How to Prepare for a Successful Job Interview
Gloria Mella
Dominican Republic
ESL 0200
A job interview consists of a conversation, allowing the employer to get to know you and for you to see what the company is like. A job interview is very important and the most important thing in an interview is to be prepared to know what to do and how to act at that moment.
The first thing that you must do for a job interview is to be prepared before you go; find out all you can about the company before you go to the interview. Understand the products that they produce or service that they provide. It is also good to know who the customers are and who the major competitors are.
The second thing to do is to practice. Practice your answers to common questions. Be prepared to ask smart questions, too. That’s the time to show your skills and experience. Do not volunteer information that the interviewer doesn’t ask for.
Next, dress properly for the interview; do not wear jeans, sneakers, or little shirt. Dress formally, for example, a pants suit or skirt below the knee. Also, clean your shoes before you go to the interview. Arrive about 10-15 minutes early. Be enthusiastic, shake hands firmly, be an active listener, sit up straight and maintain eye contact.
Finally, say “thank you” after the interview and follow up with a thank-you note. Your best bet is to try to time the delivery of the thank you, so that it gets there before the hiring decision is made. Remember: Practice makes perfect, and if you do all the steps above, I’m sure you will be hired.