Whether you are just out of high school, college, or transitioning into a new career, a job Interview can be a daunting experience. When getting ready for a job interview you need to be cool, calm, and collected. The best way to accomplish this is to be prepared. When preparing for an interview you need to consider the position you are applying for and the goals you want to achieve for that job.

The first thing you need to do when looking for a job is to make sure you have a great resume ready and get it out to the right channels. These may be on websites like Indeed, CareerBuilder, or working with a recruiter. Once you have completed this step you will begin to prepare for the interview process. There are basic steps to follow to get yourself ready and feeling confident.

Steps to prepare for your interview:

1. Take a deeper dive into the job description. Study the job posting and be sure you know exactly what the employer is looking for. Do your research and know the position inside and out. Not only will this make you look like the ideal candidate it will also make you feel more relaxed for the interview.
2. Research the company. Have a good understanding about the company, the position, and who you are interviewing with. It is important to know why you want the position and why you want to work for the company.
3. Practice speaking in front of a mirror or with someone. Roleplaying the interview is important. You want to feel comfortable answering questions and confident in your responses. Body language is key.
4. Bring hard copies of your resume to the interview. It is always best to feel overprepared than underprepared. You want to have a copy for yourself and the person interviewing you.
5. Do a practice run of the interview location before the date. Know exactly where the building is and how long it takes to get there. The day of an interview can be stressful, and you want to feel confident in your travel time. Be sure to leave early to allow time for traffic, accidents, and any other unexpected detours.
6. Sell yourself. Remember in an interview you are up against other people working towards the same goal… the job. You want to give the interviewer a reason to hire you above the other candidates. Use your skills, abilities, and accomplishments to push you ahead. Talk about what you can do to be the best fit for the company and the position.
7. Follow Up! Be sure to send a follow up email to the employer. Thank them for their time and interview. Keep it short and to the point.

If you follow these steps you will be confident, prepared, and ready to take on any job interview at any level.

Patrice & Associates is a great avenue when looking to find that perfect high level recruiting job. If you are interested in connecting with one of our franchisees, contact us today!