Our Complete Interview Preparation Guide [For Getting Your Dream Job]

If you have an upcoming interview with your dream employer, congrats!

Preparing for a job interview takes careful planning, but it’s time well spent. The more prepared you are, the more ready you’ll be to wow them!

Many factors go into interview preparation. You might have butterflies thinking about it. Even so, with proper planning, you can excel.

Here’s a brief guide to acing your job interview and securing a spot as an employee!

1. Know the Job Description Backwards and Forwards

Even if the company has a long, detailed job description, read it thoroughly. As you read it, take notes about how your current skills align with the role.

If you don’t meet all of the qualifications in the description, don’t worry. You can still impress your potential employer with the skills you do have.

During the interview, stress your work history and accomplishments. You should prepare ahead of time to give examples that align with the company’s needs.

The more you understand what the job entails and how your skills will help you in the role, the better. By memorizing the job description, you’ll be able to answer their questions in a way that shows you’re the perfect person for the position.

2. Dress the Part

Preparing for an interview isn’t just about being the most qualified candidate. It’s also about demonstrating that you’re a professional who will be a good representative of the company.

So, you should make sure to dress the part for your interview. It’s up to you to put your best foot forward, and yes, this includes wearing some good-looking shoes!

Choose an outfit ahead of time and plan out your shoes and hairstyle.

If you have long hair, keep your bangs out of your face during the interview. If you like to dye your hair an unnatural color, disguise it for the interview by hiding it in a bun. Bright green hair might be acceptable under their dress code, but you’re better off asking during the interview instead of surprising them!

If you have a beard, trim it up. You don’t have to shave completely, but a clean beard looks much more professional than a ragged one.

When it comes to clothing, cater your outfit to the company and your position. Again, research is crucial here. If everyone at the company wears pantsuits and dress shoes to work every day, you should wear the same. If the company has a casual dress code, you should still wear dress pants or a skirt, but you don’t have to wear a jacket if you don’t want to.

When in doubt, dress on the conservative side. Looking professional is one of the key steps to securing your dream job.

3. Be Able to Answer Common Interview Questions

Get ready for your job interview by rehearsing answers to common interview questions.

Here are a few questions you’ll probably hear:

• Tell me more about yourself
• How did you learn about this job opening?
• Why should we hire you for this position?
• Why do you want this job?
• What are your biggest strengths and weaknesses?
• Where do you see yourself in five years?

Going into the interview, you should know how to answer these questions. They’ll ask you at least a few of them, so it’s best to prepare.

If you’re asked a question you don’t know how to answer, don’t panic. It’s okay to pause for a second or two while you come up with a response.

And if you’re stumped, particularly about a technical question, don’t be afraid to say you don’t know. The company wants to get to know you and will appreciate your honesty.

4. Ask Plenty of Questions

A job interview is a two-way street:

Yes, they want to learn about you and hear your answers to their questions. But they also expect you to ask them questions.

If you’re unclear which office you’ll work in or who you will work with, find out. If you want to know more about their training programs or opportunities for advancement, ask!

You can continue to ask questions even after the interview. When you’re chatting with the secretary in the waiting room, find out what they like about the company. The more information you can gather, the better.

Even if it may seem like your dream job on paper, you still have to confirm that. The interview is the perfect time to learn about the company so you can decide if you actually want to work with them.

5. Follow Up With Your Interviewer

After the interview is over, your quest to get the job shouldn't end. You still have to follow up with a thank-you letter.

A quick card or email gives you a chance to thank them and let them know that you're still interested in the position. It’s also the place to ask any questions you weren’t able to ask during the interview.

Send your thank-you email within 24 hours of the meeting. It's best to draft your message while the interview is still fresh in your mind.

When you follow up, be sincere and thoughtful, but keep your note short (less than a page is fine). Hiring managers are busy, so while they’ll appreciate the gesture, they won’t have time to read a 3-page letter!

In Conclusion

Acing a job interview is like getting an A on your report card:

You won’t be able to achieve it without hard work.

Landing your dream job takes time and effort. But eventually, that effort pays off.

So take a deep breath, break out your notebook, and jot down these tips. With practice, motivation, and confidence, you'll land the job you’ve always wanted!

Author Bio:

Caitlin Sinclair is the Business Manager for Jefferson Rise, a luxury apartment building near Angel stadium. In her free time, you will find her enjoying life on the Lake and spending time with friends.