Do you have a job interview coming up? There are a number of steps you can take to ensure that you make an excellent impression on your potential employer. Preparation is vital so take the time to prepare for an interview in advance to help you secure that job offer.
- Review the job advertisement and position description
An important part of interview preparation is to take the time to analyse the job posting and job description (if available). The job description is a list of the qualifications, qualities and background the employer is looking for in an ideal candidate. The more you can align yourself with these details, the more the employer will be able to see that you are qualified.
Make a list of the skills, knowledge, and professional and personal qualities that are required by the employer and are critical for success in the job.
- Prepare examples of your accomplishments.
Saying you are very skilled at something is not as effective as sharing an accomplishment that proves your skill level. An excellent way to share your accomplishments is by describing situations where you successfully used that skill.
Aim to align these accomplishments with the list that you prepared earlier from the position description to bolster your case. Examples can include
- Money-saving efficiencies you have implemented
- Results from a project you have overseen
- When you improved processes or solved a problem
- When you exceeded performance expectations
- Research the Company
Before you interview, it's important to find out as much as you can about not only the job, but also the company. Company research is a critical part of interview preparation. It will help you prepare to answer interview questions about the company and to ask the interviewer questions about the company
For a thorough understanding of the company, check out the company website, specifically the “about us” page and also search google news for any articles published about the company
- Practice Interviewing
Take the time to practice answering interview questions you will probably be asked during a job interview. This will not only help give you a chance to prepare and practice answers, but should also help calm your nerves in the interview
During the interview, watch your body language; shake hands firmly and make eye contact as you articulate your points. Pay attention, be attentive, and look interested. This is something you can work on in your practice interviews.
- Listen and Ask Questions
During a job interview, listening is just as important as answering questions. If you're not paying attention, you're not going to be able to give a good response. It's important to listen to the interviewer, pay attention, and take time, if you need it, to compose an appropriate answer. It's also important to discuss your qualifications in a way that will impress the interviewer.
Also, be ready to engage the interviewer. You want there to be a give and take in the conversation, so you're building a relationship with the interviewer rather than just providing responses to questions. Here is a list of questions to consider asking in an interview
- Express your interest
Towards the end of the interview, let the recruiter know that you believe the job is an excellent fit and that you are highly interested. You'll know if the interview went well if it runs longer than 30 minutes, you discuss salary, or you get an invitation for a second interview.
- Follow Up
Follow up a job interview with the recruiter or hiring manager with a thank you note reiterating your interest in the job.
Good Luck!
Adrian Osuchowski - Orion Search
Orion Search assists Primary Processors (Abattoirs & Boning Rooms) and Further Processors (Value Added Meat, Ready To Eat & Smallgoods) within Beef, Lamb, Pork and Poultry employ their hard to find, permanent staff all across Australia.