How To Get Ready For An Interview
The best way to get ready for an interview is to be prepared, get organized, and do your research to know the company. When you have an interview lined up, you usually will experience a little stress and anxiety. This is completely normal. Having a few notes handy and practicing your interview answers will ease your fears and have you sounding like a pro.
Here are a few tips to give you everything you need to be well equipped and gear you up to ace the interview and land the job.
The Week Before The Interview
Research the company
Interviewers expect candidates to have a good grasp of what their organisation does meaning your ability to research effectively is essential.
Consider aspects like: how big the company is, how its divided up, who their customers are, and who their main competitors are as well as any recent developments or plans within the company.
With this knowledge, youll be able to add value to the conversation, whilst showing a genuine interest in what they do.
Read the job description
When it comes to interview preparation, the job description is your best friend.
Not only will a thorough examination of the duties and required personal qualities help you to understand more about what the role entails itll also help you to recognise exactly what the employer is looking for.
Then, you can tailor your answers accordingly coming up with tangible examples that prove youre the best candidate for the role.
Figure out the format
Interviews can take a number of forms from one-on-one and group interviews, to position-specific tests, role plays, and psychometric questionnaires. And each one will require a different type of preparation.
Often, this will be explained when youre invited to the interview, but theres no harm in asking for more information if needed. Researching online to find out how the process has worked for other people in your situation will also help you to figure out what to expect.
Write things down
Come Up With Questions Of Your Own To Ask
Toward the end of the interview, your interviewer will probably ask what questions you have for her. Contrary to popular belief, you should not see this time primarily as an additional opportunity to impress your interviewer.While its smart to think about how your questions might reflect on you, this is your time to get the information you need to figure out if this is a job you want and would be good at. So think about what you really want to know when you imagine going to work at this job every day for the next several years.
Examples of questions you might ask: What are the biggest challenges the person in this position will face? Can you describe a typical day or week in the position? What would a successful first year in the position look like? How will the success of the person in this position be measured?
Its okay to write your questions down and take them with you. Its very normal for job candidates to pull out a sheet of paper with the questions they want to remember to ask, so dont worry about memorizing them.
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Develop A Connection With The Interviewer
In addition to indicating what you know about the company, you should also try to develop a connection with your interviewer. Know the interviewer’s name, and use it during the job interview. If you’re not sure of the name, call and ask prior to the interview. And, listen very carefully during introductions.
If youre prone to forgetting names, jot it down somewhere discreet, like in small letters at the bottom of your notepad.
Ultimately, building rapport and making a personal connection with your interviewer can up your chances of getting hired. People tend to hire candidates they like and who seems to be a good fit for the company’s culture. Here’s how to get the hiring manager on your side.
Internal Interview Questions And Answers
In addition to answering the standard questions of the interview , also be prepared to answer questions that may pry at your motivation. From the Balance Careers, this could include:
- Why do you want to leave your current job?
- Why do you want to get promoted?
- Would your manager recommend you for this position?
- What is it like working for your supervisor?
- What dont you like about the job youre in now?
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Phone Interview Tips That Will Land You A Second Interview
By Jeff Gillis
Congratulations!
Your resume is stellar, your application was impeccable, youve caught a potential employers attention and now they want to get to know you better.
In years gone by that would have meant an in person interview but in todays increasingly busy digital world, many preliminary and some final interviews are being held in a wide variety of mediums including on the phone.
A phone interview? As in, we talk on the phone and not actually in person? As in, they have NO idea what Im actually wearing during the interview!? This is AMAZING!
Great, right?
FREE BONUS PDF CHEAT SHEET: Get our “Phone Interview Questions & Answers Cheat Sheet” that gives you word for word sample answers to the most common phone interview questions that you can use in your next phone interview.
Nothing like an interview for your dream job where you can lounge around in your pajamas, secretly watching TV out of the corner of your eye and, gasp, maybe even surf the web at the same time and update your status to Kickin it in my footie jammies knockin out my interview!
Nothis guy isnt ready for his phone interview!
Not so fast. Yes, its true, your future boss might not need to know that youre on the other end of the line in your favorite Scooby Doo flannels, but that doesnt mean that you shouldnt treat the phone interview as seriously, if not more seriously, than any other standard interview.
But..butbut
No buts.
More seriously? Is that even a thing?
Go Beyond The Common Interview Questions
Yes, the job search is intimidating, but reviewing interview questions and answers in advance is one way to calm your nerves and boost your confidence. Are you looking for more ways to stand apart from the competition? Set up a free profile with Monster and we can send you career advice, workplace insights, and more job interview tips directly to your inbox. It’s a quick and easy way to stay one step ahead.
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How To Prepare For A Job Interview: 10 Steps To Follow
- Post author
Do NOT assume that the job interview is simply a formality before you receive the job offer.
Instead, think of a job interview as an audition. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your work ethic and skills.
Your network and/or your resume got you this interview. Now you can move closer to a job offer.
Demonstrate that you are genuinely interested in the job by being well-prepared for the interview often viewed by the employer as an example of the quality of your work.
Many recruiters have shared with me how that one thing being obviously well-prepared can make, or break, a job candidates chances at landing a new job.
Dont forget that interviews are also your opportunity to collect information and intelligence about whether or not you want to work for this employer. Your preparation will help you understand the questions to ask THEM to clarify any concerns you may have about them.
Essential Steps To Prepare Yourself For A Job Interview
So your resume got noticed and youve been asked to come in for a face-to-face interviewcongratulations! But in order to shine during the interview and land that job offer, careful preparation beforehand is essential. You need to be ready in advance for the questions you will be asked, have done your research on the company and the job, and have all the necessary documents and references at your fingertips.
