Being invited to attend an interview is a good indication that your resume is effective. Having made it to the interview stage of the selection process you are doing very well however there are still some preparations you need to make.

The first and most important thing is to know where and when your interview will take place and whom you will be seeing. When you receive a phone call to attend an interview take down all the relevant details and keep them in a safe place. Ensure you know how to get to the interview location, visit beforehand if necessary. Plan your travel if you will be going by public transport do you know which bus or train to catch? If you are intending to drive to the interview, have you considered what the traffic will be like and where you will park your car? You will also need to know how long the journey will take.

Then you need to do your research. It is important to know the background of the company or organisation you are seeking to work with. The internet is a good source of information or you may simply call the organisation and ask for an annual report and any other information they may have available on their products and services. If you know anyone who works in the company or the industry speak to them to find out some background. The more you know about the organisation the easier it will be to explain how your skills, qualifications and experience align with their requirements. Consider the reasons why you would like to work for this particular organisation it is a question that you are likely to be asked.

Next you need to consider the wider questions you may be asked at interview. Examine the job advertisement, selection criteria if available and any information you can collect on the specific company and industry. Go though your resume and prepare answers for likely questions according to the information you have collected. If possible, practice questions and answers with a friend or family member so you can respond quickly and concisely at interview and showcase your skills and abilities. You also need to consider what questions you would like to ask the interviewer.

In preparing your clothes for interview, make sure they are clean, pressed and conservative. Your shoes should be in good condition. Personally your hair and nails should be clean and neat. If you are in doubt about what to wear it is a good idea to err on the side of conservatism rather than to look too casual.

Prepare any necessary papers to take with you including extra copies of your resume, qualifications, references, the job ad and any other information you may wish to have with you including the location of the interview and the contact details for the interviewer.

While a pending interview can cause some stress it is important to do everything you can to sleep well the night before. If you have made all possible preparations this should help you to relax.

Having taken care of all of the above, you should be well on your way to your next great job.

Learn more about this author, Janice Heath.
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