03 job interview skills training

1. Do your homework

2. Prepare your questions

3. Practice your interview technique

4. Plan your journey

5. Stay focused

5 Things To Do a Week Before the Interview

Week Before Interview (Do your homework)

Research the company and its background beforehand

Week Before Interview (Do your homework)

Search for information online

Week Before Interview (Do your homework)

Find out who will be interviewing you, and review the job description in detail so you understand it inside out

Week Before Interview (Do your homework)

It’s also worth researching news or activities relating to the specific industry, as this shows interest

Week Before Interview (Do your homework)

Make sure that you re-read the job description and can communicate why you would be a good fit for the position

Week Before Interview (Prepare your questions)

When asked by the interviewer if you have any questions, have a few ideas up your sleeve. This demonstrates that you’re prepared, enthusiastic and committed to the role and the company.

Week Before Interview (Prepare your questions)

Try to think of less obvious but interesting questions that will set you apart from other candidates

Week Before Interview (Practice your interview technique)

Think beforehand about how you can best demonstrate your skills and experiences in an interview. This can make you feel more confident on the day.

Week Before Interview (Practice your interview technique)

If you’ve been asked to give a presentation as part of the interview process, give it a final run-through, make sure you’ve got prompt cards, and try to make it as compelling as possible

Week Before Interview (Practice your interview technique)

Have a story from each place you’ve already worked at that exemplifies one of your strengths. For every strength or skill, you should have a story about how you successfully used it. You will make a far better impression if you can back up your dry list of previous employment with interesting stories that show what you gained from each experience.

Week Before Interview (Plan your journey)

Spend time prior to the interview working out how you’ll get there

Week Before Interview (Plan your journey)

Look up public transport routes and timetables, or find out where you can park

Week Before Interview (Plan your journey)

Plan how long the journey will take. Do a practice run, if necessary. Aim to arrive about 15 minutes early.

Week Before Interview (Stay focused)

Clear your diary before and after the interview, so you can stay fully focused on the event. In order to give the interview your total attention, you don’t want to be preoccupied with other things that need doing that day.

1. Lay your outfit

2. Pack your bag

3. Review answers to common questions

4. Print extra copies of resume

5. Plan to eat breakfast

6. Prepare for the worst

7. Create a cheat sheet

8. Set your alarm

9. Get a good night’s sleep

9 Things to Do the Day Before the Interview

Day Before the Interview (Lay out your outfit)

Even if this is something you never do on a regular basis, laying out your outfit the day before ensures you’re not scrambling in the morning to come up with something appropriate. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to make sure your shoes match and that your clothes are stain and wrinkle-free.

Day Before the Interview (Pack your bag)

Pack your bag (or briefcase) with all the essentials — water, a stain stick, makeup, and of course, a copy of your resume (and portfolio if needed)

Day Before the Interview (Review answers to common questions)

Every interview has a different feel, but you can still practice. The easiest way to do that is to review some of the most common interview questions, which will help you feel prepared and confident

Day Before the Interview (Plan to eat breakfast)

Hunger can throw you off your game, so make sure to eat a light breakfast or lunch. And more importantly, plan to do so (which means: give yourself the necessary time).

Day Before the Interview (Prepare for the worst)

Bad things happen: it starts pouring on your walk, there’s traffic on a street that never has traffic, your shirt rips. While some things can’t be prevented or predicted, you can still prepare for the worst.

Day Before the Interview (Create a cheat sheet)

Jot down all the nitty-gritty details: who you’re meeting with and what their titles are, a couple past work accomplishments or stories you want to bring up, and the questions you want to ask at the end.

Day Before the Interview (Set your alarm)

Set your alarm and avoid the snooze button to make sure you have the time you need

Day Before the Interview (Set your alarm)

You should also make sure to add the interview to your email and phone calendar as soon as a time is confirmed

Day Before the Interview (Get a good night’s sleep)

A good night sleep is your secret weapon for a job interview, ensuring you’re at your most charming and lively. To make sure you get some quality shut-eye, turn off your TV, and put down the mobile phone.

Day Before the Interview (Get a good night’s sleep)

Relax before bed to ensure you get a restful night’s slumber, so you’re firing on all cylinders the next day

Day of Interview

Be on time. Arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes early.

Day of Interview

Bring the supplies you prepared the night before your interview

Day of Interview

Avoid any scents or jewelry that may be distracting to the employer

Day of Interview

Do not smoke right before your interview

Arrival at the Interview

When you enter the interview building, greet reception staff in a friendly, professional manner

Arrival at the Interview

Introduce yourself and explain that you’re there for an interview and provide the name of the interviewer/s

Arrival at the Interview

Adopt a professional approach when you’re sat waiting for the interview, using positive, confident body language

Arrival at the Interview

If there are any corporate brochures to hand, flick through these while you wait

Arrival at the Interview

It’s a fact that first impressions count, so as soon as the interviewer approaches you, ensure you come across as personable, professional and courteous

Arrival at the Interview

Stand up straight, smile, make eye contact and extend your hand. Say hello and introduce yourself, stating that it’s a pleasure to meet them, and thank them for taking the time to see you today.

Arrival at the Interview

Be considerate and polite to all staff members. You never know who will provide input for a hiring decision.

Arrival at the Interview

Discard any chewing gum or breath mints before your interview

Arrival at the Interview

Carry a tissue or handkerchief in your pocket to dry your hands in case you are nervous before you go in