Job interviews can be exciting and stressful as the array of future career possibilities unfold. According to recent statistics, most job candidates get called for one interview for every six job applications they submit.
When you prepare for an interview, it's important to know what to expect from the process in advance.
Whatever position you apply for, these interview preparation tips will help you make the best of every opportunity that comes your way.
Even if a job sounds like it's up your alley, you may not know very much about the company itself. As a potential new employee, knowing as much as possible is vital to ensure that you're a good fit.
Take some time to look into the company before your interview. Read about its history, find out about the company's culture, and dive into its background.
The more you know about the company you want to work for, the more confident you'll be when you interview. One common interview question is, "Why do you want to work for this company?" It's only natural that the more you know about the business, the better you'll feel about your decision to interview there.
Starting a new job is scary, but it's even scarier if you're not 100% familiar with the position. Research what the job duties entail and what's expected of you long before the job interview takes place.
Many employers find out that the people they hire aren't a good fit for the job after they start. If you're confident that the open position is right for you, you're doing yourself and your new boss a big favour.
It's also wise to research the average pay and other facts about the specific position you apply for. This information will help you decide whether taking the time to take part in a formal interview is worth your time in the first place.
Read the job posting carefully before your interview date. Make sure the post includes specifics about what's expected of you so that you're ready to answer questions confidently.
One of the best interview preparation tips is to become a customer of the company you want to work for. Not only will this give you an inside view of what they offer, but you'll also get inspired to suggest improvements if you're hired.
If the company sells a product or service, try it out for yourself before the interview. This simple yet effective tip will give you an advantage over other candidates.
Becoming a customer of the business you want to work for is a smart way to learn more about them from a different perspective. It also gives you a chance to tell the interviewer that you're a current customer, too! This one simple move shows the interviewer that you're passionate about the company and what it provides its customers or clients.
As you prepare for an interview, try to find out exactly who you're going to talk to beforehand. If possible, try to research the person and learn more about their role in the company.
Many businesses have a list of staff on their website along with a short bio. Having a better understanding of the person you're talking to will help you feel more comfortable when you interview.
This is an excellent opportunity to bring up some shared interests including favourite hobbies or business goals. The more you can talk to the interviewer naturally, the better chances you have to get the job.
A job interview is about more than just getting the position. It's also a wonderful opportunity to sell yourself and explain why you're a good fit for the role.
Look at the position intimately and get to know which aspects would highlight your strong suits. Maybe you're an excellent people manager, or perhaps you're a pro at computer programming. Focus on areas where you excel, then highlight them during the interview.
When you sell yourself, you're telling an employer that they're missing out if they don't hire you. Focus on the positive and always reiterate the skills that you're really good at.
One excellent tip is to flip your mindset. Instead of thinking about how much you want to work there, think about how badly the company needs you as an asset. If you need a little help, consider interview coaching to guide you.
A job application only gives employers a basic snapshot of who you are. During most interviews, you'll probably be asked to talk a little more about yourself beyond your past positions.
Be ready to tell the interviewer something interesting about yourself. Whether you love to paint, you've travelled the world, or you're an excellent athlete, think of things that help you stand out from the crowd.
While this question is fun and interesting, don't get too wrapped up in self-talk. Briefly explain something interesting about you, then let the interviewer move on to the next question.
Answering interview questions that require you to tell a story can be tricky. Always make sure that your responses are well-structured and that the final answer is clear to the interviewer.
The goal is to make sure that the company has all the information they need to make a sound decision. Using the STAR method can help make this process easier. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result.
This method helps you lay out the scenario in a brief, succinct way. Ultimately, the goal is to show what you dealt with, how you played a role, what you did, and what the final result was.
Giving an interviewer specific data can make a strong impression. Think about your past roles and what you accomplished in terms of numbers. This can be anything from your personal sales numbers to percentage points about company profits.
While you might not get an opportunity to share data, it can't hurt to have it handy. Providing hard numbers usually shows companies that you care about the business as a whole.
Giving data will show how you can tangibly make a difference for a business. Jot these numbers down or memorize them so you're ready to present them at the formal interview.
If it's been a while since you've changed careers, your interview skills might be a bit "rusty." Preparing ahead by practising is a great way to brush up on your skills. This applies to both in-person and virtual interviews.
Look over some common questions, then practice answering them with a friend or family member. Try to record yourself on video and play it back to see where you have room to improve.
Ask someone you know to do a few mock interviews with you. The more you practice, the more you'll be ready when the big day finally arrives.
While not every interview is the same and not all questions are identical, practising will give you confidence. This is an excellent opportunity to polish your answers so you're ready to give them in a confident manner.
Just make sure that your answers don't sound memorized or rehearsed. Authenticity is key when it comes to making a good first impression.
Your body language has just as much impact as the answers you give during the interview. As you prepare, it's a good time to brush up on the basics of good body language.
Think about what your body language conveys and be aware of what you look like when sitting and standing. Focus on good posture and avoid sitting with your arms and legs crossed. This may look like you're defensive or closed-off during the interview.
Avoid distractions during the interview and do your best to stay focused. In other words, don't stare out of the window or at the clock while you're listening or talking.
Practising body language is another opportunity to record yourself on camera. Watching a video of yourself pretending to answer questions will help you discover ways to improve your body language before the day arrives.
From drafting the perfect resume to filling out a job application and attending an interview, you can snag your dream job with these interview preparation tips. Remember to be honest, sell yourself, and practice before the big day so you're ready for whatever comes your way.
From getting help with your job application and resume to preparing for the interview, contact Career HD to book your free 15-minute consultation today.
