No matter how many times you change jobs or find yourself applying for a new position, the days before a big interview are always nerve-wracking. After all, it’s stressful to be without a job, and though it’s possible to survive a few lay-offs, it’s never “fun” to be unemployed. As such, a big job interview is a stressful event. And it’s something that even the most dedicated professionals may struggle to handle with grace. Fortunately, today we’re going to explain how you can prepare yourself for a job interview and ensure you put your best foot forward every time:
Clear Your Schedule
Just because a person is unemployed, it doesn’t mean that their schedule is completely empty. Rather, everyone has certain commitments they need to honor. However, if you know that you’ve got an interview coming up in a few days, make sure to clear the decks on the big day at the very least. The last thing you want to do is show up late and make a bad impression because an appointment at the bank took too long or because you got stuck in traffic.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Whether you’re getting ready for a big test or a trying interview, one of the best ways to make sure you’re at your sharpest is to get a solid eight hours of rest the night before.
Familiarize Yourself with the Company . . .
Going into an interview, you should have some idea of who you’ll be speaking with and what your job will entail. It’s a smart play to do your homework beforehand to familiarize yourself with company culture, history, and to define any important terms related to the industry.
. . . But Don’t Go Overboard
Yet, it’s possible to try and do too much research before an interview.
Cramming for an interview in an extreme manner is a bad idea for several reasons. First, it’s a poor use of your time. Trying to memorize facts and figures will clutter your mind. Second, it can actually work against you. Discussing concepts or products you don’t fully understand can make you look unprofessional or naive. And lastly, it’s not really needed. Few business leaders will care if you know how to operate EDTA coated tubes or how to conduct an SEO audit on a web page if you display a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.
Be Yourself
Trying to make yourself seem more impressive, experienced, or knowledgeable than you really are is a recipe for disaster during job interviews. Savvy professionals can see right through false fronts, and lying during an interview is a terrible idea. Rather, though it may be cliched, the best policy is to answer questions honestly and to simply be yourself. It’s okay to admit you don’t know something or to express concern about a company policy. Speak from your heart and you’ll end up in the right place soon enough!
