Share ! AUBURN, Ala. —Whether you’re a recent graduate or moving on to the next phase in your life, preparing for a job interview is a key factor in getting any type of job. Making a great first impression and having the perfect resume will help enhance your interview experience, but ultimately being able to present yourself professionally will help secure your future. It is always important to research the company before your interview to be knowledgeable about the job you have applied for. It also gives you the opportunity to ask questions throughout the interview process that will prove to the employer that you are interested and ready to take on a job that is right for you. , regional Extension agent with the , describes just how important it is to be well educated about the company that you are applying to. “You may be asked if you are aware of what they do. It shows that you are really interested in a career and not just a job. It shows that you have done your homework and thatyou are a professional. Training costs employers money so they want you to be the right fit for them and be the right job for you. This reduces employee turnover,” said Zapata. The Alabama  Extension  helps people prepare for any type of interview through its program, otherwise known as PREP. PREP is designed to provide individuals with the top knowledge and skills needed to prepare for job interviews and achieve success with any type of employment opportunity. It also focuses on the four main aspects needed to ace any job interview: completing job applications, resume building, interviewing skills and dressing for the interview. Zapata is one of several Extension agents sharing this program with people across the state  be prepared for job interviews. “For most people, it would be a real help to interact with others looking for a job or career change. It helps polish what you have already done. My students tell me that the information on interview skills is the most helpful. I havestudents do mock interviews in the class and they really get a lot out of these practice interview sessions,” said Zapata. During a job interview, it is also important to make sure you standout among the other candidates going through the same interview process. If you standout you will be remembered, which will ultimately help you get another interview or get the job. Heidi Tilenius, county Extension coordinator for Lauderdale County, describes some ways to be memorable after an interview. “If the job is truly something you want, the end of the interview is your time to express how interested you are in the job and describe to the interviewers why you are a good fit for the position, their company and they should consider hiring you. When you get home from the interview, be sure to send a handwritten thank you letter within 24 hours of the interview,” said Tilenius. Lastly, knowing how to properly prepare your resume specific to the job and company you are applying for will help yougain an interview with an employer. It is extremely important to look at the job description for the position you are applying for before creating your resume. This will help employers see that you are a qualified candidate for the job when they review applications. “Many employers, not all of them but many, use an applicant tracking system that takes your resume and scans it for key words. When applying for a job, it is important to match key words on your resume that compare to the job description because you want your resume to be as close to the job description as possible to ensure you’re invited for an interview. Make sure you resume is neat, clean, formatted properly and easy for the employer to read. The resume is a marketing tool, but you are the biggest marketing tool,” said Tilenius. Applying for jobs and going through interviews can be an intimidating but extremely rewarding process. Being yourself in a professional matter and showing that your skills will benefit thecompany will help you ace any job interview. Featured image by  michaeljung/shutterstock.com

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