Preparing for a job interview is one of the phases of hunting for a job. While some might claim to have mastered the art of scaling job interviews, a larger percentage of job seekers, especially fresh graduates, get jittery when invited for interviews. The reason? They do not know how to prepare for a job interview. 

Your interview preparation strategy can be the difference between impressing your interviewer and getting your CV tossed into the trash right after the interview.

A job interview is a conversation between a prospective employee and employer that helps the latter make a decision on hiring the interviewee or not.

Over the years, technology has enabled organisations to conduct less of face-to-face interviews. However, regardless of what type of interview you are attending, the rules are largely similar.

Your ultimate goal should be to impress and convince the employer that you are the right person for the job. Here is a list of things you need to do just before your job interview.

Understand The Job Description

When preparing for an interview, you should use the employer’s posted job description as a guide. 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, which may also give you ideas about questions the employer may ask throughout the interview.

Before your interview, you should have a good understanding of why you want the job and why you’re qualified. You should be prepared to explain your interest in the opportunity and why you’re the best person for the role.

Research on the company and role

Researching the company you’re applying to is an important part of preparing for an interview.

Not only will it help provide context for your interview conversations, but it will also help you when preparing thoughtful questions for your interviewers.

Researching the company and role as much as possible will give you an edge over other applicant.

Not only that, but fully preparing for an interview will help you remain calm so that you can be at your best Always ensure that research is conducted on the following about the company.

Research on the product or service

Even if the role isn’t directly related to the company’s product or service, you’re still looking to be part of the team so It’s important to learn all you can about the product or service the company produces and promotes.

You don’t necessarily need to understand each and every detail, especially if it’s a technical product, and you’re interviewing for a non-technical position, but you should have a basic understanding of the main products or services the company offers.

If possible, request a sample of the product to familiarize yourself with the customer’s perspective. The more you can tell them about the product from both a company and customer standpoint, the better you’ll perform in your interview.

Research on the Role

It’s important to read the job description carefully and make sure that you understand all the requirements and responsibilities that go along with it.

This will not only prepare you with thoughtful, targeted questions about the position during the interview, but it will ensure that you’re truly qualified and prepared to tackle the responsibilities if you get the job. 

If possible, research similar positions and read reviews from individuals in those positions, so you can get an idea of what the day-to-day activities will be.

During the interview, ask for clarification or details about the role, so you can be sure you’re ready should you receive a job offer. Researching the role before an interview will also help you to decide whether or not the position is right for you.

Research on the Company Culture

Modern companies usually have social media accounts and blogs that discuss their company culture and industry. This information can give you an impression of the tone and personality of the company, as well as what they value.

No matter how good a job seems, it’s important that you fit within the company culture and share a similar personality and values.

If you have questions about the workplace environment, culture, personality or values, be sure to ask during the interview. These questions can range from the software and tools used by the company, to their policies on vacation and sick time.

 Remember that the interview is just as much about you finding a good fit for your own work environment as it is about the company finding a good fit for the role. Knowing that your values align with the company ensures a happy professional life.

This is also the perfect opportunity to find out more about the company and show the interviewer how you’ll fit.

Always think of what to wear:

before choosing an interview outfit, ascertain how formal their workplace is through research. If you’ve checked the company website and social media pages but still can’t determine the dress pattern, try calling the company’s HR department.

Explain that you have an upcoming interview and would like to know the appropriate dress code.

It’s also a good idea to consider the role and industry. If you’re interviewing for a corporate position in finance or law, for example, wear formal business attire. For men, this means a matching suit and tie.

For women, it means a tailored dress, pantsuit or skirt suit. However, for less formal positions and workplaces, business casual is almost always the best option.

Get ready to follow up after the interview

After your interview, you should prepare to follow up with the employer. Doing so reminds the employer of your conversation, shows them you are genuinely interested in the position and gives you the opportunity to bring up points you forgot to mention.

  Here are a few steps you can follow when crafting a follow-up note:

• In the first paragraph, mention the specific job title and thank your interviewer.
  
  
• In the second paragraph, note the company’s name as well as a conversation point and/or goal that seemed especially important to the person you spoke with. Connect that point to your experience and interests.
  
  

• In the final paragraph, invite them to ask you any additional questions and close by saying you’re looking forward to hearing back. Never forget that your ultimate goal is to impress and convince the employer that you are the right person for the job. Above is a list of things you need to do just before your job interview.