How to Prep for that Interview
Job seekers, do you have an interview coming up? Is it a phone interview or is it in-person? OR, is it a one-way-video interview? Do you feel prepared? Have you ever experienced an interview when you were unprepared? How did it feel? No matter the interview, there’s always prep work to be done and, depending on the type of interview, the prep work can and should vary.
Different Interviews
Each stage of the interview process is different with a differing purpose, questionnaire, and level of seriousness. Typically, a one-way video interview is conducted first where hiring managers or recruiters can get an overall feel for the candidates - How they hold themselves, how they answer open-ended questions, and how they react on the spot.
If they’re successful during that interview, they’ll be passed along to the phone portion where they’ll conduct similar questions but it tends to be about a 30-45 minute conversation and is something that may take more time to answer and engage. This is even more on the spot than the first interview because there’s no do-overs. You have one shot to prove yourself over the phone.
Finally, the in person interview is scheduled. This is typically the final round (each company varies with their process). But, here obviously candidate and hiring manager will meet face to face to discuss the role, ask in-depth questions, and judge the candidate in person. How do they carry themselves? Are they professional? Were they on time? Etc.
Common Interview Questions -
(Questions Pulled from TheMuse)
Tell Me About Yourself.
How Did You Hear About This Position?
Why Do You Want to Work at This Company?
Why Do You Want This Job?
Why Should We Hire You?
What Are Your Greatest Strengths?
What Do You Consider to Be Your Weaknesses?
What Is Your Greatest Professional Achievement?
Tell Me About a Challenge or Conflict You’ve Faced at Work, and How You Dealt With It.
Tell Me About a Time You Demonstrated Leadership Skills.
What’s a Time You Disagreed With a Decision That Was Made at Work?
The Prep-Work for the Interviews
Research the Company - Obviously this is something you should do before an interview. We can’t tell you how many times our recruiters hear about candidates being ill-informed on companies in which they’re applying. If they ask you “so, what do you know about us?” and you have no response or a basic run-down...you’re going to look foolish. Do a quick Google search, read about their mission, their industry..SOMETHING. Don’t show up information-less.
Study the Job Description - The same thing about point 1 applies here - Know the job you’re applying for. If you submit an application for a marketing coordinator position, and you come to the interview unaware of some of the duties and they ask you something along the lines of “So what interested you in this position?” and you have no good answer because you know nothing about the position...What do you do? You can’t lie at that point. Not they' think you’re unprepared and unqualified. Next.
Have Some Basic Interview Question Answers Prepared - This is kind of a mouthful but stick with us. When you go into an interview and you’re expecting those previously mentioned interview questions - that can only bode well for you. Come prepared. If you know they’re going to ask you about your job history, failures, successes, experience, etc then you can prepare at least some semblance of an answer so that when they ask you those questions you’re not in the dark.
Match Energies - This is a big one. It’s important to match someone’s energy. Yes, be yourself but if the company is very serious and professional, you might want to leave the Michael Scott jokes at home. But, if they’re super laid back and you feel as though a joke or funny conversation would be well-received, go for it. Just know your audience, be yourself, but also don’t be inappropriate or totally off the wall. Especially if culture-fit is big for them.
Eat a Balanced Meal and BE ON TIME - We know, we aren’t your mother but eat a balanced meal and don’t be late. No matter what time the interview is, no one performs well while ravenously hungry and no one will respect anything you have to say if you’re 20 minutes late. So, eat a banana or whatever you enjoy in the morning or grab a PB&J and head out the door. If the job is 30 minutes away...give yourself an hour. Remember, the early bird gets the worm...
Have Any Necessary Paperwork Prepared (Resume, Cover Letter, Portfolio, etc) - Most companies have a digitized copy of any documentation such as a resume or cover letter, but sometimes they do ask for a hard copy. When they do, print it out on time and put it somewhere safe and where it WON’T be forgotten, like inside your purse or briefcase. It would be horrible to show up empty handed.
Have Your Own Set of Questions Prepared - Employers LOVE when candidates come with their own questions. Make a list - it’s not weird. Write down any and all questions you might have for the hiring manager and make it a point to get them answered. It will show them that you’re interested and have put a lot of thought into your interview.
Want to find out even more about interviews? Check out our free downloadable with the best interview questions to ask - They’re straight from our recruiting team too!