When it comes to securing your next job opportunity, there are many different aspects you need to focus on. From researching the companies you are applying to, to crafting an effective application, to following up with a crisp and to the point follow-up email – the list goes on.
But perhaps the most important thing you need to do is prepare for your job interview. After all, you can never be sure what questions the hiring manager will throw at you, and you don’t want to trip up at the most crucial moment. Luckily for you, we’ve put together a list of the best job interview prompts that’ll get your mind racing and get you prepared for the next step of your job search. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to storm the interview!
Personal History
One of the first things that’ll likely come up during your job interview is your personal history. After all, the hiring manager wants to know more about you as a person and what you’ll bring to the table. This is a golden opportunity to show your versatility, thoughtfulness, and determination. Be sure to prepare something simple but effective that fits within a short amount of time.
If you happen to be in school, you may want to elaborate a bit more. The hiring manager might ask you about your grades or describe some of your classwork. You could also bring a piece of writing or a project you’ve been working on that relates to the position. For instance, if you’re applying for an administrative job, you might want to bring your resume or a detailed list of your accomplishments in school. Alternatively, if you are applying for a sales-related position, you could bring samples of your work or a list of the people you’ve consulted on
Skills
Another important aspect of your job search is to prepare for the skills required for the position. Obviously, you wouldn’t choose a job if you’re not capable of doing it. However, many people apply for jobs that they’re not qualified for. This can put you at a disadvantage, as the hiring manager may not see your application as thoroughly as they would if you were qualified for the job. So, by preparing for the skills necessary for the position, you greatly increase your chances of being considered for the role.
You might also want to prepare some specific questions about the skills required for the job. For instance, if you’re applying for an administrative job and they describe that you’ll need to be able to multitask and handle tight deadlines – you may want to ask them about the specific responsibilities of the job.
The Company You’re Applying To
It’s important to choose a company that you feel confident will give you a fair shot at securing the job. Naturally, you don’t want to apply to a company that isn’t going to consider you for the position. So, do your research and find out what sort of reputation the company has. If you do some quick online searching, you’ll likely be able to find plenty of good reviews about the company. This will give you a good indication of what to expect.
Additionally, make sure you read reviews about the company that are written by employees. This can give you an idea of what it’s like to work there and how you’ll fit into the corporate culture. Ultimately, you want to find a job that fits your skills and has a great corporate culture – so make sure you’re considering all the important factors.
Desired Job Location
Where you want to work is a personal decision. Some people prefer to work in a city, while others prefer living in the country. If you’re looking for a change and aren’t sure where you want to settle, consider all the major cities in California. Not only is the cost of living relatively low, but there’s also plenty to do – including museums, galleries, and outdoor activities. Additionally, many of the places in California are beautiful and have a relaxing atmosphere. So, if you’re looking for a new place to live, consider California. Then, of course, there’s also the opportunity to visit many of the world’s most well-known attractions.
Education
It’s important to have a college degree, but it’s even more important to have a degree from a reputable university. When it comes to higher education, you want to make sure that you’re getting an education from an accredited institution. This way, you can rest assured that you’re getting an education that will equip you for your job search and for the job you’re applying for. Additionally, many bachelor’s degrees are fairly easy to attain, and many employers will be looking for candidates who have graduated within the last five years. This is because most companies don’t have too many employees who’ve completed a four-year degree.
Dress Code
Your dress code at work is entirely up to you. Some people prefer to wear casual clothing every day, while others prefer to stick with a more formal attire.
Casual attire is generally acceptable in the work place. You’ll want to make sure, though, that your clothes aren’t distracting. If you’re applying for a job in a formal office environment, you may want to consider wearing something more fitting – such as a suit or skirt. Additionally, make sure your shoes aren’t distracting. If you’re applying for a position in a retail store or café, you may want to opt for flats rather than heels. They’re much safer for walking around and don’t attract as much attention as high heels do.
Keywords
This is a simple yet very effective method of finding jobs – enter a couple of keywords in the web search bar and you’ll be presented with a list of results. Simply click on the first result to find your next job.
The list of keywords you enter will greatly determine what jobs you see in return. If you’re searching for administrative jobs, enter administrative as a keyword and you’ll likely see a list of jobs related to that field. Alternatively, if you enter retail as a keyword, you’ll likely see a list of retail jobs – including sales jobs. When applying for jobs online, don’t just enter your resume – enter a couple of keywords and see what comes up. This makes the process much easier – and it saves you the time it would take to sift through hundreds of resumes had you not used keywords.
Specialties
This is a great opportunity to show off what you know. Think of something that you’ve learned on your own or from a specialized course/certificate program and tie it to a job you’re applying for. For example, you might learn how to paint a specific genre of artwork and decide that you want to apply this knowledge to your job search. Or, you might get a specialized certificate in event planning and decide that you want to use this to your advantage in your job search. The options are endless.
There are many different ways you can show off your talents. Be sure to look for jobs that aren’t already filled by someone with your qualifications. However, keep in mind that what you’re doing is only a form of cheating – you’re not going to get far if you’re not actually qualified for the job. So, make sure you’re doing your research and find out what is required for the position before you start your job search. Otherwise, you may land yourself in a job you’re not suited for – or worse yet, you may not even be able to perform the duties required of the position.
Summary
As we mentioned at the beginning, securing your next job opportunity is a pretty monumental task. To that end, make sure you’ve prepared for it appropriately by following the above guidelines. Doing so will help you land the job you want without having to worry about being qualified for it or how to perform the duties – because you’ll be well-equipped for the role thanks to your preparations.