my answers just so that I could remember everything more easily.
You could also see if someone would help you practice. Maybe they can try asking you questions that will hopefully catch you off guard and you can answer them the best way possible.
3. Be prepared.
Being prepared applies to many different areas. Such as when you determine what the dress code is. Make sure that you 100% have the correct clothes to wear to the interview. Try everything on days before hand, so that if something doesn’t fit or doesn’t look right, then you can buy or find something that might work better.
Also, make sure that you arrive on time. Try not to arrive too early and definitely do not arrive late. I’ve always hear to arrive 10 minutes early. If you arrive any earlier, than just stall and maybe wait in your car. You don’t want to catch the interviewer off guard and make them feel rushed.
Also, if you have a phone interview, try and dress up for it. Yes, no one will see you, but if you dress professionally, then you are more likely to act professional on the phone. Also smile. It also shows in the way that you talk, even though no one can see you.
