Nine quick tips to prepare for a successful job interview

If you want to make the best impression on a potential employer in a job interview, you need to start preparing a few days in advance – and here’s how to do it.

Just turning up at a job interview and ‘winging it’ may work on rare occasions. But if you really want to secure a brilliant flexible work opportunity you’ll need to put a little work in before the big day to ensure that you demonstrate genuine interest in the company and position, and the experience and skills to excel in the job.

Here are nine quick tips to help you prepare for a successful job interview.

Nine tips to prepare for a successful job interview

  1. Research the company – look at their website or get hold of some of their marketing materials, and try to work some of this information into your answers or your questions during the interview.
  2. Be current – read up on any current issues that may be relevant. For example, if you’re applying for a marketing position, look at marketing magazines and news websites for any big stories the week leading up to your interview.
  3. Practise your interview technique – ask a friend or your partner to role-play an interview situation with you using some prepared questions and a few surprise ones, and ask them if there are any areas they think you need to work on.
  4. Re-read the job description – examine the job description and try to think about what questions an employer might ask about the skills and experience needed. Make a note of anything from your background that may be useful.
  5. List your strengths and weaknesses – most interviewers will ask you about your strengths and weaknesses, so prepare a list, with an example illustrating each one taken from your previous jobs. Think about what benefits or experience you may bring to the position as a working mum.
  6. List why you’re perfect for the job – write a list of five reasons why you think you’re right for this job and would excel in it, and five reasons why the company would benefit from employing you.
  7. Prepare your outfit – decide a couple of days in advance what you want to wear, giving you plenty of time to dry clean, wash and iron anything that needs it, and clean your shoes the day before.
  8. Rehearse the route – don’t risk getting lost and turning up to your interview late or flustered. Make sure you know exactly where the interview all take place, how you’ll get there and how long it will take. Plan transport, route and parking and factor in time for any delays on the day.
  9. Bring something to distract you – if you’re feeling nervous, take a book or magazine to read while you’re waiting. Distracting yourself with something easy to read can take your mind off your interview and help calm your nerves.