How to prepare for a job interview

A job interview it is not just about that one hour meeting, but also about the “homeworks” you should be doing at home before that. Being prepared gives you the best chances to go and make a great first impression and succeed in your goals.

There you are all the steps to hack a job interview:

 

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW..

• Do a good research about the company – their profile, background, mission, values, etc.. It will help you prepare to both answer interview questions and ask the interviewer questions yourself. You should know as much as you can about the company.
• Analyse the profile you applied to and remember all the qualities required. Analyse the job post and description accurately.
• Practice interviewing – with a friend or family member.
• Prepare your appearance – you should have an interview outfit ready, so you don’t have to think about what you’re going to wear when you are too nervous about the interview in the very same morning. Always remember that first impression counts. So, dress properly and wear something adapt to the position you are applying to. For what concerns women, also make up and hair should be sober and suitable for the occasion. The interviewer is going to notice everything about you, and you only have seconds to make a great impression.
• Prepare extra copies of your CV, and a list of questions to ask to the interviewer.
• Prepare the route – know where to go, so you will not get lost and be late.
• Prepare yourself to those typical interview questions like “Which are your strengths/weaknesses? “, “Where do you see yourself in five years?”, “Why would you be an incredible asset for this company?”

 

..DURING..

• Be in the best shape possible. For example, go to bed early the night before, if it is a morning interview. If you like to sport, do it, it releases stress.
• Proper interview etiquette is important. Always greet and say to receptionists and interviewer. During the interview watch your body language—for example, shake hands firmly and make eye contact as you articulate your points.
  Relax and lean forward a little towards the interviewer so you appear interested and engaged. Don’t lean back or slump in your chair. You will look too casual and relaxed. Keep your feet on the floor and your back against the lower back of the chair. Pay attention, be attentive and look interested.
• Don’t look at the phone during the interview.
• Be honest. Companies do perform background checks, and lying about your experience is simply not worth it.. and kind of silly.
• Listen carefully and ask questions when needed. If you participate actively during the interview, it gives a good impression of your level of interest in the job. But  do not ask anything that could be found easily on internet. For example: ask questions that reflect your interest in the future, like “What are the chances for professional growth?” or “Which are the new markets the company is planning to explore in next couple of years?”.
• Be simple and short in your answers, do not start a Shakespeare monologue. Don’t use slang or humor during your interview and don’t criticize your former employer.
• Be genuine and personal, transparent and easy going.

..AFTER.

• If the interviewer does not tell you when they will contact you if you’re a good fit for the position, it’s appropriate to ask, “When can I expect to hear back from you about the position?”.
• You should receive news in about two weeks, but it can depend. If you’ve waited and heard nothing, you can ask for a gentle follow up with the interviewer in a short email. You can say something like: “Dear [interviewer’s name], I interviewed at your company [at such and such date], and am still interested in the position if it hasn’t yet been filled. I’d greatly appreciate any information you might have about my candidacy. I look forward to hearing from you”. Don’t be needy, and don’t be greedy, but be persistent and gentle

 

Job interview is not just about the meeting itself, but is about being smart before, during, and after that. Raising the chances and odds of being hired is a simple expedient, and it does not take a giant effort to do that. Do the “homework” and be successful!