What do you do to prepare for an interview?
I work as a business consultant with a focus in Human Resources. I’m interested in better understanding the interview process from the perspective of the applicant. What steps do you take before heading out the door or hopping on to that video conference? #jobsearch #interview
Do your research on the company
- The worst thing you can do in an interview is to walk in unprepared.
Study the job description
- A big mistake that many people make in a job interview is having the same prepared speech no matter the company.
Rehearse your answers to common interview questions
- Interview questions vary depending on the role you’re applying for, but there are certain basic questions that you can expect to be asked, such as “tell me about yourself” and “what are your strengths and weaknesses.”
Come up with questions to ask at the end of the interview
- Nearly every interviewer is going to give you time to ask questions about the role and the company. Use this time to show you’ve clearly done your homework on the business and you have knowledge of the space it’s operating in.
Look the part
You’ll make a poor first impression if you show up to the interview late. To prevent that from happening, figure out directions ahead of time or go on a trial run to the interview location.
On the day of the interview, allow yourself plenty of time to get there. If you’re early, park yourself at a nearby coffee shop and review your notes. Plan to arrive 15 minutes early.
And don’t wait until the day of the interview to choose your outfit. Pick your clothes a few days beforehand to avoid any mishaps like ill-fitting or wrinkled suits. Always dress business professional and avoid anything distracting like large or flashy accessories, strong perfume or cologne, or unkempt facial hair.
Bring four or five clean, crisp copies of your resume and a blank pad of paper to take notes. Also, have a pen with you and know where it is so you’re not rifling through your bag during the interview. “Little things give away how organized you are."
When I’m outta work, my full time job is too find a job, and just like any other job, I try my best to do the best job possible finding a job. Once I receive the call for an interview, my focus is completely on learned things about the company so that I will have questions and remarks to say during the interview, I read there website, I find news articles on the company, maybe they have a new product coming out, if the job is a long commute from my house, I look at different options on roads to take, and if I am going to ride the bus, I find the bus schedule that will get me there so that I am on time for work, and during the interview I let them know all of this information that I have about working for them, for instance, I make a comment that I have already looked over the bus schedule and if I catch this bus it gets me to work early everyday. I am 55yrs old my kids are adults, so I make my age a positive, I let them know I have kids but they are grown, so I won’t need to take off work for school activities and other things dealing with children, (I say that because it’s very possible that this hiring manager just recently had an employee out or leave early because of their children.) I got a little off track, but my advice is to do your research, so that you have something to say during the interview, control the conversation…
On the job!
Always be prepared to give a summary of your work history. Practice it well and have a ready answer for the interviewer why they should hire you over other potential employees. They like to know how you diffuse situations regarding customer/client relations and that you regard your work as above average, you’re organized and have good time management skills.
I research what the company does. I even try to look up my interviewer if possible. I think about how to tie in my experience and skills for the job that I am interviewing for. Go over common questions that might come up and hope for the best!
I look up the company website and create my typical interview questions around the culture and mission of the company. Such as "why do you want to work here" or "What do you think you are a good fit for the position" etc.
Not about interviewing, but the most popular peeve with HR is never hearing back. Right now, I'm waiting to hear from an interview on July 14. Apparently, they're trying to get all their ducks in a row before telling anyone. (Which I know because I keep asking.) If I'm not in the top ten, tell me already!
I am interested. Please keep me informed what kind of job it is. I have a laptop which make it easy for the working
Remember an interview is a conversation not a question answer session. Be prepared by practicing. There are very few successful people that just wing it.
I research the company online. I also have someone act as the interviewer and ask me questions that might be asked during an interview. That way, I am better prepared for interviews.