6 Steps To Follow As You Prepare For Your Next Interview

“What are some tips and tricks I should know before going to an interview?” This is a question many professionals grapple with, as anxiety before a job interview kicks in.

Truth is, even you can’t guarantee that you will pass a job interview; you can be confident enough that you will do well, but that’s it. The outcome is most times out of your control. A job interview can bring surprises, from meeting a panel instead of one individual to being interviewed by a hostile interviewer.

However, one thing that is common across all kinds of job interviews is that you need to be well prepared if you are to pass the interview. To help you in the preparation process, here is a list of things you must do from when you get that invite to when you show up for the interview.

6 Steps To Help You Prepare for a Job Interview

1. Identify what you’ll be wearing to the interview

Interviewers will begin evaluating your suitability for the job from the minute you walk in. Did you dress for the position? Did you take time to look the part?

What you pick out should make the employer answer these questions with a positive. This way, the interview can start on a positive note without any negative judgments.

2. Go back to the job description

Study the job description carefully and write down important pointers if need be. Also, match it up to your CV and see what information comes out as important.

Knowing this will give you a basis for what information to look out for when carrying out your background research.

3. Start on your company research

Begin getting even more familiar with the company. Look out for achievements and major milestones that the company has registered recently and be concerned with the figures. You do not want to mention the wrong figures that make the company look bad during the interview.

Ensure by the time you are relaxing back on your chair, you know the company’s ins and outs like you are already one of the employees.

4. Go through various interview questions and rehearse answers

Anxiety for most candidates looms when you are not sure what questions to expect or what answers to give when these interview questions are asked. To avoid being anxious, take your time, and search common interview questions to expect in your profession.

To be on the safe side, pay more attention to interview questions focused on the Kenyan job market. Rehearse the answers until you are confident that you understand each one and can answer with ease.

5. Know what attitude works in a job interview 

Most job seekers focus their interview preparation around the company background and questions, but forget the other basics that count. Your attitude is a major determinant of how an interview will go, and your body language plays a major role in communicating your attitude. Employers will be very keen about your attitude during a job interview, so be very careful about how you come across.

No employer wants to work with a bad attitude, so keep yours in check and identify how to market yourself without bragging too much.

6. Pack up what you’ll need and arrive 15 to 30 minutes early

Now that you have prepared the basics and gotten all the information to keep your anxiety in check, it’s time to impress employers in the interview. To do this, always confirm that you have everything that is required by the interviewer; supporting certificates, recommendation letters, copies of your CV just in case, and other important documents that you were asked to carry.

Once you’ve ensured you have them all, get directions to the company and familiarize yourself with the different routes you can use. If you are running late it is wise to call your contact and let them know so they do not assume that you just don’t care.

You are now ready for that upcoming interview. 

Would you like to know the practical questions you should expect during the interview? Book a mock interview coaching session here and get personalized help.

6 Comments

  1. I get confused and sometime run out of words and fear in the panel. Help on how to deal with this issues.

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