Interview Preparation Checklist: Land Your Dream Job

According to a recent study done by StandOut CV, more than half of interviewed candidates get rejected during the first stage of recruitment.

There are several reasons why a candidate will be rejected. The most common is that they lack an understanding of the role, and the second reason is that they lack enthusiasm for the job. In this guide, we have created an interview preparation checklist to help potential employees increase their chances of being hired.

Interview Preparation Checklist

An interview preparation checklist is a list of tasks that need to be done to increase your chances of employment. These are things that most people ignore, costing them their dream job. The first interview preparation checklist that we will discuss is researching the company.

1. Research the Company

Before attending an interview, the candidate must research the company to demonstrate their interest in working for the organization. Things such as the vision and mission statement of the company can easily be found via a Google search.

Researching the organization is also crucial because it helps the candidate better prepare for questions the recruiter might ask. In addition, the research will help you tailor your responses based on the company's culture.

2. Practice with Mock Interviews

The best way to do this is to practice with other professionals worldwide. Doing this with your family and friends may not build the confidence to pass the interview. Therefore, it is best to have mock interviews with people you do not know.

One platform that can be used to practice mock interviews is Pramp. Pramp is a free peer-to-peer platform for practising mock interviews. It can facilitate different types of interviews such as technical interviews {For software developers} and soft skills.

3. Carry a Portfolio of Your Work

Candidates should carry a portfolio of their work to showcase their skills and experience better. In addition, the portfolio might convince the recruiter to give you the job.

If you are still deciding whether to take a portfolio of your work to the interview, ask the interviewer beforehand. Besides carrying your portfolio, printing a hard copy of your resume and cover letter is also vital, especially when technology fails.

4. Identify and Answer Interview Questions

Though it is difficult to know which interview questions will be asked, it is advisable to research on the Internet. Start your research by investigating the company to understand what they sell.

In addition, identify the company's key milestones, as this can also be asked.
Once you have identified likely interview questions, answer them until you master how to do it confidently. If it is a technical question like answering programming challenges, perfect it.

5. Dress Professionally

Lastly, when attending an interview, dress professionally. Research the company's dress code so that you do not overdo it. If you are unsure what to wear, wear a suit if you are a man and a formal dress if you are a lady.

In conclusion, though alot of things can be included in an interview checklist, focus on mainly the big five. Research the company to ensure you understand its culture, practice mock interviews, and dress professionally. Most important, believe in yourself, and the job will be yours!

	Job Interview Tips What to expect and how best to present yourself in a job interview.
	How to Dress for a Job Interview Practical advice on how to create the right impression at your job interview.
	How to Handle Tricky Interview Questions How to respond when an interviewer asks you a tricky interview question.
	Negotiating Your Salary How to handle the important question of salary in an interview situation.
	How to Prepare for a Zoom Interview If you are looking for a job, you must familiarise yourself with zoom interviews. According to Indeed, use virtual interviews to recruit qualified candidates. This figure is expected to increase, with more than 93% of interviewed employers sayin...
	How to Prepare for a Job Interview Did you know that only who apply for a job are called in for an interview? Yes, when you get that call, be happy because you have passed the first stage of recruitment. The second stage is to attend the interview and make a good impression so th...
	The Importance of Professional References in Job Search: Making an Impact When it comes to securing a job offer, professional references play a vital role in validating your qualifications and abilities. While personal references may have their place in certain situations, it's crucial for job seekers with a professio...
	Interview Tips for Career Switchers Changing careers is a bold step that often leads to interviews in unfamiliar industries or roles. These interviews can be daunting, as they not only assess your skills and experience but also your reasons for the career switch. This article offe...