How to prepare for that Ultimate Job interview?

The biggest mistake that any job seeker can ever do is to go ahead for an interview with incomplete preparation. There should be ample time to prepare adequately for the interview and that is what is actually desired of a job seeker. The understanding of the interview is a skill in itself and understanding of this skill is a long term benefit. Besides, practice and mental exercise always enhance a skill.

The main difference between getting a job offer and getting rejected lies with how well you tackle your interview. If you wish to find that ultimate way to prepare for an interview then it will keep evading you. This is because there is no one way; each interview is a learning experience in itself. However there can definitely be strategies that can be made use of to better your preparation.

You need to keep reassessing your skills and updating your resume. The next step is a research on the industry and then the organization that you are seeking employment in. Your preparation should also include the expected interview questions. Your dress and appearance also matter a lot too; you should also know what protocol to follow after the interview.

General Steps to be followed-

Self assessment- This is one activity that needs to be performed annually by everyone and more frequently by those appearing for interviews on a regular basis. For people who might be fearing lay- off, self assessment is the best tool to pull up your socks. This gives you the best feedback on your own about the validity of your personal and industry skills and helps you in choosing refresher courses etc.

Updating the Resume -

Keep updating your resume, accomplishments based resumes are better springboards of knowledge about the individual as compared to responsibility based ones. Functional headings are always a plus point as they help guide the reader about your general capabilities.

Research- Any amount of research performed by you should not be taken as sufficient there is always a scope for more. Utilize all the time that you have in performing research on the organization and industry type of your prospective employer. Check the history of the company such as its prime competitors its financial position etc.

Alumni Network - If there is any database providing the contacts of alumina of your college and if any of them work for your prospective employer then contact them and find out all that you have to know.

Just Before the Interview

Also any supplemental experiences might also be regarded by your prospective employer. Certain typical and practical questions for instance why are you interested in this field? or how are you interested in this position?

You should practice with a friend or a career counselor or coach etc the speaking skills that are required at the time of interview. Taking Mock Interviews is a good test that prepares you for the feel of the actual interview.

Your attire should be immaculate and should be according to the dress code of the organization. A business suit is acceptable any time. Know the location of interview and always be ten minutes before time. You can carry a small notebook for notes but the note taking should be kept to minimum.