Job Interview Tips - Make a Great Impression(1)

Congratulations!! You have your job interview scheduled— All the Best.

 This is a 3 posts series to help you ace in your interviews. The posts are as under:

What to do - before the interview - Click here!

What to do - during the interview - Click here!

What to do – after the interview - Click here!

Let us help you prepare for your interview. Below is an overview of how to succeed in an interview.

What to do - before the interview

In the days before your job interview, set aside some time to do the following:

1. Research about the company and your interviewers.

Understanding key information about the company you’re interviewing with will give you the much required confidence to go into your interview. Using the company’s website, social media posts and recent press releases will provide a solid understanding of the company’s goals and how your background makes you a great fit.

2. Read about common Interview questions and practice your answers.

Prepare your answer to the common question like “Tell me about yourself, and what interests you in this role with our company?” Your preparation will help you quickly communicate who you are and what value you will bring to the company and the role—this is your personal elevator pitch. Read 9 deadly Interview Questions

3. Decipher the requirements from the job description.

You may want to print the job description and begin underlining specific skills the employer is looking for. Recall few examples from your past and current work that align with these requirements.

4. STAR methodology in answering questions.

Prepare to be asked about times in the past when you used a specific skill and use the STAR method to tell stories with a clear Situation, Task, Action and Result.

5. Call a friend to practice answering questions.

Generally, practicing your answers out loud with a friend or someone is an effective way to prepare for your interviews. You will observe that you gain confidence as you get used to saying the words.

6. Prepare a list of references.

Your interviewers might require you to submit a list of references before or after your interview. Having a  list of referees ahead of time can help you quickly complete this step to move forward in the hiring process.

7. Prepare examples of your work.

During your interview, you may likely be asked about specific projects you’ve completed in relation to the position. After reviewing the job description, think of work you’ve done in past jobs, that show you have experience and success doing the work they require.

8. Prepare smart questions for your interviewers.

Interviews are a two-way discussion. Employers expect you to ask questions: they want to know that you’re thinking seriously about their company and the position. Here are some questions you may want to consider asking your interviewers:

• Is this a new or a replacement role?
• Can you explain some of the day-to-day responsibilities this job entails?
• What are the required characteristics of someone who would succeed in this role?
• How would the performance of the individual in this role be measured? How often?
• Who are the internal stakeholders that this position works with?
• How do these departments typically collaborate?
• What does that process look like?
• What are the challenges you’re currently facing in this role?

Do practice the above steps to make it a habit. Read Things not to do during your interview

Now read about what to do - during the interview - Job Interview Tips

Now read about what to do – after the interview - Job Interview Tips