How to Best Prepare for your Job Interview

Woman interviewing for a new job.

Your job interview is one of the most critical steps in getting hired for a new position. It’s your chance to make a great first impression and show the interviewer why you’re the best candidate for the job. But thoroughly preparing for a job interview can be challenging.

This article will give you some tips on preparing for a job interview. We’ll discuss interview tips on what to do the night before, the morning of, during, and what you can do after. We’ll also discuss how Nextaff can help you prepare for your interview.

The Night Before: What to Do to Set Yourself Up for Success

The night before your job interview is crucial to your success. These simple interview tips will help you be more confident and prepared for your interview.

Get a Full Night’s Sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for your physical and mental health. It’ll help you feel refreshed and ready to face the day. 

Choose Your Outfit Carefully

You want to look professional but also comfortable. Avoid fidgeting with your clothing or feeling uncomfortable during the interview.

Interview Your Company

The best way to interview the company you’re planning to work for is by preparing a list of questions to ask the interviewer. This preparation shows that you’re interested in the position and the company. It also allows you to get more information to help you decide if this is the right job.

Search for Interview Questions

Before your interview, search online for common questions for the role in which you will be interviewing. This tip can help you be more prepared for your interview. Sometimes the interviewer will use the same resources to conduct the interview. If you have someone helping you, you can use them to practice answering questions. Practicing your answers to common interview questions will help you feel more prepared and confident when it comes time to answer them.

Review Their Social Media

Reviewing the company’s website and social media gives you a better understanding of its culture and values. It may help you understand why you want to work there.

By taking these simple steps the night before your interview, you’ll set yourself up for success.

The Morning of: How to Look and Feel Your Best

Here are some tips to help maximize your chances of success and guide you in preparation for the morning of your interview.

  • Wake up early enough so that you have time to get ready without feeling rushed
  • For in-person interviews, we suggest mapping your route prior, so you know how much time you have to get there when accounting for traffic
  • If you have time, perform some relaxing deep breathing exercises to relieve any stress, anxiety, and panic
  • Eat a nutritious breakfast to jump-start your metabolism and help you to think clearly
  • Make sure your hair and makeup are proper to make you feel polished
  • Choose professional clothing that also makes you feel comfortable and confident

During the Interview: What Attitude to Project

To make the best impression during your job interview, it is important to project an upbeat attitude, no matter what the interviewer says or how the interview is going. It can be difficult, especially if you are nervous, but try to focus on the fact that you are there because the interviewer wants to get to know you and determine if you are a good fit for the company. 

Be Honest with the Interviewer

They’ll appreciate your honesty, and it’ll help build trust. It’s better to be honest about your weaknesses and how you plan to improve them than try to hide them or seem like you have everything perfectly together.

Be Prepared to Discuss Your Weaknesses 

It shows that you are self-aware and willing to improve. The interviewer will likely ask you about your weaknesses at some point during the interview. It’s best to be prepared with an answer ahead of time.

Be Confident in Your Abilities

This does not mean you should be cocky, but believe in your abilities and sell yourself. 

An excellent place to start practicing your confidence is eye contact. Keep your eye contact natural and steady throughout the interview; avoid making it feel intense or prolonged, and you’ll send a message of confidence.

Though some people may find it difficult or even impossible to make eye contact, other nonverbal cues can help you project an image of confidence and show your enthusiasm for the position. Vocalizations like “uh-huh” can also demonstrate your interest and comprehension during an interview.

Show That You are Interested in the Company and the Position

 Ask questions and demonstrate why you would be a valuable asset. The interview is also an opportunity for you to learn more about the company and decide if it is somewhere you could see yourself working long-term. You will make a better impression on the interviewer by showing interest and engagement.

After the Interview: How to Follow Up

After the interview, it is important to send a thank-you note to the interviewer. It shows that you are interested in the job and appreciate the opportunity to interview. The thank-you note should be sent within 24 hours of the meeting and restate your interest in the job. It is important to proofread your message carefully before you send it.

