Interview Preparation: Tips to Land Your Dream Job

There’s no doubt that interviewing can be stressful. As a candidate, you’re fully aware of the competitive landscape of the job market and know that you may be up against multiple candidates for your dream job. The pressure is on to make a great first impression from the initial application and resume to absolutely nailing the interview. You know the saying you don’t get a second chance to make a great first impression. Preparing for a job interview is essential for even the smartest and most qualified candidates. But how can you ensure that you’re well prepared?

We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of tips to help you prepare for your next interview.

Job Description Analysis

First and foremost, make sure your background and skills are relevant to the job and the listed requirements. Unless the job posting specifically says no experience necessary, do not apply to the job if your experience and technical skills are not aligned. Job postings typically outline the experience and skills required for the role. Review the description in detail before applying. If you understand the role and the requirements, then get that resume ready and send it off!

Ok, so you’ve received a call from the recruiter or hiring manager. They like what they see on your resume, and they want to meet you. This is exciting! Now it’s time to prepare for the interview. You can do it!

Research the Company

You more than likely will not buy a car without research. You want to understand everything possible about that car before signing that agreement. Similarly, you shouldn’t go into an interview without researching the company. During your actual interview, your responses should demonstrate that you’ve researched the company, including understanding their mission and values, competitors, products and services, earnings etc. There are so many facts available on the web, but the key is to turn them into information that you can use to help you be more prepared. Check out the annual reports, the media releases, online directories that contain information about the company as well as Google’s indexing of the latest media reports and other references. You can also reach out to people on LinkedIn who work for the company. Of course, the company’s website will have a plethora of information that can give you an overview of the organization.

Practice Responses to Interview Questions

Recruiters interview multiple candidates for a role and have a limited amount of time to evaluate candidates. They select questions that will elicit responses that will help them determine the candidates that are best suited for the role. They will ask a combination of technical questions as well as other questions that will allow them to gain more knowledge about your soft skills and personality. Here is a list of some of the common interview questions that you may be asked. It is suggested that you review them and practice responding to them. You can practice by yourself in front of a mirror or ask a trusted friend to help you. You will find that by practicing you will be more prepared to ace the interview.

Common Interview Questions

• Why are you looking to leave your current company/job?
• Why do you want to work for our company?
• What do you know about our company?
• What are you looking for in your next role?
• Tell us your understanding of the position and how your background aligns?
• What are your greatest strengths?
• What are your biggest weaknesses?
• What accomplishments in your professional life are you most proud of?
• Describe a time when you did XYZ, how did you handle it, what was the
  result?

Self-Introduction Question

It goes without saying; “Tell me a little about yourself” is a common interview question that you will be asked. This self-introduction interview question can feel a bit awkward and can catch you off guard because it seems so vague. What does the interviewer really want to know? How much should you tell? Should you keep it professional, include personal information?

Interviewers will ask this question as an ice breaker, or just as a way to establish a clear path to the interview to get to know you. Prepare yourself by practicing. If you’ve done your research on the company, you can make your response relevant to the position you’re pursuing.

Keep it professional. Your goal when answering this question is to provide a brief and concise overview of your career story, while highlighting relevant experiences. A suggested best practice is to start with how you began working in the field, then show your progression, highlight projects and accomplishments, and conclude with your current or most recent situation. If you’re a recent college graduate, start with the fact that you recently graduated and what led you to this career path.

Master the art of “bragging”

You’ll need to master the art of “bragging”. Be prepared to communicate your strengths, highlight your experiences, and demonstrate why you’re the best fit for the job. You want to sell yourself without sounding too cocky or too modest. There’s a fine line here, and you have to be strategic with execution. As much as possible remember to demonstrate how your experience and skills align with the job you’re applying for. Show how your past behavior and experience can bring value to the role.

Choose Your Outfit

Wearing the right outfit can help you feel more comfortable, confident, and prepared, and can help you make a strong first impression. You can learn about the dress code and appropriate workplace attire from the recruiter or from the company’s website, and select your interview outfit accordingly. Give yourself enough time to prepare. A day or two before your interview select your outfit and take the time to check the outfit for stains or tears etc. A good practice is laying out your selected outfit the night before to help you save time and make sure your outfit is coordinated. Be prepared with a nice bag for your resumes, notebook and pen. It’s always a good idea to bring extra copies of your resume to an interview. This will save time and prevent any potential embarrassment for both you and the interviewer in case they don’t have a copy.

Interview Day

Make sure you’re fully rested and prepared for your interview. Give yourself enough time to get ready. Keep your makeup professional and appropriate for the workplace, and your hairstyle simple and off your face if possible. Keep the perfume to a minimum. Research how long it will take to get to the interview location and take into account any required adjustment needed for local traffic at the time of your interview. Try to arrive 15 minutes early. Remain friendly and professional with everyone you encounter from the time you arrive. You may find it helpful to take a few minutes before your interview to visit the restroom, check your attire, and calm your nerves. Upon meeting your interviewer, give a firm handshake, make eye contact, and get ready to land that job! It’s Showtime!

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