The job interview is one of the most important stages of your job search journey. It is here that you get the opportunity to get yourself and your skills and experience in front of the company you wish to work for and a hiring manager.
You need to showcase yourself in the best possible way to land your dream role. Explore the advice below from one of Japan's premier recruitment agencies.
How to prepare for a job interview
Making a great first impression during your job interview in so important, and you never get a second chance at it. In order to achieve this and increase your likelihood of success, preparing for a job interview and having a well-prepared plan is vitally important. Interview preparation is the key to success and a well-polished presentation can give you an edge over others, even if their skills and experience are better than yours.
Read and review the job description
Congratulations! You’ve received a call or email response offering you a job interview! How do you prepare? First, go back and review the job description you applied for. Important points to note will be:
- Job title/department you will be joining
- Tasks and responsibilities
- Skills and experience required
- The hiring manager’s name
That way, you can work to align your resume and competencies to those required by the company.
Research the company
Showing your knowledge of the company, it’s goals, values, media coverage, and brand will be an asset in your job interview. Not only does it show commitment and interest in the company, it will allow you to have a deeper understanding of the role and you can better prepare your answers. Areas you could research include:
- Online news
- Press releases
- Executive team
- Social media
- Website branding
- Financial documents
- Competitors
Let us help you find the right job
What to wear to a job interview
It is important to consider your appearance in order to create a good first impression. It will go a long way to help you to secure your dream job or next big role. The goal is to have the hiring manager picture you in the role and visualize you in their team, and it is always better to be more formal than not formal enough.
How to prepare for a phone interview
It is increasingly common for hiring managers to conduct a phone interview as part of the modern hiring process. This process assists in narrowing down their choice of candidates and deciding who they would like to conduct face-to-face interviews with. It can be harder than you think, and they are still a serious part of the job interview process, so take it as seriously as you would an in-person interview.
Common interview questions
You can never be too prepared for a job interview. Practicing interview questions will help you feel confident, which means that you are more likely to do a better job in your interview and demonstrate you are the most suitable candidate for the role. Knowing the most common types of job interview questions is an advantage, so read our common interview questions guide will help you prepare for your next job interview.
Questions to ask in an interview
By asking the interviewer questions, it will demonstrate your interest in the position and show the hiring manager that you that you have carefully thought about this opportunity and company. It will also give you the opportunity to see if this role is the right one for you. Read our guide on the best questions to ask during an interview to ensure the job is the right fit for you too.
Positive signs to look for during a job interview
You may have experienced a poor interviewer or a bad interview experience, or just been feeling like something wasn’t right or that there is no way that you will get the job. Learn the signs to look out for.
How to write a thank you letter after a job interview
The interview process isn’t over when you walk out of the meeting. Showing respect for the hiring manager’s time and effort is courteous, and sending a thank you letter after a job interview can have a lasting impact and may be the difference between getting an invitation for the next round of interviews, or even a job offer itself. It is polite, which showcases your professionalism and understanding of good business etiquette. It also ensures you stay relevant and top-of-mind in the interview process and when the hiring managers are comparing candidates.
The stages of a job interview
By understanding the stages of a job interview you will be better-equipped to manage your own expectations, along with preparing yourself for what each stage may require.
Looking for a new opportunity?
Common mistakes during a job interview
No matter how prepared you may be, there are a number of mistakes that can happen during a job interview which may jeopardize your chances of a second interview or formal offer.
Benefits of not being late to your job interview
If you are late to a job interview or show a lack of preparedness or lack of consideration for others, it can be the difference between receiving a job offer or having your application rejected.
Reasons why you should not lie during a job interview
Some candidates might feel the pressure to bend the truth of their work experience or skills during a job interview to secure a job offer. However, lying during your job interview can have serious consequences.
What to do if you haven't heard back from the interviewer
It can be discouraging when you feel like you had a great interview but haven’t heard back from the hiring company right away. During this process, you need to remain professional, even if a follow-up is required.
How to build your confidence before a job interview
Confidence will help get you hired though, because it helps to create a good first impression and showcases your strength and work capabilities, so it is an important trait to master.
What to bring to a job interview
For any job interview you want to look professional, organised, and well-prepared, yet don’t want to carry too many things with you or have a cluttered bag that requires you to rummage in it to find the items you need.
How to introduce yourself at a job interview
You should always be polite and considerate of the hiring manager’s time and space, so how you introduce yourself will have a big impact on the first impression you give to them and their company, which ultimately will help you reach your goal of being offered a job.
Important interview etiquette tips
Following the proper interview etiquette requirements can ensure you make a positive impression with a potential employer. It’s important during this stage to demonstrate you are reliable and professional, along with dedicated to becoming a new member of the company you are applying for.
How to decline an interview offer
Declining an interview offer isn’t easy, but if you do it the right way you can ensure your integrity and career remain intact.
How to prepare for an English job interview
Job interviews can be stressful at the best of times, but conducting an interview in a language that isn’t your first, can be intimidating and overwhelming.
