Before you walk into an interview it is imperative that you ask yourself this question, "Why are you a candidate of choice?" Why are you the person for this job above all others? Most people have a problem answering a question worded in such a way because many believe it is arrogant and conceited to think in such terms. However, if you do not have the confidence in yourself, you can not expect your would-be employers to believe in you either. You have to walk in knowing you are the person for the position and be able to explain why that is the case to your interviewer. Of course, this will require a little work on your part beforehand.
While you should have an impressive resume prepared at all times, you should customize your cover letter for the position you are applying for. Read through the specifications of the job and alter your cover letter accordingly. Once you submit your resume and cover letter and are called back for an interview, then the real preparation begins.
A day or two before your interview, you should sit down and review the qualifications for the position in correlation with your resume. Specifically, what is it they are looking for? How do you meet this need? It is important to not only think this through, but write it down. You must have a clear picture in your mind how you will be successful in this position. You should gather all of your supporting documentation, such as diplomas, certificates, and referral information, make copies, and have it organized in a neat presentation folder. Now that you have a clear idea why you are a perfect candidate, verbalize it. Actually practice speaking out loud what qualifications they need and how you satisfy their criteria. You have to say the words to ingrain them in your mind so you do not freeze up when they come up in the interview. Take detailed notes of your thoughts and the words you choose; however, do not use this as a script. Do not memorize an answer; simply practice answering the question aloud in various ways.
The morning of the interview, you should review your notes and go back over what you will say. It is a good idea to think through many potential questions and what your answers may be. This way, when they ask you a question, you do not stumble or stutter; you speak with ease. Once you read through your notes once or twice, put them away; you want to speak naturally and not mechanically or from a script. The more you go over these answers in your mind, the more you will convince yourself of their reality. When you walk into your interview, you will be prepared to tell them exactly why they should hire you.
While you should have an impressive resume prepared at all times, you should customize your cover letter for the position you are applying for. Read through the specifications of the job and alter your cover letter accordingly. Once you submit your resume and cover letter and are called back for an interview, then the real preparation begins.
A day or two before your interview, you should sit down and review the qualifications for the position in correlation with your resume. Specifically, what is it they are looking for? How do you meet this need? It is important to not only think this through, but write it down. You must have a clear picture in your mind how you will be successful in this position. You should gather all of your supporting documentation, such as diplomas, certificates, and referral information, make copies, and have it organized in a neat presentation folder. Now that you have a clear idea why you are a perfect candidate, verbalize it. Actually practice speaking out loud what qualifications they need and how you satisfy their criteria. You have to say the words to ingrain them in your mind so you do not freeze up when they come up in the interview. Take detailed notes of your thoughts and the words you choose; however, do not use this as a script. Do not memorize an answer; simply practice answering the question aloud in various ways.
The morning of the interview, you should review your notes and go back over what you will say. It is a good idea to think through many potential questions and what your answers may be. This way, when they ask you a question, you do not stumble or stutter; you speak with ease. Once you read through your notes once or twice, put them away; you want to speak naturally and not mechanically or from a script. The more you go over these answers in your mind, the more you will convince yourself of their reality. When you walk into your interview, you will be prepared to tell them exactly why they should hire you.
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