Here are the top ten job interview practice tips for job seekers.
When you are out of a job or unhappy with the current career, it will seem like nothing is easy. So, preparing for job interviews is crucial and can be the difference between unemployment and a dream career.
Interview skills don’t happen just like that, and hence working on learning those skills is a foundational step in job search efforts.
Top Ten Job Interview Practice Tips:
Tell a compelling story.
One of the first interview questions you’re guaranteed to face is something along the lines of, “Tell me a little about yourself.” They want to know your basic story. There’s no excuse not to be prepared for this question. Think of a way to present yourself in a positive light.
Learn the format of your interview.
There are a variety of interview formats. You might face one on one questioning from your prospective boss, or you might have three separate conversations with your boss, his boss, and someone from human resources. Some interviews take place in front of 10 or more people.
Be Attentive and Enthusiastic.
The way you sit and move counts for a lot in a job interview. There are plenty of free resources available online. Spend some time on this crucial skill.
Practice Common Interview Questions.
Consider the position you’re interviewing for and consider the questions you’re likely to be asked. Most items are standard garden variety but expect a curveball or two, and you may also encounter some silly interview questions.
Repetition is the key.
Go through the list and imagine how you would answer each one. Anticipate logical follow-up questions and have suitable answers prepared for them.
Seek help from a friend or trusted colleague.
Get a friend to help you by giving you a practice interview. If you dig enough, you’re likely to find that you have a friend, or friend of a friend, with experience conducting job interviews. Use several mock interviewers and get as much experience as possible.
Simulate realistic conditions.
Avoid just sitting on the couch in a t-shirt during these mock interviews. Wear the clothes you would actually wear. Attempt to recreate a similar environment and mood. Make the experience as realistic as possible.
Consider a video recording of the practice interview.
Watch your performance. Watch once with the sound off. How do you look? How is your body language? What message are you sending? Now, just stick back and listen. Close your eyes and avoid watching. How do you sound? Finally, watch and listen simultaneously. What do you need to work on? What did you do well? Figure out what improvements you’d like to make and go through the mock interview process again.
Visualize success.
Imagine yourself in the interview, presenting yourself well. See yourself answering the questions calmly and charismatically. It’s challenging to be successful if you can’t see it in your mind first.
After each Interview, evaluate dispassionately.
After attending each interview, try to reflect on what went right and wrong. Address and resolve each item constructively.