Before the big day, be sure to review these helpful pre-interview tips so that you go into your meeting feeling confident and ready to impress your potential new employer.
The right preparation can help you project confidence during your interview.
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Use Engaged Body Language
Similar to the power poses, using engaged body language during the interview is going to help you answer with confidence and energy. Even if the call is just over the phone, the right posture will help you sound more friendly, open and sure of yourself.
On the flip side, slouching can cause you to feel tired and want to be done. Crossing your arms or your legs will look like you arent fully engaged and can actually cause a kind of mental block that makes it hard to really take in the information.
Pro Tip: Make sure you are sitting up straight with your shoulders back and head up. This is something you will want to practice when you are getting your spot picked out. Make sure that your computer or camera is positioned at eye level, so you dont have to lean over or duck down to get in the frame. You may need to place it on a box or stand to get it to the perfect height.
Why Are You Looking For A Job Or Why Are You Looking For A Different Job
This question might seem innocuous, but this is how interviewers weed out the people who are either a) just looking for any job b) were fired from their last position or c) might have a high turnover rate, meaning you wont be sticking around for too long. Focus on the positives and be specific. Think about why you are looking for a job: did you just graduate and this will be your first real job? Are you switching career paths? Are you leaving a current job for this one?
If you are currently working somewhere, you should also be prepared to answer, why do you want to leave your current job for this one?
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Bring The Necessary Documents
You should bring 5 or 6 copies of documents with you for the interview, in case the need arises. Such documents could include:
- Copies of your resume
- A list of references
- Copies of reference letters singing your praises
- Work samples such as writings, design layouts, etc.
After your interview, you should let your professional references know that the employer might be contacting them. Give them a heads up on the company and job position.
You might also want to bring along a list of questions you have for the interviewer.
How To Prepare For A Job Interview
The Balance / Alison Czinkota
Do you have a job interview on your schedule? Taking the time to prepare for an interview in advance can help you ace the interview and secure a job offer. There are a number of steps you can take before the interview to ensure that you make a terrific impression on your potential employer.
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What Salary Are You Seeking
When you’re asked, “What salary are you seeking?” it is to your advantage if the employer tells you the range first. Prepare by knowing the going rate in your area, and your bottom line or walk-away point. One possible answer would be: “I am sure when the time comes, we can agree on a reasonable amount. In what range do you typically pay someone with my background?”
Job Interview Preparation Tips To Help You Stand Out
Practicing job interview answers in front of a mirror helps you to identify anything that might distract from the substance of what you have to say.
In brief
- To prepare for an interview, study up on the role so you can explain how you meet each of the job requirements.
- Be prepared to address your biggest weaknesses, such as gaps in your résumé.
- The best way to learn how to interview is by practicing your Q& A with someone you trust, on camera or in the mirror.
You have put time and effort into your job application, perhaps polishing up your résumé and crafting a well-constructed cover letter, earning you a coveted interview. Now is your chance to show why you are a great candidate and how you would fit in with your potential team. If you do your homework, you will be prepared for anything the interviewer throws at you.
1. Study the job description.
Get into the right mind-set by reminding yourself what the job entails and reading the employers mission statement, if it has one. Make a list of reasons why this job may be the right fit for your career journey, such as the skills, experience and network you would gain. Focusing on how this job will help you achieve your career goals is a good way to get excited about the roleeven if it is not your dream job. This will help you to express why you want the job and to convey enthusiasm during the interview.
2. Prepare to address gaps in your background.
Pamela Skillings, BigInterview.com
Resources
What to read next
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Gather As Much Information As You Can
Review the company’s website, browse its blog, and social media especially the most corporate ones, like Twitter or LinkedIn.
Take a look at the news, main products, or services, organization chart, image, corporate culture or philosophy.
This helps you show that you’re prepared and you’ve done your homework.
Research The People Who Will Be Interviewing You
Before your interview, try and get a list of the people you will be meeting with. Then research these individuals, including:
- Do a Google search on each person.
- Review their individual LinkedIn pages .
- Review any information about these individuals on the companys website.
The goal is to learn about your interviewers backgrounds and interests so that it will be easier to establish a rapport. Show interest in them and their role in the company.
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Research The Company And Industry
We often hear from employers that candidates do not know enough about their companies when they interview. Employers gauge how interested you are by how much you know about their organization. This research is an easy way to improve your interview skills.
Find out as much as you can about the position, company, and industry.
- Learn about current trends and events that might impact your future employer.
- Review the organizations website and social media activity.
- Try to speak to people in the organization through LinkedIn, peers, faculty, or family to gain insider knowledge.
- Make sure that you reread the job description and can communicate why you would be a good t for the position.
The Day Of The Interview
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Do Extensive Research On The Company
You should thoroughly research the company you are interviewing with, as you want to make sure you understand the business and anticipate the kinds of questions the interviewer may ask. Good research would include the following:
- Do a Google search on the company.
- Review the companys website .
- Review press releases from the company.
- Read over the companys blog if it has one.
- Review press articles written about the company.
- If the company is public, review its SEC filings at sec.gov.
- Review the companys LinkedIn page.
- Review information about the companys competitors.
- Tap into your network of contacts to get any insight into the company you can.
Review Your Facebook And Other Social Media Postings
Employers often review Facebook and other social media sites to get information and background on prospective employees. So make sure to review your online postings and pictures and delete any information that is embarrassing or could cast you in a negative light with the prospective employer.
Its also useful to Google yourself to see what your prospective employer would see if they did a search on you.
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