So you have been searching for a job and finally you get that call for an interview. This is just the beginning of a process that could lead to your dream job. We have prepared for you 5 steps you need to take to get ready for your successful job interview.
Remember when you get called for an interview, you will be one of many. The good news is, you have something the recruiters need or else you would not have made the shortlist. This is your starting point, from here - you need to make sure you are memorable and tick all the boxes so that you will be the last one left standing at the end of the day.
Let us count down the list of things you need, in fact top 5 - for a successful job interview.
This is number one on the list of things to do. You can easily ask your agency to give you a name for the recruitment manager, if you cant get it from the agency, you always have LinkedIn. Search through linked in, for the company and position. The majority of professionals are on linked in and listing their companies and positions.
If you have some funds, invest in a tool like Crystal Knows - https://www.crystalknows.com/ You can install their chrome extension, and use it on the linked in page of the person you are researching. it will produce a personality report for you, you can read about their likes and dislikes and most importantly - how to best approach them.
While you are at it, research all the interview panel members you have names of. The more information you have going in to the interview, the better.
Just as important as point 1 above, you need to know what company you will be working for. This is good for you as well, to help you decide if the company will be a good fit for you. These are the things you should be looking out for:
When you are in the interview, this information will be useful. Make sure you use it, drop hints and your knowledge throughout the interview. Mention names, the leadership, directors - make it clear that you have done your homework.
Find out more about the position, more than what is included in the job advert. Look it up on LinkedIn, if you are lucky the previous occupant of the position might not have updated their linked in job and you might even find out who they are. Check out their credentials and learn as much as possible about them.
Use this information in the interview to shine.
Go through the job requirements as listed in the advert and practice the interview before hand. The technical knowledge is usually the most important part of the interview. Think of possible questions you might get asked by the interview panel and practice how you would answer them.
For example, if you are going for a teachers position where one of the requirements is: Knowledge of a certain curriculum. Imagine they would ask a question to test tha knowledge like:
give us an example of how you have applied this curriculum in your experience
Practice all the possible questions and how you would answer them.
Ultimately confidence and positivity will get you a long way. You have made it this fa, believe in yourself. Have courage and claim, this is your job. Forget about the competition an focus on your own lane and what you have to do within your circle of influence.
Rest well the night before the interview, eat well and sleep early. Plan for what you are going to wear the night before, remember firs impressions last. Dress up for success, in formal work attire.
Arrive early for the interview so you have time to calm your nerves and familiarise yourself with the place.
