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Snagging an interview is obviously a significant step on the path to finding your ideal job. After all, it's your opportunity to showcase your skills, experiences, and personality to a potential employer you’re excited about.
You know you need to make a strong impression to increase your chances of landing the job - but how do you do that exactly? Essential interview prep!
Effective interview prep strategies include lots of moving parts like: researching the company, practicing interview questions, preparing insightful questions to ask the interviewer and even conducting mock interviews.
Research the Company:
Really get to know the organization’s Culture and Values: Start by delving into the company's culture and values. Visit their website, read through their mission statement, and explore any available resources that offers insights into what makes the company unique. Understanding the company's culture will help you tailor your responses to align with their mission and goals.
Products and Services: Familiarize yourself with the company's products, services, and industry. Knowing what they do and how they do it demonstrates your genuine interest and can be a valuable asset during the interview.
Recent News and Developments: Stay up-to-date with the company's recent news and developments. This includes mergers, acquisitions, product launches, awards or any significant milestones. Mentioning these during the interview can show that you're not just interested in the role but also in the company's overall progress.
LinkedIn Research: Research the LinkedIn profiles of stakeholders and key individuals within the company, including your potential interviewer if their information is available. This will give you valuable insights into their professional backgrounds and interests, helping you establish rapport during the interview.
Practice Interview Questions:
Compile a list of Common Questions: Begin by compiling a list of common interview questions. These may include inquiries about your strengths and weaknesses, your relevant experiences, and how you handle challenges or conflicts.
Formulate Thoughtful Responses: For each question, formulate thoughtful and concise responses. Try the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers when discussing specific experiences or accomplishments.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Tailor your responses to highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position you're applying for. This demonstrates your suitability for the role.
Practice Out Loud: Practice your responses out loud or with a trusted friend or family member. Speaking your answers can help you refine your delivery and ensure you come across confidently during the interview.
Conduct Mock Interviews:
Involve a Friend or better yet, Career Coach: Ass uncomfortable as it may feel, consider conducting mock interviews with a friend, family member or ideally a career coach. They can simulate interview scenarios and give you valuable feedback on your performance.
Record Yourself: Recording yourself during mock interviews can be insightful. It allows you to review your responses, body language, and overall presentation to identify areas for improvement. I have also encouraged clients to record themselves during real interviews to suss out what their strengths and weaknesses are in the moment.
Focus on Body Language: Pay attention to your body language, including eye contact, posture, and gestures. Your non-verbal cues play a significant role in how you're perceived during interviews.
Be Open to Constructive Feedback: Be open to receiving constructive feedback and be willing to make adjustments based on the input you receive. Mock interviews are a safe space to identify and address areas where you can improve.
Prepare Questions to Ask the Interviewer:
Ask About the Role: Prepare questions that seek clarity about the role itself. For example, you can ask about the day-to-day responsibilities, the team structure, or the expectations for the first 90 days in the role.
Company Culture and Values: Show your interest in the company's culture and values by asking questions about how they are reflected in daily operations. You might inquire about team dynamics, communication channels, or employee development opportunities.
Career Progression: Ask about the potential for career growth within the company. Inquire about the paths that employees typically take to advance in their careers.
Company Challenges: Demonstrate your problem-solving skills by asking about current challenges or opportunities the company is facing. This can lead to meaningful discussions about how you can contribute to their success.
Interviewer's Experience: If appropriate, ask the interviewer about their own experience with the company. Questions like "What do you enjoy most about working here?" or "What has been your career journey within the company?" can establish a personal connection and give you real insight into the day to day.
Well planned interview prep is the move to go from securing an interview to nailing it and landing the job you want.
By thoroughly researching the company, practicing interview questions, conducting mock interviews, and preparing thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer, you position yourself as a confident and well-prepared candidate.
Remember that solid prep instills confidence and confidence is a key factor in making a lasting impression during interviews.
Taking the time to be a subject matter expert on the organization will help you excel in your interviews and move that one step closer to securing the perfect job that aligns with your aspirations and pays well.
Yours in ‘knock ‘em dead’ goodness-
EBS
P.S. In the next post of this guide, we'll dig into salary negotiations so stay tuned!
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EB Sanders | Career Coach for Creative Types
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