How to get ready for your interview

You've been noticed, and there's an interview to face. But it's pretty stressful because the job sounds perfect for you, or maybe you have had difficulties getting a job. Going in to face possible rejection can also be tough, but don't forget that if you don't try, you won't get anything, but if you do, there's good reason to hope for the best. Take time beforehand to be prepared for your interview, so that even if you don't get the job, you still have the satisfaction of knowing you did your best. And see it as good practice and a learning experience.

Ace your interview by being prepared. Make a to-do list, and give some thought to this:

1. Keep in mind

• First impressions count. Within the first five minutes, the interviewer may have summed you up and spent the rest of the interview testing if her first impression was right.
• Think about bad interviews that you have had before and try to understand what went wrong so you don’t make the same mistake again.
  
• Be positive, but don’t get overconfident. Interviewers are looking for someone who can do the job, not someone who wants to tell them how to do theirs.
  
•  “Um”, “er”, and “ah” are not good answers, but if you have thought out possible questions beforehand, they will be easier to answer.
  
• Plan to arrive on time, but arriving 10 minutes early is even better.
  

2. Research the company where you are being interviewed to see if you will be a good fit and if there are specific questions you may need to ask.

3. Think about things that will come up and write down your answers

• What questions may come up? Difficult ones are “tell me about yourself?” Or "what went wrong at your previous job?" Prepare short and honest responses to questions you may face.
• References may need clarity and make sure that they are contactable and willing to answer the interviewer’s questions.
  

4. Print documents that will be needed by the employer

• If you have a CV, print it, or at least have a work history and make sure your name and contact details are at the top of the page
• Work permit
  
• Driver’s license
  
• Identification such as a passport
  
• References
  

5. Get the little things ready the day before

• Figure out where you're going- and how you're going to get there. Make sure the transport is reliable and confirm it.
• Decide what to wear and make sure it’s clean and neat. Even if you are in your uniform, see that it’s clean and looks recently ironed. Shoes must be clean and not scuffed, as they are often the first thing interviewers see.
  
• Pack your bag with everything you will need, including paper and pen (if you want to write something down), printed documents, and personal items such as tissues or a bottle of water.
  

6. Body language is important, and there’s a lot of advice online. Some things to watch out for:

• Eye contact is important, but don’t try to stare the interviewer down
• People can see fidgeting as a sign of an anxious person. Try to keep your hands still as far as possible.
  

7. What are the best things you can offer to the job? Know what they are and be sure to mention them in the interview to show that you are a good candidate for the job. These can include personal qualities like loyalty and being hard-working. But be honest, or you may be back looking for a job within the first month or two if you get the job on false promises.

8. Practice, then practice some more. Family and trusted friends can pretend to be the interviewer and may even give you some good tips.

9. Plan how to end on a good note. Thank the interviewer for their time, and at all times, stay polite.

An interview means one human connecting with another, to find a solution for their different problems. The interviewer is looking for someone to fit the job specs and fit in, cleaners need a job. Being ready makes it much easier to connect so that both can get what they want, or at least find a compromise that works.