Recall the positive influences in your life and express gratitude for their impact.
1. Research the Company and Role
Understand the company’s mission, values, culture, products, and recent news. This knowledge demonstrates your genuine interest. Thoroughly read the job description to understand key responsibilities and required skills.
2. Job Interview: Practice Your Answers
Anticipate questions like “Tell me about yourself,” “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” and “Why do you want to work here?” Structure your answers using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to provide clear and concise examples.
3. Enhance Communication Skills
Maintain eye contact, offer a firm handshake, and sit up straight to convey confidence. Pay close attention to the interviewer’s questions and comments, responding thoughtfully without interrupting.
4. Ask Insightful Questions
Inquire about daily responsibilities, team dynamics, and growth opportunities. Ask about the company’s culture and values to show your interest in fitting into the organization.
5. Follow Up After the Interview
Send a thank-you email within 24 hours, expressing gratitude and reiterating your interest. Keep the message concise and professional, mentioning something specific discussed during the interview.
6. Dress Appropriately
Understand the company’s dress code and choose your outfit accordingly. Ensure your attire is clean, well-fitted, and appropriate for the industry.
7. Arrive Early
Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes before the scheduled interview time. Use the extra time to compose yourself and review key points.
8. Bring Necessary Documents
Bring several copies of your resume for the interviewer(s). If applicable, bring a portfolio showcasing your work.
9. Demonstrate Enthusiasm
Show genuine excitement about the role and company. Maintain a lively and engaged demeanor throughout the interview.
10. Be Authentic
Answer questions truthfully, focusing on your real experiences and skills. Acknowledge areas for growth and discuss how you’re working to improve them.
11. Highlight Achievements
Use specific numbers and examples to demonstrate your accomplishments. Align your achievements with the requirements of the role.
12. Stay Calm Under Pressure
Practice relaxation techniques to manage anxiety. The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel.
13. Adapt to Different Interview Formats
Ensure a quiet, well-lit environment with a stable internet connection for virtual interviews. Speak clearly and avoid distractions during phone interviews.
14. Understand the Interviewer’s Perspective
Consider what the interviewer is looking for and tailor your responses accordingly. Show that you’re not only qualified but also a good fit for the team.
15. Prepare for Behavioral Questions
Have stories ready that showcase how you’ve handled various situations. Think about challenges you’ve overcome and lessons learned.
16. Know Your Resume
Be prepared to discuss any part of your resume in detail. Ensure your verbal responses align with your written resume.
17. Practice Makes Perfect
Conduct practice interviews with a friend or mentor. Seek constructive criticism to improve your performance.
18. Stay Positive
Maintain a positive outlook, even when discussing challenges or setbacks. Demonstrate your ability to bounce back and learn from experiences.
19. Be Concise
Answer questions directly and avoid rambling. Stick to information pertinent to the role and company.
20. Reflect Post-Interview
Lastly
Locate the interviewer on LinkedIn. One candidate I interviewed last week conducted simple research and asked about my previous company, linking that information to the current company. I was surprised; this demonstrated genuine interest.
Another candidate mentioned local college football. Although we are from different states, this showed he was paying attention and remembered where I’m from.
Tailor your questions to focus on specific aspects of the opportunity. We appreciate it when you clearly demonstrate that you’ve thought through this position. For example, you might ask, “How has company XYZ responded to the recent news about ABC? Do you find that this change is impacting team goals for 2024?”
If the company has values listed on its website, make sure to quote one of them or mention how it resonates with you. It may come off as a bit flattering, but it is effective.
After the interview, assess what went well and areas for improvement. Use each interview as a learning experience to enhance future performance.
