So you’re just about to attend a job interview. You’ve done your research. You’re all dressed up and ready to impress. But what can you do to maximize your chances for success in the moments before setting foot into the interview room? I’ve got some ideas for things you can do at the last minute to ace your job interview.
1. Revise
Before you head to the interview venue,
· Read over notes to jog your memory about key facts and figures that you might need to talk about during the interview.
· Take a small piece of paper with dot points. Look at them while you’re on the train, in the elevator, or wherever you find yourself with a spare of few minutes before shaking hands with your interviewer.
2. Outfit check
In the last few minutes before any big event, it can be good to do a quick check to make sure that you’re looking as great as you did before you left the house!
- If you’re wearing a tie, ensure the knot is still tight.
- If you’re wearing makeup, make sure it still looks fresh.
- Check that your hair wasn’t blown around by the wind on your way to the interview. It’s in your best interest to look great!
3. Confidence
You’ll need to present the best version of yourself to the interviewer. So psych yourself up before you walk into that interview!
- Remember that you were chosen for an interview because of your talents and skills and build your confidence based on that.
4. Rehearse
It’s always good to have a few answers to questions that you know you’ll be asked.
- For example, you can almost guarantee that you’ll be asked to describe yourself. So why not plan a couple of answers to the questions you know will definitely be asked.
- Go over them in your head a couple of times on your way to the appointment or while waiting for your interviewer.
Do You Need Answers to the Top 50 Interview Questions? Here's 2 Free ebooks with the Answers
5. Breathe
If you’re nervous about the interview ahead, and you’re starting to feel panicked – use the last few minutes to just relax and keep yourself calm.
- Take a moment to breathe deeply and to remember that you’re well prepared.
- Totally acceot that you are capable of impressing your prospective employers.
6. Research the company's profile and background
Start by looking into their future goals and plans. Conducting the interview with this in mind will make you seen as a good long-term investment.
You should also be ready to talk in depth about the industry, the organization, and the position you are applying for.
Here are few things to help you in your research:
- Learn your interviewer’s name and job position before going to the interview. You may need to call the company to find out.
- Talk to current employees. Show initiative while getting a feel for the office environment. Learn as much as you can about the company from people who work there.
- Know as much about the company as possible. You can't change your employment history or your qualifications, but, you can work harder than every other applicant by being supremely knowledgeable about the company.
- Use the company's website, their annual report, and newspaper or business magazine articles to gather as much information as possible.
The “Fantastic 4” tips
- Get your wardrobe in order and give yourself more travel time than you think you might need.
- Visualize the interview. Picture yourself as poised, confident, and articulate.
- Make a list of your strengths and weakness and practice how you will articulate them.
- Write out answers to the questions you don’t want to be asked. It will help reduce your anxiety.
In sum, before a big interview, psychological and career experts agree that it’s important to focus on the positive. The bottom line? Always think about, talk about, and practice exactly what you want to happen.
Always stay a few steps ahead and have everything ready to go by following the steps explained above.
Your main takeaway:
Respond quickly and accept every interview that comes your way, even if it's at the last minute. Remember that each interview brings you closer to landing the job you want.
Over to you.
Did you have a last-minute interview? Share with us your experience or how your would handle this situation in the commen
