Job Interview Preparation — Applying and Interviewing
First Step — Self-Assessment
Self-Assessment First
Before committing yourself to the effort required of applying and interviewing for a job, you need to understand the experience or skills required for the job and whether or not you possess those experiences or skills.
Study the Position Description
Position Description Study
One of the first steps in preparing for a job interview is carefully studying the job advertisement or position description so you understand the particular:
- Knowledge
- Skills
- Abilities
…required.
Gather Documentation
Gather Documentation
Once you have successfully aligned your knowledge, skills, and abilities to the job, then gather all required information and documentation for the application process.
Applying for the Job
Common Application Documents
Common Application Items
In many cases, you may need to submit an application package with various documents, such as:
- Recent performance reports
- Personnel documents
- A resume
- A job application
- A curriculum vitae
- A biography
- Letters of recommendation
- A cover letter
- College transcripts (in some cases)
Tailor Documents
Tailor to Position
Any of these documents submitted for a job application should be tailored to highlight your particular knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the position for which you are applying.
Interviewing for the Job
Pre-Interview Mindset
Pre-Interview Mindset
Prior to the interview, put yourself in the mindset that everything the interviewer sees or hears from you is part of the interview.
Interview Begins Immediately
Interview Begins Immediately
The interview begins the moment you pick up the phone or enter the property of the organization.
Things to Plan
Things to Plan
Think about:
- How you will be perceived
- How you will enter the conversation
- How you will ask and answer questions
- Anything else you think will occur before, during, or after the interview
Phone Interview Preparation
Phone Interview Environment
If you are having a phone interview, ensure you will be in an environment where you can solely focus on the interview.
Research the Organization
Research Organization
It is a good idea to research the mission and history of the hiring organization before the interview.
More You Know
The more you know about the organization, the better you will be at convincing potential employers that you care about the organization, as well as the job you're seeking.
What to Find Out
What to Find Out
Information you can often find about the organization in advance might include:
- Who the commander and senior enlisted members of the organization are
- How large the organization is
- What the mission and vision statements are
Asking Questions
Asking Questions Expected
Interviewers expect candidates to ask intelligent, thoughtful questions concerning the organization and the nature of the work.
Questions Reveal Interest
The nature and quality of your questions will reveal your interest in the organization and the position you're seeking.
Be Prepared
When the interviewer asks if you have any questions or concerns about the job or the organization, be prepared with at least one or two things you'd like to talk about.