In order to secure the job that you apply for, you need to convince the interviewer that you are the best person for the position, show them your best side, and convince them that you would become an invaluable asset to their company. To achieve all this, you have to be well prepared for the job interview, and here are some of the most important steps that you need to take, so you can maximize your chances of getting the position:

Research the company thoroughly

Take the time to find out more about the company or institution. Get online, read the company’s mission statement, speak to former employees, visit the company’s website, go to the library and read a few periodicals, and find out more about its core business and its partners. The more thorough with your research you are, the better your chances of being successful at the interview!

Prepare for the most frequently asked questions

Even though no two job interviews are alike, there are some questions that are quite common. Rest assured that in most cases, the interviewer is not looking for a right or wrong answer, but is rather evaluating your aptitude – answer the questions with confidence and do not get offensive if you are asked negative questions. A job interviewer might want to find out what you disliked the most about your previous job, what conflicts you had with your coworkers, what your biggest failure at that job was, what is your greatest weakness, and ask a number of similar questions, which you should be prepared to answer while keeping your positive attitude. If you are interviewed by a supervisor, you should anticipate many specific job-related questions, so brushing up on your knowledge in the days preceding the interview is always beneficial.

Have all the necessary documents

Update your resume and bring it along, secure a few references from former supervisors or coworkers and take the reference letters at the interview, bring copies of all your certificates, diplomas, and course completion documents, as well as your driver’s license and completed job application if you were sent one. Have all the documents in your briefcase, within an easy reach.

Prepare your own questions to ask

This will show the interviewer that you are genuinely interested in the position. Ask about the challenges of the position, typical workday, prospects for growth, responsibilities, work environment, and the possibilities of further training. Compile a short list of intelligent questions beforehand, which questions will convince the interviewer that you have done careful research about the company and the job position itself.

Dress to impress without being too fashionable of flashy

Take the time to find out more about the dress code of the company and dress appropriately – avoid wearing expensive designer suits or clothes, but dress smart, sticking to neutral colors. If you are a man, you should be clean shaved at the day of the interview and if you are a woman, you should keep the jewelry to a minimum. Most experts recommend on having one little item or accessory that might help you get noticed, so if you have an unusual watch, this is the time to wear it.

Be on time

Find out well in advance where the interview will take place, learn how you could get there, and make sure that you show up at least fifteen minutes before the set time. If the company is in another city, catch a flight the day before, secure your accommodation in advance, and have a good night rest.

Follow up the job interview with a short email or thank you note

While this may not be done that much anymore it is a very good tip and will make you stand out in the interviewers mind. Make sure you show your interest and enthusiasm for the position, without going overboard, and why you are a good fit for the position. Make sure it is personal and highlights your expertise as well as your successes. As with anything like this make sure you proofread it. You may have the job and lose it with one little spelling mistake.

The most common reasons candidates fail job interviews are poor appearance, inability to take criticism, being late for the interview, being rude, taking calls during the interview, showing insufficient interest in the position, and having negative attitude. Avoid making these mistakes, prepare yourself well, stay calm, be open, show interest, sell yourself and you stand a better chance at landing your dream job!

Have any tips for us? Please share them in the comments.