The art of preparation

I’m sure you are familiar with the well-known phrase ‘fail to prepare, prepare to fail’, a phrase appropriate from as early on as childhood, being told to pack your school bag the night before so that you didn't  forget your reading book.  Well this phrase still remains relevant even up until now, be it preparing for meetings, work appraisals, not to mention the preparation that stands in between you and your dream job.

Preparation before a job interview should entail background research into the company because it gives the impression that your decision to apply for a role at their company was a well thought through decision. It also shows the interviewer that you believe that your qualities and previous experience would complement the company, rather than just mass producing your CV and covering letter and sending them out to a number of different for pot luck.  Find out how long the company has been established for, what their mission statement is, and so forth. Most of this information should be located on the company’s website, have a look!  It may also be worth conducting research around the job profile you are applying for, as well as finding out about current trends and recent news within the job sector.

Prep should also involve you staging mock interviews.  This is where you pre-formulate questions that you anticipate will be asked.  The majority of interviews usually involve you having to discuss your strengths and weaknesses, so be sure to have some examples at the ready.  At the end of the interview, employers tend to give you the chance to ask any questions at, so prepare a response that is related to the job or to the company. 

An interview isn't just about what comes out of your mouth; an employer wants to see that you are a well presented candidate. So give those shoes a good polish, and have your outfit ready the night before. The dress code for an interview is usually dependent on the work environment, but in most cases, formal attire is the preference.  

On the day of the interview, be sure to leave plenty of time for your journey.  You should aim to be at the interview 15 minutes before you’re scheduled time. And make sure all your electronic devices are switched off!

Best of luck!