How To Prepare For An Interview

No matter how good you are in your field, by learning how to prepare for an interview you increase your chances of acing your interview. Your upcoming interview will seem less intimidating as well. Instead of being nervous wondering about what questions you will be asked, by preparing ahead of time you will develop confidence that will show through when you sit down face-to-face to answer those tough questions. Whether you are in pursuit of your first job or looking to move on from your current position, preparing for your interview is a must-do task.

1. Study the position. Make sure you are well-versed on the position and related skills. The interviewer will be able to tell if you have a good handle on the ins and outs of the position, so make sure you do. When learning how to prepare for an interview, this is an often overlooked step.
2. Research the company. With access to the internet, there is no reason why you can't spend some time, even if 30 minutes, learning about the company. If you can find information about the department you will be working in, all the better. Knowing a few facts, such as revenue, competitors or new product lines, may set you apart from other candidates vying for this job. Now, you may not need these facts, but you be glad that you knew them if the opportunity comes up where you can inject one or two.
3. Dress professionally. This is a no-brainer, really. This is probably on everyone's "How to Prepare for an Interview" list. Even though we are in the 20th century, it is still a good idea to wear a professional business suit. Make sure your shoes are shined and your suit is wrinkle-free. Please, make sure there isn't a spot on your tie. Remember the Super Bowl commercial where all the interviewer could focus on was the stain on the tie? You don't want to be "that" candidate.
4. Practice interview questions. Within most how to prepare for an interview websites, you can find sample interview questions. Think about the position and what likely questions would be. Now, think about your answers to those questions. You can practice your answers, but for goodness sakes, don't sound rehearsed.
5. Compile questions to ask. Don't just make up questions. Really think about the position and company when you brainstorm your questions. Remember, just as the interviewer is trying to figure out if you are right for the job, you need to discern whether this is the job for you. When studying how to prepare for an interview, candidates often forget this in their preparation.
6. Prepare a reference list. These references should be professional references, not your Uncle Al or Aunt Martha. Make sure the addresses, email addresses and phone numbers listed are correct.  When talking about how to prepare for an interview, this piece of paper is a must have. Make sure you have enough copies for everyone that you will be interviewing with.
7. Sell yourself. When being told how to prepare for an interview, this step receives less importance than it should. Many times candidates fail to do this; perhaps they lack confidence. Now, you certainly don't want to beg for the job. However, if you know that you really want this particular job and know that you would be good at it, say so. As long as you are genuine, this will score you some points.

Keep this in mind when learning how to prepare for an interview: your interview preparation will be different whether you are going for a first interview or a second, more in-depth interview. In the first interview, you must convince the interviewer that you have all the qualifications for the job. For the second interview, you must showcase your preparedness, motivation and personality.

Resources:

University of Minnesota