A job interview can change the course of your career, so going the extra mile to prepare is always a great idea. Understandably so, these meetings can rattle the nerves of even the calmest professionals, because they hold a tremendous amount of weight.

Knowing you’re prepared for any curveball thrown your way will help you relax and show the interviewer the real you. This will allow you to make a great impression, increasing your chances of getting the job.

5 Tips to Fully Prepare for a Job Interview

Choose Your Outfit in Advance

The manner in which you present yourself speaks volumes. Put forth a polished appearance by deciding what you’ll wear several days before the interview. This gives you plenty of time to iron your clothes — or get your suit dry cleaned — and if you find your planned attire doesn’t fit right, you’ll still be able to make a quick trip to the mall.

Test Drive Your Route

Even computers make mistakes, so don’t rely on GPS to accurately lead the way to your job interview. Before the big day, test drive the route you’ll take to familiarize yourself with it. When you get there, figure out where you’ll park for the interview, so you won’t have to worry about it at the last minute.

Allow Plenty of Extra Time

Being late to an interview can ruin your chances of getting the job before you even meet the hiring manager. Play it safe by leaving with plenty of time to spare, just in case you have car trouble or get stuck in unanticipated traffic. It you arrive early, find a coffee shop and use the time to give the company website and social media pages another review.

Practice Responses to Common Interview Questions

There’s no way to anticipate all the questions you’ll be asked during the interview, but most likely, the bulk will be pretty standard. A quick internet search will present you with a list of common interview questions, so craft your responses in advance. There’s no need to memorize your answers word for word, but this will give you a solid starting point.

Create Your Questions in Advance

At the end of the meeting, the interviewer will turn the tables and open the floor for questions. If you don’t have anything of substance to ask, they’ll assume you’re not that interested in the position. It can be hard to think when you’re on the spot, so come up with a few questions in advance that you can fall back on if you don’t come up with anything during the interview.

If you’re in the market for a new job in Los Angeles or Ventura County, join forces with Barrington Staffing. We have a career opportunity for you, whether you’re searching for a temporary, temporary-to-staff or direct hire role. Contact us today to make a plan!