Not Prepared? 5 Ways to Fix it

John Krautzel
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Landing a job interview isn't easy in a very competitive labor market. You busted your tail to create a compelling cover letter and a dynamic resume, and you talked to your professional references. If you still don't think you're prepared for the interview, these five tips can help.

1. Learn About the Company

It's important to research the company's website, LinkedIn page and social media accounts before a job interview. Doing so helps you learn about the company's culture and informs you of recent happenings within the organization. Search for positive news stories about the company, and don't hesitate to bring this information up during the meeting. It's also a good idea to network with current employees by reaching out to them on social media.

2. Dress for Success

Always dress in business formal attire for a job interview. If you fail to dress for success, your interviewers will notice and might feel as if you're not taking the opportunity seriously. Begin planning your interview wardrobe as soon as you confirm the time and date of your job interview. Check your attire a few days before the interview to ensure it's clean and free of visible damage.

3. Remember Your Documents

Always remember to bring copies of your cover letter, resume and references. Leaving these documents at home demonstrates a lack of readiness on your part, even if the recruiters have copies of those documents in hand. Print out at least two copies of each document on professional-looking paper. Place the documents in a folder to keep them neat and clean, and place the folder in the briefcase you plan to carry to the interview.

4. Prepare Questions

Prepare multiple questions to ask recruiters during the job interview, as this demonstrates to employers that you have a genuine interest in working for the company. The types of questions you ask denote how much you thoughtfully researched the company and industry. Asking questions also impresses interviewers and can lead to insightful conversations about the organization.

5. Talk About Yourself

A common job interview question is "Tell me about yourself." If you can't say much about yourself, your face time might be over before it even starts. Prepare for this common interview question by rehearsing your answer ahead of time. Consider practicing in front of a mirror, recording your answers and playing back the video. It's also a good idea to practice with a friend or family member. Perfect your response to this request, making sure your answer sounds natural and not rehearsed.

When you're not prepared for a job interview, it shows. Always plan ahead for job interviews to ensure you make a great impression and increase your chance of landing the position.


Photo courtesy of patrisyu at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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