7 Smart Ways to Prepare for a Job Interview

The big day is on your calendar.  Now what?  Here are seven of the smartest ways to prepare for a job interview so you can show off your skills when the time comes.

  1. Shine yourself up. Take some “me time” to make sure you look your best because this will help you feel more confident and appear more professional. For instance, make sure your hair is neat, your fingernails are clean and manicured, and your interview outfit is professional, fits well, and is clean and pressed – no loose threads or missing buttons!
  2. Pack an interview kit. Include five copies of your resume, a list of your professional references and a notepad. Bringing along “emergency” items like an umbrella and breath mints can also help you feel more prepared – even if the unexpected happens.
  3. Do your reading. The more you know about the company, the more confident you’ll feel and the better prepared you will be to answer interview questions. Talk to contacts at the company, read the corporate website and social media channels, and use Google News to find the latest press releases and journalism.
  4. Embody the company. If the company were a person, what would their personality be like? How would they act?  What would you rely on them to do well?  As you read, try to get a sense of the company’s “persona.”  During your interview, rely on the parts of your personality that match this persona.
  5. Know what you’re worth. Sites like Glassdoor.com and Salary.com can help you evaluate what a competitive salary and benefits package is for this position and for someone with your experience and background. If compensation comes up during the interview, you’ll know what to expect.
  6. Focus on your accomplishments. Rather than thinking about the job duties you’ve had, think about what you achieved in each job. For each position you’ve held, list your top two or three accomplishments.  Make a “quick list” of these and use them as the basis for the interview answers you prepare.  Not only will this show the interviewer what value you bring to the company, it will also boost your confidence to think back on how you have already succeeded.
  7. Talk to your recruiter. Staffing firms have the “inside scoop” on a wide range of employers, making your recruiter a key resource in helping you prepare for a job interview.

At THE RIGHT STAFF, LLC, our recruiters can help you connect with great companies in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Minnesota and beyond, and prepare to ace the job interview.  Contact us today to learn more.

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