Things to Prepare before Having a Job Interview


Are you applying for a job or learnerships and being called for an interview? If the answer is yes, there are a lot of things that you need to prepare to make sure your job interview will be successful. A lot of people feel burdened by job interviews because it can be very intimidating to create the best impression of yourself to the interviewer. Despite so, it is also a great chance to deal with the good side of the employer. We will give some of the tips for job interview preparation in this article.

Before You Face the Interview

  • Research the background and profile of the company

Before an interview, it is important to understand the background and profile of the company you are applying. You can start by reading their future plans and goals. By understanding their plans and goals, your interviewer will see you as a great investment for a long term. You have to be prepared to talk about the company, the position you wish to work in, and the industry in depth. You may want to figure out who is your interviewer and their background by calling the company. Discussing with current employees can be a great way to broaden your knowledge about the corporation. You are not able to change your qualification or employment history, but you are able to work harder to understand the company better. Reading articles regarding the company or their yearly report can also be a huge help.

  • Prepare questions that you will ask the interviewer

To leave a great impression on how much you are interested in the job you are applying, you have to actively participate during the interview. Prepared at least 3 questions that will make your interviewer think harder. These questions should reflect your fascination for future prospects, project your passion and enthusiasm, and bond with your interviewer. You may also ask for details about things talked about during the interview.

  • Practice with your friend

Practicing is a great way to make sure you are not nervous during the interview. You can ask your friend for a help, especially if a friend who has experienced having job interviews before or someone who is currently preparing for a job interview. It will help you construct good sentences, use the correct terminology, and be more comfortable while answering. Delivering complete and concise answers are essential during job interviews. It is also important to maintain eye contact to the interviewer while answering the questions. Practice your intonations and the flow of your words. Ask for feedback from your friend and make sure you know what you are going to say before the interview.

  • Predict the possible questions asked by the interviewer

Preparing yourself for a broad type of questions is very important to ensure a successful job interview. Think about your work strengths, past achievements, long-term plans, and career goals thoroughly to make sure you can answer complicated questions. But you also need to be aware of simple questions which the interviewers may ask you. Basic questions during interview usually include something about biggest weakness, future plans in 5 years, the reason why you choose the job you are applying, and the reason you quit your previous job in south africa. When you talk about your weaknesses, do not forget to mention your way to solve it. Do not be scared to admit if you have something you do not understand. Lying will not do you any good.

The Day of the Interview

  • Dress properly

Your outfit during an interview will give a strong impression of how professional you are. It also serves as a gauge to measure your competence level. You should dress with something that will make you and your customers and co-workers feel comfortable being around you. Formal apparels are preferable to any type of interviews, and the colour should not be too bright. Choose calmer hues, such as black, greys, browns, and blues. You have to make sure no wrinkle and lint can be spotted in your clothes. Perfume scented lotion or after-shave is not recommended.

  • Show up the best of yourself

Make sure to arrive 15 to 20 minutes earlier before the scheduled time. If you drive to the interview place by yourself, make sure you understand the directions and where to park your car so you do not have to waste time for getting lost. Do not sleep too late days before the interview to make sure you look healthy and well-rested. Do not forget to bring all the documents, in case the interviewer wishes to go on details about yourself or they simply forget to bring their copy. For morning interview, healthy breakfast certainly can be missed.

  • Express courtesy to everyone

Show the best impression to people around you during the day of the interview, from the staff you meet at the lobby to the interviews themselves. These people may actually have significant inputs to your hiring process. Make an eye contact and do not forget to smile to how friendliness. Always speak with a clear voice and pronunciation, and do not forget to say ‘thank you’ and please. Avoid playing with your gadget while waiting and bring a book to read or review your documents instead.

  • Be honest

Do not try to lie about your experience and accomplishment for the sake of good answers because the company will check on your background. You may try to divert the question if you do not feel like you can give them the answer they expected, but do not do it too frequently.

  • Make it short and simple

It can be difficult to explain about yourself to a stranger on how qualified you are for the job. Make sure your answer is no longer than 90 seconds or your interviewer will be bored. Avoid using slang humour, such as ‘rad’ or ‘awesome’ while answering the questions. Mention about things that other people consider you do well. Do not throw any bad words about your previous employer, you can be honest about your experience, both good and bad, but do not badmouth your previous superior.

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