How to prepare for job interviews

As an adult, a job interview is one of the scariest things you'll ever have to face. Do you agree? Applying for a job is simple and it gets you excited. But once you've scheduled that interview, that's when it gets scary. Sometimes, you'll even want to turn around and just say "Nope! Forget it. I can't do this." 

Receiving the schedule for the interview already gets you nervous. But there's one thing that can help take away the stress -- preparing for the job interview! Check out these tips that can help you ace that interview.

Going to a job interview clueless about the company and the position is like going to war empty-handed -- you're setting yourself up for failure! The first thing you need to do is to learn as much as you can about the position. Even if it's something you've studied in college doesn't mean you'll be all chill while acting like you already know everything there is to know about it. 

A simple Google search also won't cut it. Dig deep and look for what the role entails so you'll also know what to expect in the interview. There might be an exam as well so being ready can be of great help!

When you've already gotten info about the position, it's time to check the background of the company and their industry. These two go hand in hand. You can learn about these by looking up the company's website and googling news pieces about them. Chances are, the interviewer will ask what you know about the company or what you are expecting to get out of the job and the only way you can answer this confidently is by knowing what you're signing up for!

Do this beforehand! Don't ever wait till the last moment to do this. If you prepare at the day of the interview before you leave for the office, you'll end up forgetting something. It's better to get ready before the day of the interview. You can also prepare a checklist for the things you'll need!

The things you might need are the following:

• Your updated resume. Make sure to bring at least two printed copies and have it ready in your flash drive or email.
• A pen, so you won't have to ask for one at the office in case they don't provide you with one. 
• A valid ID. They will most likely ask you to leave this at the office lobby when you check in.
• A soft copy or hard copy of the company address. Not knowing where to go and being lost is another worst scenario aside from being late and tummy ache! 
• Your mobile phone + cellular data! Not because you'll need this during the interview or exam, but just to be sure.
• Your confidence and humility! Relax. But don't be overconfident. One thing we try to remember at all times - hope for the best, but expect the worst. 

When your stuff is ready before you go to bed, you'll really feel that you're ready for the big day!

Oversleeping is one of the worst things that could happen on the day of the interview, especially if you're scheduled for an early one! You don't want to be late for the interview because that can give the interviewer the impression that you're taking the appointment for granted. One way you can avoid this is by setting alarms so you can wake up early and make required last minute preparations for the day ahead. 

You can make alarms for when it's time to wake up and when it's time to leave so you can be ready. When worse comes to worst and you would be late, make sure to inform the interviewer as soon as you can. Tell them you might be coming in a little later than expected and don't forget to apologize! 

Wearing jeans and casual clothes to an interview is a big no no! Make sure you're wearing something presentable and something that screams "I am a serious and ethical worker and I am the good employee you're looking for!" 

Your job interview is one of the times when you really have to try your bestest to impress the interviewer. This is the time when you have to convince them that you're the perfect person for the job, and it follows the you dress accordingly as well. 

Sure, you may not be signing up as a Zumba instructor, but getting ready for the big day means you're well-rested and that you've eaten enough. You wouldn't want to pass out in the middle of your job interview because you didn't eat, right? One way you can be really ready is by eating and resting enough!

When they're too nervous and tense, some people don't like to eat because it makes them feel worse or they just don't have the right appetite. If this is your personal case, we suggest just eating a bit or drinking water before you head to the interview. In this way, you won't feel a sudden bout of hunger when you're in your interview.

The same thing is true with sleep. You need a good amount of rest and sleep before the interview. You can't head over to the office and expect to be super ready if you stayed up all night watching TV shows and cramming for your interview. You can watch and stay up all you want after your interview!

You need the right amount of energy to be able to answer their questions properly and you can only do this if you have the right amount of nutrients in your body!

This is similar to item number 3, and just as important! It's better to be at the office early rather than having the interviewer wait for you. As mentioned, if you'll be arriving at the office late, inform them as soon as you can. 

If you're at the office early, this can give the interviewer the impression that you really want the job. They will see how eager you are for the job and this adds points to your likability! 

Let's reword - be polite to everyone you meet! But this is especially important because you'll meet people who are likely to be your workmates. When you arrive at the building, you can start by thanking the people at the lobby who will help you get checked in. Sure, you don't know them, but what if you gave someone the stink eye at the elevator and it turns out they're the interviewer? Or they're the manager of the team you're trying to get in to? 

Being nice to everyone you meet can give you the plus points you need, and you'll already know familiar faces if you were to get accepted into the company! Smile at the people you see, greet them if necessary, but don't be creepy!

It's easy to give in to nervousness and shiver in fear when you're at the interview. But that won't help you at all!

Pray and keep focused on the person you're talking to. Look them in the eyes and think of them as just some potential coworker. Take deep breaths and remind yourself that no matter what happens, it'll be okay. Whatever happens is for the best. Just be natural and be your best self - remember that everything will fall into place!

These aren't guarantees that you'll get the job. That's still up to the interviewer and the HR. However, if you take note of the things we've indicated above, we assure you that you'll go into the office feeling your best self and who knows -- they might like you enough to hire you!

Do you have friends who'll be undergoing job interviews anytime soon? Share this with them! Got any more tips and suggestions? Let us know in the comments below!