Job interviews can be nerve wracking.
How should you prepare?
What should you know about the company?
Here are the answers to some of the most commonjob interview questions.
What should you say and avoid saying?
Prepping for a job interviewis an essential part of your job search.
Not sure how to get started with interview preparation?
Well, youve come to the right place.
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How to Prepare for a Job Interview
It all starts with first impressions.
Conduct Company Research
Do your homework and research the company before the interview.
Start by exploring the company website and scope out its Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn pages.
Youre setting yourself apart from the other people who are interviewing.
Search the companys name in Google News to familiarize yourself with recent press good and bad.
Learn about trends within the industry.
I cannot stress how much passion and preparation you should bring.
Did one of your colleagues or friends previously work at the same organization?
Go to the same school?
Checkalumni networks, LinkedIn and community pages.
Youll likely score points at a job interview if a current employee recommends you.
Theres a level of trust there.
Have examples ready from your education and work experience that show you have what it takes to succeed.
Have you won any awards in the field?
Say your responses out loud until they feel natural.
So confirm your pages align with your career goals and reflect the image you want to convey.
Its about judgment, Gellman says.
Its about character for the company.
Could this person be a good ambassador for us?
While some companies have stopped monitoring candidates social media accounts, many still check.
Or simply adjust your social media controls to private until after you land a job.
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That means professional and conservative relative to the company culture.
If you wear a jacket and find youre overdressed, you might always remove it after you arrive.
You have to convey a message that youre serious about the job, Gellman says.
And if you go in casually, youre not going to convey that message.
If its a video interview, dont slouch on your attire.
Pick an interview outfit that looks good on camera, use bright lighting and a professional background.
Its also important to test your setup camera and microphone before a video interview.
Fumbling with Zoom during your appointment isnt a great look.
Turn Off Your Cell Phone
Better yet, leave your cell phone in the car or another room.
Its too easy to reflexively reach for a phone that pings or vibrates.
Paying attention to your surroundings also creates a great impression.
Make small talk with the receptionist and other people in the room as you wait for your job interview.
These kinds of things may seem kind of corny and stuck up, Zimmerman says.
Well, thats corporate America.
Thats what they want.
Treat Everyone With Respect
Smile and greet everyone you meet politely, from the receptionist to the CEO.
Make eye contact and give a firm handshake.
Never use profanity, even if your interviewer cusses a blue streak.
Sit up straight and dont fidget.
If your interviewer takes or makes a phone call that interrupts the process, just wait patiently.
If you complain or get angry, it will be game over.
Show Youre Serious
Its particularly important to explain how you provided value at your previous job.
Detail how you attracted new clients, increased productivity or helped boost a companys bottom line.
Stay calm and remember the interview answers you practiced.
Not everyone may have had time to review your resume and credentials.
Youll also want a functioning pen to jot down any questions you have for the interviewer.
It stayed that way for the entire interview, and nobody gave him (drumroll) a heads-up.
Be ready for show time 10 minutes before your appointment.
A good rule of thumb with job interviews: If youre early, youre on time.
If youre on time, youre late.
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Rachel Christian is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder.
Susan Jacobson is a former staff editor.
