Preparing for a job interview can be the most important step in obtaining a position. How you prepare will dictate how successful an interview will be. Just showing up can lead to disastrous results. The first step is preparing an excellent resume. A resume should be clean and organized. No graphics or pictures should be present nor should coloring. The top of a resume should include your name in a large font as well as your contact information—email and phone number—in a smaller font, yet visible. Each category should be broken apart from the others. Categories should include education, past employment, references, and skills. Bullets and headings should also be included. The cleaner a resume appears the more professional a resume looks. Remember that a resume is the first impression you will make on a potential employer. If your resume is disorganized and difficult to read then you may be passed over, even if you are the most qualified.

Preparing for possible interview questions is also a must. No, you do not need to memorize exactly what you might say towards a specific question, but being aware of possible answers can be helpful. Some interviewers will try to catch you off guard. Some questions may include listing your strengths and weaknesses, what is your worst quality, why did you leave your last job, have you been convicted of a felony, and others. Common questions will often include elaboration of past employment and education.

Knowing a second language can be helpful in getting a job. If an interviewer is aware of your knowledge, he or she may ask you to take an exam to show your efficiency level. Practicing prior to an interview can be the different in saying trabajos and meaning empregos instead.