Preparing for an interview may seem daunting, but it is also a great experience! Just like with any project, it takes time to research and prepare. This article will provide you with 7 tips to help you prepare for your upcoming interview.
1. Get to know the Company
It really impresses an employer when you can tell them what their company does. Most companies will have a website where you can find lots of information about them and the services they offer. While they won’t expect you to recite a load of information, mentioning recent news or events they may have posted on social media will show your interest in the company and its activities.
2. Know your CV
It’s important to remember exactly what got you the job interview in the first place! Just like the company information, you’re not expected to be able to recite your entire CV, but it’s good to know the key skills and achievements that you can talk about in greater detail.
3. Practise & Prepare for Questions
Whether the interview is casual or structured, it’s important to be aware and have answers prepared for some of the most common interview questions. These are readily available on the Internet, but some of the most common question include:
“Tell me about yourself”: This is your opportunity to tell the interviewer what experience, skills and accomplishments you have to this date that set you apart from other applicants. This can include modules or classes you have taken, work experience you have done and other activities like volunteering or sports that have expanded your skillset.
“What are your biggest strengths/weaknesses”: The interviewer may ask this as two separate questions or a combination. In the case that they go with the latter, start with your weaknesses so you can end on a positive note. Giving a good example of a weakness and context as to when this weakness was shown previously can show your interviewer good self-awareness. You should also mention how you are trying or will try to turn your weakness into a strength, e.g. “One of my weaknesses is that I am not the best at public speaking, but I have recently tried acting classes to improve my confidence.” When you talk about your biggest strengths, make sure you have a good example prepared that shows your interviewer how this strength could benefit their company.
4. Plan your Outfit
First impressions mean a lot when it comes to interviews. Whether the interview is for a casual or professional position, it is important to present yourself well. Show the interviewer that you understand what you would be expected to look like on a day-to-day basis, e.g. a nice shirt/blouse and trousers in a professional setting, or comfortable shoes and clothes for a job in waitressing/bartending i.e. something that requires a lot of movement.
5. Plan your Transport or Interview Space
On the day itself, it’s important to know where you’re going and get there on time. Make sure you have the correct address and have the directions saved to your phone offline, in case the Internet drops. Make sure your phone battery is full to double check directions as you make your way there. If you are driving yourself, make sure the day before you have enough petrol in the car and check your tire pressure. If you have to take public transport, ensure you know the right route to take and leave 15 minutes earlier than suggested by Maps. It is good to arrive ten minutes before the interview is supposed to start.
If your interview is going to be conducted over video conferencing, then it is important to set up the right interview space. Make sure you have plenty of good lighting with no clutter. Make sure you can be in a quiet space or that you have good earphones with a microphone so you can hear and be heard properly. Make sure your laptop is fully charged and plugged in and that any updates that could delay the interview are done the day before. And make sure you get in ahead of time, testing the link to make sure everything is working ok.
6. Prepare Follow Up Questions for the Interviewer
When the interview is completed, some interviewers will ask if you have any questions for them. This is your opportunity to show more interest in the position. You can ask questions such as ‘What does a typical day here look like?’ or ‘Are there any opportunities for in-house learning and promotion?’. These questions can show your interviewer that you are investing your time and interest in the company.
7. Follow up with your Interviewer
It is always a good idea to send a follow up email to your interviewer thanking them for the opportunity. It is also another chance to express your interest in the position, and a chance to mention anything else you may have forgotten in the interview. Ideally, you should send them an email in the evening of the interview or the next day.
I hope this helps you in your preparation for your interview. Make sure to use all of the seven tips. Missing out on any of the steps might mean missing out on the job!