Military Employment Guide: Interview Preparation

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interview preparation

Step-by-Step Employment Guide for Military:  Preparing for Interviews

Job interviews are naturally a key part of the your transition process from military to civilian life. The interview is where your potential employer will first meet you and learn what you could possibly bring to the table. You have to make a good first impression, and you will be judged on how you present yourself. You can do things to prepare that can help you feel more confident walking into the interview. Practicing for your upcoming interview is a must.

Why should you practice your interview?

Since interviews can be intimidating, and you will probably be a bit nervous, practicing the interview can help calm you. Doing so will help you figure out what you need to be prepared to say, and help you feel more confident when the time comes.

Practicing can also reduce your stress level and anxiety over the interview. The better prepared you are, the easier the interview will go. And those that are interviewing can tell if you are not prepared. You don’t want to show up just to wing the interview.

What should you think about when it comes to practicing for the interview?

Figure out what trips you up the most. What are you most nervous about? What have you struggled with when it comes to job interviews in the past? Make a list of what you need to work on and practice. This will help you get focused on the interview and practice the parts that you need to work on to be fully prepared.

Make a list of the most common interview questions:

  • Tell me about yourself.
  • How did you hear about the position?
  • Why do you want this job?
  • What can you bring to the company?
  • What are your greatest strengths?
  • What are you looking for in a new position?
  • What are you passionate about?
  • Tell me about a time you had to solve a difficult problem.

Go over the questions and answer them out loud. Know the answers enough to be fully prepared with a good answer when asked. Analyze the job and the position. Know exactly what job you are going for. You don’t want to appear like you are uninterested or not prepared for the job. You want to be able to talk about the job with confidence and explain precisely why you want this position.

Review the job duties and compare them to your job history. This will help you see how and why you are qualified for this position. Having that confidence will help you in the interview.

Think about the questions you will ask at the interview. Go over these and how you will phrase them. This will make you appear confident and that you are interested in the company as well as the job.

What is the best way to practice for an interview?

  • Give yourself plenty of time to practice. Don’t start the day before. You will want to go over the interview many times.
  • Record yourself practicing the interview. Then, you can play it back and review what you did right and what you might need to work on.
  • Ask a friend or family member to help. They can play the part of the interviewer and offer their perspective.
  • Practice the interview in front of a mirror. This will also give you a good perspective on your interview skills.

While you might not know exactly how an interview will go, you can prepare. Use these tips to prepare for the interview and plan to walk into it with confidence and the ability to make a good first impression.

 

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