How to Easily Prepare for a Job Interview

Preparation is the key to confidence on interview day.

For many people, the interview is the most difficult part of the job search process. The interview truly is the make or break moment because it's the part where hiring managers get to decide if they want you on their teams. But, the interview doesn't have to be the greatest challenge in your life. As long as you're prepared, confident and ready to answer the questions, you can nudge hiring managers in your direction.

Instructions

1. Research the company. Know about the company's history, what they do, where they are located and any related current news. Weave the information you learn during your research into your responses to the interviewer's questions. Find ways to explain to the interviewer how your history and goals match up with the company's goals. Use your research to formulate intelligent questions about the company and it's future.

2. Practice answering some of the most asked interview questions such as yoour strengths and weaknesses, why you want to work for the company and why that position. Come up with a short synopsis of who you are professionally for the time when the interviewer ask the ''tell me about yourself question.''

   Be prepared for tough questions. Be able to explain gaps in your employment, but be positive. Talk about what you do when you weren't working full time and focus on skills you learned or activities you participated in. Avoid answering questions about salary -- don't give a number. Tell the interviewer that you're willing to negotiate. If you were fired from a job and the interviewer asked why you left, be honest but positive. Talk about what you learned from the experience and the changes that you've made. Never, ever bad mouth a boss or a coworker.

3. Have your outfit and travel route planned in advance. Look your best. Wear a suit that looks great on you and makes you feel great. Know where you're going ahead of time and how long it will take you to get there so that you can be on time.

References

• Quintessential Careers: The Ultimate Guide to Job Interview Preparation