Tips to Prepare for a Great Interview
Well done! You've landed an interview for a position you're passionate about. Making a positive impression during your first interview is crucial to landing your dream job. Whether you're a recent graduate or transitioning careers, following these top 10 tips will help you prepare for a great and successful first interview!
Research the Company
Before your interview, dedicate time to thoroughly research the company you're interviewing with. Gain a solid understanding of their mission, values, products, services, and recent news. Visit their website, read their annual reports, and explore their social media presence. If their Founders or other Leadership has participated in Podcasts, Interviews, or other media - dig in! Your answers will be aligned with the company's goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in their organization if you have this information at your fingertips! Additionally, demonstrate your knowledge of the industry by researching the trends, competitors, and challenges the company might be facing. Preparation is here!
Understand the Job Description
Analyze the job description to determine the key responsibilities and qualifications required. Do additional research by looking at other job descriptions with similar titles and within the same industry at large. Be prepared to highlight the skills and experiences you possess that match the requirements, and prepare specific examples to showcase your abilities. Understanding the job description will enable you to tailor your answers to emphasize your relevant skills, making you a strong candidate for not only this particular position but this role within this company in the broader understanding of the industry.
Practice Common Interview Questions
It is beneficial to practice both common and uncommon interview questions before your big interview. Research and compile a list of frequently asked interview questions, such as "Tell me about yourself" and "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" You can find our common interview question list here. Here are 15 out-of-the-box interview questions also! Practice your responses, ensuring they are concise, clear, and demonstrate your suitability for the position. Simulate an interview scenario by recording yourself or enlisting a friend's assistance. You will gain confidence and refine your answers as a result of this practice.
Prepare Questions to Ask
Preparing thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer will demonstrate your interest and engagement in the interview. Craft questions that address the company culture, the team dynamics, growth opportunities, or any specific concerns you may have. This will not only help you gather valuable information but also convey your genuine enthusiasm for the role. Additionally, as you move through the interview process through multiple people or rounds, you will be able to build on questions based on gained knowledge and first-hand reports from current employees. Your questions shouldn’t be completely canned but thoughtfully and reflective of where you are in the process.
Dress Professionally
Dressing professionally for an interview is crucial to a successful interview. Research the company's dress code and opt for attire that aligns with their standards. Though, even if the company is quite casual in nature (like a tech start-up), most of the time it is appropriate to continue to dress for a formal interview. When in doubt, it's always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. Pay attention to your grooming, ensuring your hair, nails, and overall appearance are neat and well-maintained. Dressing professionally shows respect for the company and portrays you as a serious candidate who comes to the table prepared and with credibility.
Be Punctual
Arriving late for an interview can be detrimental to your chances of success. Plan your journey in advance, considering traffic or any potential delays. Aim to arrive at least 10-15 minutes early, allowing time to compose yourself, review your notes, and settle into the interview environment. Punctuality demonstrates your professionalism and reliability, leaving a positive impression on the interviewer. Zoom interviews are a little different but not completely different from traditional interviews. It is recommended that you dial into Zoom 5 minutes before your interview begins to ensure you are set up properly and have no trouble connecting. You should always check your internet connectivity with a friend or family member at least an hour before your interview!
Be Professional in Your Zoom Set-up
You should be set up with a simple, clean, and decluttered background. Lighting should be flattering and coming from above and in front of you instead of behind you (like a window over your shoulder). Your profile within the camera view should be chest or neck upward, and your head should be in the center of your camera (so there is room on either side of your head and space above the top of your head). You should be looking straight at the camera - not up or downward. Whenever possible you should take Zoom calls from a laptop set properly on a table or desk in front of you; and you should be sitting in a proper chair (not on the floor, a couch, a stool or lawn chair, etc.). For more tips about how to interview digitally - visit our post here!
Showcase Your Soft Skills
While technical skills are important, employers also value soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. Here is the list of top soft skills we think are important to display whenever possible (and genuine to you!). Think about specific instances where you have demonstrated these skills and how they relate to the job you're applying for. Prepare concise stories or examples that showcase your ability to work well with others, handle challenges, and contribute positively to a team. Real-life examples will enhance your answers and show that you are capable of excelling in the role.
Project Confidence
Most positions we place take a quite deal of self-confidence alongside high-powered and influential figures. In order to make a positive impression during an interview, confidence is essential. Make eye contact, maintain good posture, and speak clearly and concisely. Avoid excessive use of filler words (uhm, ya know, uh huh…) and take a moment to compose your thoughts before answering. A confident attitude will show your self-assurance and ability to handle challenges.
Follow-Up with a Thank-You Note
Thank your interviewer for their time and reiterate your interest in the position by sending them a personalized thank-you note or email after the interview. We always suggest such a note come 3-8 hours after an interview concludes. Make sure to thank them for their time, mention specific aspects of the conversation that resonated with you, and highlight your enthusiasm for the opportunity. A well-crafted thank-you note can leave a lasting positive impression and set you apart from other candidates. It also gives you the opportunity to showcase your writing skills!
Reflect and Learn
After the interview, take some time to reflect on the experience. Make sure you evaluate your performance, identify areas for improvement, and learn from any mistakes or missed opportunities. For valuable insight, ask the interviewer, your recruiter, or a mentor for feedback. This reflection process will help you grow and better prepare for future interviews.
Preparing for your interview can be both exciting and maybe a bit nerve-wracking (that’s normal!). With proper preparation and implementation of these tips, you can position yourself for success. An interview is an opportunity to demonstrate your skills, qualifications, and passion for the position. Authenticity, confidence, and well-preparedness will increase your chances of leaving a positive impression and securing your next job!