Interview Essential Tips | Interview Preparation Essentials PDF Download

Preparing for an interview and showcasing your best attributes can significantly enhance your prospects of receiving a job offer. You can leave a lasting impact on the hiring team by following specific steps before and after the interview. This article presents 23 tips that can aid you in preparing effectively for your interview and increasing your chances of success.

Here are some tips to help you prepare before the interview:

Learn about your interviewers and the company

Gaining knowledge about the company and the interviewers' responsibilities is crucial for boosting your confidence during an interview. To achieve this, you should explore the company's website, recent press releases, and social media activity to comprehend its vision and identify how your skills align with their requirements. It is recommended that you pay particular attention to the organization's mission statement and overall objectives to discuss them confidently with the interviewer.

Use the company's product

Irrespective of the position you are applying for, it is advisable to utilize the company's product before your initial interview. It is preferable to use it multiple times, considering that you will become the face of this product or service if you are employed. Acquire knowledge about the product's diverse features and understand its perception among customers. Showcase your expertise during the interview to leave a positive impression on the hiring manager.

Ask for the interview format

It is essential to inquire about the interview format since every company has its unique approach to conducting interviews. Some may pose brainteasers, case queries, or standard interview questions. In contrast, others may ask job-specific questions, require you to solve a problem or complete a task. To prepare well, it is advisable to ask the human resources manager about the type of interview questions you can expect. This information will enable you to get ready for the interview effectively.

Prepare your answers for commonly asked interview questions

Other common interview questions include:

• Why do you want to work for our company?
• What are your greatest strengths?
• What are your greatest weaknesses?
• How would your last supervisor describe you?
• Why should we hire you?
• Why did you leave your last job?
• Explain a challenge and how you overcame it.

Read the job description more than twice

It is advisable to read the job description thoroughly and highlight the critical sections and skills required for the job. Remember examples from your previous and current work experience that match the job requirements to demonstrate how you are a suitable fit for the role. By doing so, you will meet the expectations of the interviewers and increase your chances of being selected for the position.

Answer questions using the STAR method

Expect the employer to ask you about how you applied a specific skill in your previous job. Tell stories using the STAR method:

• Situation: Describe a specific challenge you faced.
• Task: Explain your role in the situation.
• Action: Detail the steps you took to overcome the challenge.
• Result: Explain the results you achieved, including anything you learned.

Ask for help to practice your answers

Practicing your answers by speaking them aloud is a productive way to prepare for an interview. You can seek assistance from a trusted friend or family member to go through the questions and answers together, or you can practice on your own. Your acquaintances can provide constructive feedback on your responses and how you deliver them, allowing you to improve your interviewing skills.

Prepare a reference list

It is recommended to prepare a reference list in advance since the interviewers may ask for it before or after the interview. Having a well-prepared reference list to present during the interview demonstrates your organizational skills and preparation for the role.

Come prepared with your work examples

It is probable that the interviewer may ask about the work you have completed, particularly those relevant to the position during the interview. To prepare well, recall the work you have undertaken in your previous jobs, volunteer positions, or clubs that demonstrate your proficiency and success in performing that work after reviewing the job description. If possible, bring a portfolio of examples to showcase during the interview. This will allow you to demonstrate your expertise and capabilities, which can increase your chances of securing the job.

Have smart questions for the interviewers

Employers prefer to hire applicants who come with questions. They are interested in finding out about your seriousness in working with their company. Following are some of the questions you can ask your interviewers:

• Can I know some of the daily responsibilities of this position?
• What qualities would you expect in someone successful in this role?
• How do you measure performance for this position? How often?
• What departments does your team interact with regularly?
• What do these departments use to collaborate?
• How does this process work?
• What challenges are you currently facing in this role?

Tips to follow during the interview

After preparing for the interview, you can be successful by following the tips below:

• Arrange your interview dress the night before
• Bring your resume copies, a pen and a notebook
• Make your schedule to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early
• Leave a positive first impression
• Respect everyone you meet
• Be confident
• Be positive and authentic
• Be truthful in your answers
• Relate your answers to your accomplishments and skills
• Be concise and focused in your answers
• Speak positively about your former employers

Arrange your interview dress the night before

It is recommended to prepare your interview attire the night before. Contact the human resources manager in advance to inquire about the company's dress code and dress appropriately for the interview. If you are uncertain about the dress code, you can research the company online to get an idea of what their employees typically wear. Opt for business professional attire if you are unable to obtain any information on the dress code.

Bring your resume copies, a pen and a notebook

To prepare for your interview, make sure to bring at least five printed copies of your resume to distribute. Keep a copy for yourself to refer to and highlight your job-related accomplishments. Additionally, bring a pen and notebook to take notes during the interview instead of relying on electronic devices. These notes will come in handy when you want to send thank-you notes later.

Make your schedule to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early

Plan to arrive at your interview location 10 to 15 minutes before the scheduled time to avoid being late. Prior to the interview day, obtain directions and do a trial run using your chosen mode of transportation. If you happen to arrive early, use the extra time to observe employees and their interactions to get a feel for the work environment.

Leave a positive first impression

To make a positive first impression during your interview, pay attention to small details such as inspecting your clothing for loose threads, pet hair, stains, or holes, maintaining clean and neat nails, and polishing your shoes. Additionally, maintain a smile and confident body language throughout the interview.

Respect everyone you meet

Some interviewers ask for feedback from other staff members. This includes the front desk staff, security personnel and others. Therefore, respect everyone you meet on the way to the interview. Not only does this help employers make a hiring decision, but it also starts building connections with the people you might work with.

Be confident

Look confident and accessible the moment you enter the premises. Sit or stand upright. Build self-confidence and release anxiety and stress by taking deep, slow breaths. When the interviewer offers a handshake, stand upright, look at the person confidently and smile. Be firm in your handshake.

Be positive and authentic

Being authentic during interview conversations helps employers relate to you. A smile and positive body language can help you feel relaxed when speaking with interviewers.

Be truthful in your answers

It can be tempting to overstate your accomplishments and skills, however, interviewers prefer and respect honesty. Stay focused on your major strengths and explain how your background qualifies you for the position.

Relate your answers to your accomplishments and skills

Make sure to answer a question by relating it to your previous job experience with examples of results and solutions you have achieved. Use the STAR method to tell stories that detail your process and achievements. Relate every opportunity to the requirements in the job specification.

Be concise and focused in your answers

Interviewers are usually busy and only have a limited amount of time for each interview, so keep your responses concise. Stay focused by practising your answers ahead of time.

Speak positively about your former employers

Instead of offering negative input, direct your discussion on what you have gained from previous work experiences and what you plan to do next. Companies prefer hiring problem solvers who can overcome difficult situations.

Helpful tips after the interview

After the interview, improve your chances of moving ahead by following the tips below:

Ask for the next steps

After the interview, it is better to ask your recruiter, hiring manager or interviewer about what you should expect in the following week. They will possibly send you a follow-up email with your interview results and a request for additional requirements like a reference list, an assignment or another interview.

Follow up with a personalized thank-you email

Request a business card from each of your interviewers to send them a personalized thank-you email. If your interview was in the morning, email your thank-you note the same day. If your interview was in the afternoon, the next morning is fine. Make sure to keep each email distinct from the others by using the notes you wrote during the conversations.