You got the call and you made the cut for an interview—nice work! You’re likely excited and nervous at the same time. The best way to calm those nerves is to prepare! Preparing for a job interview can be done in these five, easy steps.
Preparing for a Job Interview in Five Steps
1. Review the Position Description
Most job seekers apply to multiple jobs. If this was the case, hopefully, you saved a copy of the position description for each one! Begin by carefully reviewing the document to remind yourself of the skills, experience, and qualifications they are seeking. Having this at the forefront of your mind as you prepare and right before your interview is important. It will allow you to tailor your answers and conversation to the needs and wants of the employer.
2. Research the Company
Next, I recommend spending some time researching the company when preparing for a job interview. My three favorite ways to conduct research are on the company website, social media, and a good Google search. Here are things to look for:
Company Website
Read about the history of the company. Find out about the business structure, size, and geographic reach. Look for department information related to the position as well as names and faces of people who might be on the hiring committee. Making note of the mission, vision, and goals is very important as well!
Social Media
After you have looked at the website, try to locate the company and hiring manager on LinkedIn. Review any published articles on LinkedIn as well as company updates. Looking at Facebook and Instagram accounts can also be helpful and provide insight into the company’s current focus.
Google Search
Don’t underestimate the power and information that can result from a thorough Google search! Perhaps the company has been recognized in the media recently. Having that information and insight might provide a positive topic for you to bring up in conversation during the interview process.
3. Prepare Interview Stories
One of the best ways to stand out as a candidate in the interview phase is to provide specific examples and tangible results in the form of stories during an interview process. This is so important that I have devoted an entire blog post just to stories when preparing for a job interview. Check it out! Providing generic, ambiguous responses to interview questions is the quickest way to be classified as an average candidate.
4. Write Questions to Ask the Interviewer
You’ve probably heard that is important to ask questions during the interview process. It’s true. Plus, you need to gather information to make an informed decision about whether or not the position is right for you should you be extended an offer! Again, because this is such an important step when preparing for a job interview, I’ve written an article focused specifically on this step! Write a list of good questions that you can work into the conversation to gain good insight.
5. Complete a Mock Interview
Finally, I highly recommend completing a mock interview when preparing for a job interview. Having feedback on your responses and body language can be extremely valuable. Do you need help knowing what questions to prepare for or an expert to help be your mock hiring manager? Book a coaching call today! I love helping candidates preparing for job interviews to own the room by answering and communicating with confidence.
Final Thoughts on Preparing for a Job Interview
It shows when a candidate spends time properly preparing for a job interview. Don’t wait until the night before and make sure you involve others in the process for feedback. My most valuable interview prep as always involved getting feedback from a more experienced mentor or professional before I step foot in the room. With my job coaching package, you can get help with the entire job search process! If you only need help with interview prep, schedule a one-time coaching call for interview question and answer assistance or mock interview practice!
Do you have an interview? I can help!
I love helping candidates prepare for an interview! If you have an interview, let me help you prepare interview answers and stories that will make you stand out and adequately illustrate your skills and experience. Are you short on time? No problem! An hour session is all it takes to help you confidently knock your next interview out of the park!
Book a coaching call now!
