Job Interview Tips - 3 Things You Need To Prepare

A job interview can be a nerve wrecking experience. It can also be an encounter that can change your life for better or for worse. Being yourself under that level of pressure and letting your best side show when all eyes are on you is something that requires more than just luck. You need to prepare for your job interview - regardless of how good your resume is. Most applicants make the critical mistake of relying on a good resume to land them a job. Not true. A resume will get you the interview. Your performance during the interview will get you the job.

Qualifications and experience will only take you that far. You need to "be there" in your interview and show your prospective employer why you are the one for the job. So, what can you prepare and how do your prepare? Here are a few basic tips.

1. Who are you?

Most interviews will start with an introduction. You will be asked something along the lines of "tell us a little more about yourself..." You can prepare for this and since you know that it will be asked you can design your response to say something meaningful about yourself. This question is more than just an ice-breaker. Its designed to give them an idea of what you are all about.

2. Why did you leave your previous job?

This is another question that most interviewees stumble over. It can be a delicate question and so many people make the mistake of bad mouthing their previous employer. Never do that. Think long and hard about how you will answer this and make sure that you answer is never directed at criticizing your previous job. It never comes across well in an interview.

3. Why do you think they should hire you?

What can you bring to this company? Always remember that your prospective employer's main interest is in what you can bring to them and what you can offer. It can be a difficult question but if you prepare it well and come up with an answer that translates your skills into practical uses within the firm then the job is as good as yours.

In the end confidence is all important during your job interview. Being well prepared is an important step towards feeling confident and having some idea of how you will answer difficult questions. Being calm and relaxed goes a long way and will help you to be yourself and impress your future employer.

Do you need help with your job interview preparation? See my blog for more on the most frequently asked interview questions...