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So your resume got noticed and you\u2019ve been asked to a Zoom or in-person interview\u2014congratulations! But in order to shine during the interview and land that job offer, careful preparation beforehand is essential. To prepare for a job interview, you need to be ready in advance for the questions you will be asked, have done your research on the company and the job, and have all the necessary documents and references at your fingertips.<\/p>\n
Before the big day, be sure to review these tips so that you go into your interview feeling confident and ready to impress your potential new employer.<\/p>\n
You should thoroughly research the company you are interviewing with, as you want to make sure you understand the business and anticipate the kinds of questions the interviewer may ask. Good research would include the following:<\/p>\n
Before your interview, try and get a list of the people you will be meeting with. Then research these individuals, including:<\/p>\n
The goal is to learn about your interviewers\u2019 backgrounds and interests so that it will be easier to establish a rapport. Show interest in them and their role in the company.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s important to think early on about the questions you may be asked so that you can prepare an articulate and polished response. You don\u2019t want to be caught off guard by difficult questions.<\/p>\n
These types of general interview questions are often asked:<\/p>\n
For a full list, read Here Are the Job Interview Questions You Should Expect<\/a>.<\/p>\n Consider doing a practice interview<\/a> with friends or family members, especially if they have experience interviewing employees themselves. The practice will be helpful and give you more confidence. Ask for feedback on your answers, your body language, and your preparedness. Have the mock interviewer ask both common questions as well as offbeat ones to see how well you can think on your feet.<\/p>\n If you can, you should test and use the company\u2019s products or services\u2014no matter what role you are interviewing for. This will help you prepare for any questions about these products or services that may come up in the interview. It will also show your interviewer that you went an extra step in preparing for the interview.<\/p>\n It might also be useful to check in with customers of the company, to see how they view the product or service, and take note of any constructive feedback they might have.<\/p>\n Employers often review Facebook, Instagram, and other social media venues to get information and background on prospective employees. So make sure to review your online postings and pictures and delete any information that is embarrassing or could cast you in a negative light with the prospective employer.<\/p>\n It\u2019s also useful to Google yourself to see what your prospective employer would see if they did a search on you.<\/p>\n You want to dress appropriately and professionally for the job interview. It usually won\u2019t hurt to dress more formally for your interview than you would on the job. If you have a contact who works for the employer, ask them about the general dress code. Show up neat and groomed\u2014even if it\u2019s just on camera.<\/p>\n Make sure to arrive at the interview on time\u2014you don\u2019t want the first impression of you to be of a person who can\u2019t be on time. If it\u2019s an in-person interview, download directions in advance. Anticipate traffic delays, and get there early (but don\u2019t show up on the company\u2019s door steps more than 5 to 10 minutes early). Make sure to turn off your cell phone so it doesn\u2019t ring or buzz during the interview.<\/p>\n You should bring 5 or 6 copies of documents with you for any in-person interview, in case the need arises. Such documents could include:<\/p>\n After your interview, you should let your professional references know that the employer might be contacting them. Give them a heads up on the company and job position.<\/p>\n You might also want to bring along a list of questions you have for the interviewer.<\/p>\n4. Practice with a mock interview<\/h2>\n
5. Use the company\u2019s products or services<\/h2>\n
6. Review your Facebook and other social media postings<\/h2>\n
7. Dress appropriately for the interview<\/strong><\/h2>\n
8. Arrive early and prepared for the interview<\/h2>\n
9. Bring all necessary documents<\/h2>\n
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10. Check out Glassdoor.com<\/h2>\n