If you think your interview went well but aren’t awarded the position, you can send a follow-up letter to the hiring manager asking for comments on how you did a week or two after your interview. Again, keep it brief. Express your gratitude to the interviewer once more for taking the time to speak with you. And then explain that you felt confident throughout the interview and would appreciate input on improving for future discussions.

Although not all hiring managers will provide detailed feedback, occasionally, you’ll get a helpful hint that can increase your chances in the following round. It could even result in a different job offer.

If You Don’t Get the Job: How to Cope

It can be tough when you don’t get the desired job. Here are some tips on how to cope if you find yourself in this situation.

Don’t Take It Personally

It can be easy to take rejection personally, but it’s important to remember that it’s not always about you. Sometimes, factors are beyond your control, such as the company’s budget or the interviewer’s personal preferences. It’s important not to take it too personally and to move on to the next opportunity.

Don’t Give Up

It can be tempting to give up after a rejection, but it’s important to persevere. Everyone experiences setbacks at some point in their career, but it’s important not to let them get you down. You’ll eventually find the right job for you if you keep trying.

Learn From the Experience

Try to learn from each job interview, even if you don’t get the job. What could you have done better? What did you do well? What questions trip you up? By reflecting on your interviews, you can improve your performance next time.

Use the Rejection as Motivation

Use the rejection as motivation to improve your skills and qualifications. If you’re finding that you’re not getting called back for interviews, it may be time to update your resume or learn new skills. There are plenty of online resources and courses that can help you make yourself more marketable.

If you don’t get the job, it is important to stay positive and motivated. You can use Nextaff to help you with preparing for a job interview.

How Nextaff Can Help You to Prepare for an Interview

Nextaff is a leading provider of temporary, temp-to-perm, and permanent staffing solutions. We serve various industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, administration, and more. Our team of experienced recruiters is dedicated to matching the right talent with the right job opportunities, ensuring that our clients and candidates are satisfied. With a focus on quality and customer service, we strive to exceed expectations and build long-term relationships with our clients and candidates.

We trust in the limitless potential of each individual and do everything in our power to support them in finding success in their chosen field. As a result, of our locally owned and operated nature, we can provide the individualized service that our clients, applicants, and communities require. 

Nextaff can help you with preparing for a job interview in many ways:

  • We can help you to create a winning resume and cover letter
  • Nextaff can give you access to networking opportunities and job search resources 
  • We can help you to stay positive and motivated during your job search

If you are looking for a job, it’s worth considering using Nextaff. Let us help you find the perfect match for your business or career today!

We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on
our website, to analyze our website traffic, and to understand where our visitors are coming from.

Meet Shane...

Shane’s journey with Nextaff began in 2019, when he established a successful franchise in the Kansas City metro area. His experience as a Nextaff franchise owner provides prospective buyers with a completely transparent view of the Nextaff Franchise Opportunity. Prior to his time at Nextaff, Shane led large sales teams in the Financial Services and Medical Device industries, further developing his expertise in leadership and business management.

Do you play sports?

Basketball! I was fortunate enough to play college basketball all 4 years and in 2013 we won the NCAA DII National Championship.

What do you love most about your current role?

Getting to know prospective franchise buyers. I love hearing about their goals and dreams they want to achieve through entrepreneurship.

What is your favorite color?

Orange! Yes, it is one of Nextaff’s main colors but it was my favorite before coming to Nextaff. In the franchising world, I’m known as “Orange pants guy”.

Meet Cary...

When it comes to operating a staffing firm, Cary has worn every hat.  From recruiting, to sales, to management, to ownership, he has been involved in every aspect of running a successful staffing business.  He has successfully led three separate companies to the Inc. 500 and Inc. 5000 lists, which puts him in an elite class of staffing entrepreneurship.  Combining that experience with a strong passion for entrepreneurs makes Cary an ideal leader for driving the Nextaff vision. 

Describe yourself in three words.

Loyal, Driven, Creative

Is there a mantra or affirmation you live by?

Do what you said you were going to do.

Do you have a celebrity doppelganger?

Back in the day, it was John Cusak.  “I want my two dollars!”