An invitation to a job interview is a great success. It means that the CV you have prepared matches the profile of the person you are looking for, but it is only the beginning of the road to your dream position. Ahead of you is a meeting with specialists who know exactly how to talk to the candidate to get all the necessary information from them.
How to prepare for a job interview to maximize your chances of receiving a job offer? Here are 8 ways to bring you closer to success.
1) Get as much information as possible about the employer
When looking for a job, we often send CVs in bulk, often forgetting who they ultimately went to. However, after being invited to a job interview, it is essential to study the company's history, its scope of activity and specializations. A candidate who does not fully know where he wants to work looks exceptionally unprofessional.
2) Take care of your image
Remember that a good first impression is extremely important, so take care of your outfit and remember about details such as clean shoes or well-groomed hands. Sometimes a small detail in our appearance can say a lot. Also, match your outfit to the situation. Jeans may look bad when you are applying for a job at a bank, but they do not have to be a problem when you are applying for a position that requires less formal attire.
3) Remember that body language is also a conversation
Try to look at yourself through the eyes of the recruiter for a moment. How much do your movements, gestures and looks reveal? What can they read from your body language? Practice how to behave in such situations before coming to the interview. Learn to control nervously glancing at your watch, looking at the floor to show lack of self-confidence, or changing body position in the chair to show impatience. Ask someone close to you to conduct a mock conversation with you. Let them objectively assess what messages are coming from your body language so that you have the opportunity to work on them.
4) Charisma will help you
When meeting new people, we remember those who are charismatic the best. Their conversation and attitude can attract and draw attention to themselves. During a job interview, this skill will allow you to better present and sell your skills. However, not everyone naturally has it. If you are rather shy, you can do charisma training at home. Practice answers to the most common questions in front of a mirror, learn to talk about yourself, control your body language and remember to maintain eye contact. These seemingly small things can add up to a great success.
5) Be prepared for the most trivial questions
It is not true that a recruiter today will no longer ask about your hobby, favorite dish, or the last book you read. The ability to conduct conversations on topics outside your industry is very valuable, it shows your personality and allows you to easily distinguish yourself from other candidates. Use this opportunity, because we often talk passionately about things that are close to us and it is easy for us. Perhaps this is also an opportunity to build a relationship with the recruiter, if only you can interest them in what is important to you.
6) Present skills consistent with your CV
When you go to the interview, make sure that you are able to cope with all the tasks that the information in your CV may put before you. If you speak an unpopular language, practice a few phrases and statements before the interview. If you have listed the ability to use certain computer programs in your CV, be sure that you will cope with the practical task. You definitely lower your credibility if you cannot do something that you have previously boasted about.
7) Be prepared to be asked about salary
The ability to talk about money is also very important, it shows your self-confidence. When going to a job interview, you should know what rates apply to the position you are applying for. This will make it easier for you to present your financial expectations and argue them well. This will help you avoid the risk of offering too low or too high a rate, while showing the future employer that you are well prepared for the interview.
8) Build your positive image also in emails, phone calls and online.
A job interview is often preceded and concluded by a phone call. Remember to maintain the right tone and vocabulary not only when meeting face to face. The same rule applies to emails, they must be written correctly and carefully, because they say something about you. Also, review your social media profiles. If there is something on them that you do not want to show to a potential employer, take care of it. These types of places on the web are also a mine of knowledge that recruiters are happy to use.
Good preparation is often the key to success
It will make you feel more confident, and your future employer will certainly notice and appreciate it during the interview.
Good luck!
