Congratulations, you’ve earned an interview! Now what?
Rather than rest on your laurels (or just rest) after scheduling your interview, consider this the perfect opportunity to differentiate yourself by using these job interview tips to ramp up your preparation.
Do More Research
Learn as much as you can about the company with whom you will interview. Expand on what you learned during your application phase research. Some of the ways to do this:
- Study the company website
- Google the company and the industry they are in to learn current trends
- Ask around, learn everything you can from friends, family, and those with whom you network—you might even gain a new reference or pick up a talking point to use in your interview
- Try to gain an understanding of the company culture: what they wear, the level of formality, do they leave promptly at five or stay until the job is done?
- What are the company’s challenges that they hope to solve by filling this position? What solutions could you offer is were you chosen for the job?
Prepare to Play your Role
It is a common misconception that a candidate should “just be yourself” at a job interview. Others find the prospect of interviewing so intimidating that they freeze up. In practice, you can prepare for your interview to help ensure success!
Keep in mind that by the time you’re invited to interview, the Hiring Managers have an idea that you are qualified for the position. The interview is their opportunity to determine whether your skills and personality will be the best fit for the company.
To prepare for the interview, practice answering common interview questions and those you anticipate your target company might ask. What questions would you ask if you were in their shoes? What answers would most meet your needs if you were hiring for this position?
As you prepare for the interview, you are preparing to play the role of the Ideal Candidate for this position. Craft your language and behavior to spotlight which of your traits will be the best fit for the company and will most suit their ideal candidate.
Also be ready to ask questions to those conducting the interview. Many interviewers give the interviewing job candidate the opportunity to ask questions of them prior to completing the interview. Be ready with great questions that show you’ve done your homework on the the company and industry. This can be another time to shine.
In addition to this page, you’ll find helpful job hunting tips and resources on other pages of this section of our website. You’ll also find helpful information in our “Work It” blog.
