• Home
  • Brooke Burke
  • Must Have
  • Recalls
  • Contributors
  • Contests & Twitter Parties
  • Become An Insider
  • ModernMom Store

ModernMom

The premiere destination for moms

  • Parenting
    • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Kids
    • Tweens and Teens
    • Ask Dr. Psych Mom
  • Cooking
  • Around The House
    • Crafts
    • At Home
    • Education
    • Travel
    • Pets
    • Decorate
    • Money
  • Career
  • Living Healthy
    • Breast Cancer
    • Health & Fitness
    • Body after Baby
    • Beauty
    • Relationships
    • Love
  • Celebrate
    • Holidays
      • Easter
      • Valentine’s Day
      • New Year’s
      • Christmas
      • Hanukah
      • Halloween
      • Thanksgiving
    • Birthdays
    • Parties
  • Tech
  • Entertainment
  • Hot Topics
  • Games
You are here: Home / Around The House / At Home / 5 Ways to Prepare for a Job Interview

5 Ways to Prepare for a Job Interview

October 11, 2009 by ModernMom Staff Leave a Comment

The first hurdle is past–you’ve got the job interview scheduled. The next hurdle is the job interview itself. This is your chance to show a potential employer that you’re the best candidate for the job. Although that prospect can be nerve-racking, remember that this is also your chance to decide if the job is right for you. Preparing yourself for the interview using these tips will help you present your best face to the hiring committee come zero hour.

Do Your Research

Research the company or organization to which you’re applying. Read the annual reports, check out online forums and study the organization’s website. Learn who does what within the organization and, if possible, memorize names and roles. Examine the organization’s mission and vision statements. If no statements are available, try to discern what the organization is trying to do and what direction it’s going in. A job candidate who can talk knowledgeably with the hiring committee about the organization is highly competitive.

Learn the Job Inside and Out

Be clear on the scope of the job you’re applying for. Pore over the job description. Break it down in detail to learn what will be expected of the employee who fills the position. Learn the roles and responsibilities and the qualifications expected. Armed with this information, you can now start rehearsing what you’re going to say at the job interview.

Formulate Questions

Make a list of questions to ask at the job interview. Write down both specific and general questions. Your specific questions will demonstrate knowledge about the company, hint at what you have to offer the organization and show you are interested in gathering as much information as possible. Some possible specific questions include “You seem to operate as a team here. Do you encourage independent work, too?” “I understand the company has recently reorganized. Is this a brand new department?” “I have a lot of experience with the latest XX software. Will I be able to use that experience in the XX project?” Your general questions will cover the basics to give you a grasp of the information you’ll need to decide whether the job is right for you. Some possible general questions include “Where will I be working?” “What will I be doing?” “Can you describe a typical day in the office?” “What do you see as the benefits of working here?”

Formulate Answers

You never know what exact questions the hiring committee will ask you at the job interview. Still, the U.S. Department of Labor, in its job interview tips (see Resources section), suggests you anticipate having to answer, at any job interview, certain commonly asked questions. Prepare answers for questions such as “Why are you applying for this job in particular?” “Why do you think we should hire you?” and “Why do you want to work for this organization?” Be specific in your answers. Show how you can help the organization achieve its goals. Explain how you can contribute to its team. Share details of your experience and qualifications that make you a good candidate for the specific requirements of the job. You needn’t memorize your answers, but form a good idea of what you’re going to say when asked.

Practice

The Department of Labor also suggests you do a practice interview. Ask somebody you’re comfortable with to play the interviewer. Assemble everything you’ll need, from interview outfit to pen and paper to a copy of your resume or CV and portfolio. Give your pretend “hiring committee” a list of questions to ask you. Go through the entire interview uninterrupted. Then ask for feedback.

Comments

comments

Filed Under: At Home

About ModernMom Staff

Search

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
ModernMom Boutique ModernMom Boutique

ModernMom TV

10 Life Lessons I Want To Pass On To My Daughter

10 Life Lessons I Want To Pass On To My Daughter

I look at my little girl, who is now three years old, and I …[Read More...]

ModernMom TV

How Long Can You Refrigerate Fresh Lemon Juice?

How Long Can You Refrigerate Fresh Lemon Juice?

How Long Can You Refrigerate Fresh Lemon Juice? The …[Read More...]

Strep Throat Symptoms in Babies

Strep Throat Symptoms in Babies

Children who are past the toddler stage may be perfectly …[Read More...]

Cures & Remedies for Head Lice

Cures & Remedies for Head Lice

If just the thought of head lice makes your head itch, think …[Read More...]

Can You Get Pregnant on Birth Control Pill If You Miss One Day?

Can You Get Pregnant on Birth Control Pill If You Miss One Day?

Birth control pills offer reliable and easy-to-use …[Read More...]

Fruit Salad Recipes With Fewer Than Five Ingredients

Fruit Salad Recipes With Fewer Than Five Ingredients

Fresh, light and oh so tasty! Fruit salad, a family …[Read More...]

What Will Draw Smells Out of a Closet?

What Will Draw Smells Out of a Closet?

How to Draw Offending Odors Out of a Closet Closed closets …[Read More...]

How to Get Wrinkles Out of Tulle

How to Get Wrinkles Out of Tulle

Tulle is one of those fabrics that everyone loves because it …[Read More...]

  • About Us
  • Contact ModernMom
  • Advertise With Us
  • Press
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use

Copyright © 2019 · Mom, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction of any portion of this website only at the express permission of Mom, Inc. The information provided on ModernMom is for educational use only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.