Three crucial things to do before a job interview
Do you have a job interview coming up soon? Ensure that you’re a better candidate by following this expert advice.
Being thoroughly prepared for a job interview takes you one step closer to securing the job of your dreams.
Knowing the best answers to the most commonly asked interview questions is a great start. But there are other things that need to be done to ensure that you don’t jeopardise your chances of impressing the interviewers.
Brenda Bensted-Smith, CEO of the recruitment agency Ad Talent, says there are three things that candidates should do as preparation for their job interview:
“Do your research”
“Always look at their website, know who owns the company, know who their main competition is, know the products/services they offer, and know who you are being interviewed by - do a LinkedIn search,” says Brenda.
Doing research about the company is the best way to learn about what it does and what they look for in a candidate. It will also help you see if you are the right fit for the company.
Ensure that you know the company’s missions and values, people who hold prominent positions in the company, and any recent news about it. You can also learn the company’s culture by going through their social media pages.
“Have the right information about the interview”
“Make sure you have the right time, date, address and place. Double check the name and designation of the person/people you will be meeting with,” says Brenda.
It will be very embarrassing to be late for the interview or to get to the venue and not know who you are supposed to meet with. Ensuring that you are at the right venue, on time and knowing who to speak to will make you seem like an organised person.
READ: 5 tips for landing your first job after graduation
“Dress professionally”
It goes without saying that how you look affects how you feel and how people perceive you. So, it’s important that you dress appropriately for any job interview.
This might mean wearing a suit, shirt with pants or a skirt or a dress with formal shoes. If you don’t have professional clothes, it’s best to go shopping a few days before the interview, to ensure that you don’t have to stress about clothes on the day of the interview.