Business

10 Things to Check Before Your Next Job Interview

Editor

Job interviews can be nerve wracking, yet exciting experiences. This is your opportunity to take the next step of your career, but at the same time, you probably have a lot of competition to contend with.

You already have the education. You already have some experience and credentials. On top of that, you’ve already been selected for an interview. Now all that matters is properly preparing for the interview and making sure you have everything you need to do your best.

What to Check Before Your Next Job Interview

In the days leading up to your interview, be sure to check the following:

  1. Your phone. First, take a moment to check your phone. Ideally, your phone will play no part in the interview whatsoever; for this reason, it’s a good idea to either silence your phone or turn it completely off. Also, in case you need your phone for any reason, make sure that it’s presentable. For example, it’s a good idea to house your phone in a professional-looking, durable case. If your phone is covered in anime stickers and has several kitschy charms dangling from it, your employer may not take you as seriously.
  2. Your attire. Next, check your attire. There aren’t firm recommendations for what you should wear in an interview, but you should always dress for the job you want; additionally, if you’re not sure what to wear, you should always dress slightly more formally than you think you need to. It’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed, after all. If you want a more accurate picture of what you should wear, take a look at what other employees at this business are wearing. And while you’re at it, make sure you wear something that makes you feel confident.
  3. Your resume. Take a look at your resume, even if it’s already been polished in a previous round of revision. It’s still a good idea to bring copies of your resume to the interview, even in this digital age, but your resume is only going to make an impact if it looks good and is free of mistakes. This is your final chance to correct any errors and make sure you have enough copies for anyone who might be participating in your interview.
  4. The job description. Don’t neglect the job description, even if you think you know what the position is. Companies sometimes vary in how they think about specific positions within the company. On top of that, making specific references to the job description during the interview will show your interviewer that you did your research and that you’re prepared. Be especially mindful of any desired characteristics and experiences that you lack, so that you can properly address any questions or concerns related to them.
  5. Your prospective employer. Research your prospective employer if you haven’t already. You should know exactly what the business is, what they do, what their goals and values are, as well as how you can contribute to their success. The better you understand your employer, the better you’ll do in the interview.
  6. Your questions. What questions do you have for your employer? If you don’t have any, spend some time taking another look at all the materials available to you. Interviewers like it when interviewees come prepared with specific questions; it’s an opportunity to show off as a critical thinker – and someone truly passionate about their work.
  7. Location and traffic. Double check the location of the interview so you can plan a route for getting there on time. While you’re at it, monitor traffic patterns and plan for challenges like parking so there’s virtually no risk of you running late. In fact, it’s even a good idea to have a backup route in mind.
  8. Your interviewer. Do you know who’s going to be interviewing you? If so, do some brief research on them. See if you can find their LinkedIn profile, or a profile on the company website, so you can learn more about their credentials and experiences. In some cases, you’ll find some interesting information that allows you to connect with your interviewer immediately. In other cases, you’ll simply feel more confident walking into the room with them.
  9. Your breath. It’s a little thing, but it can make a big impact: check your breath. In fact, don’t even bother checking your breath. Instead, brush your teeth before the interview and consider sucking on a mint immediately before the interview for good measure. Nobody wants to hire someone with bad breath.
  10. Your body language and posture. Your body language and posture play an important role in your interview as well. Before walking in, stand tall with your shoulders back, take a deep breath, put on your best smile, and mentally commit to maintaining this stature.

Onward to Your Next Job

Try not to put too much pressure on yourself. There’s a chance that even with perfect performance, you still won’t get this job for one reason or another. If this opportunity doesn’t work out, learn from any mistakes you made, shake it off, and start preparing for your next interview. As long as you keep improving yourself and committing to good interviews, you should eventually find a position that’s a good fit for you.