Preparation for the interview
Preparing for an interview means, above all, taking the time to carefully consider your objectives and qualifications in relation to the position and the employer. To achieve this, you need to research the company and carefully review the job description to understand why you would be a good candidate. Let’s see the steps to follow to prepare for the interview.
- Carefully review the job description
When you do your prep work, you should base your work on the employer’s job description. The job description is a list of the qualities, characteristics and background that the employer is looking for in the ideal candidate. The more you can match these details, the more the employer will be able to see that you are qualified. The job description can also give you ideas for questions the employer might ask during the interview.
- Consider why you are interviewing and what qualifications you have
Before your interview, you need to have a clear understanding of why you want the job and why you are qualified. You must be prepared to explain your interest in this opportunity and why you are the best person for the position.
- Research the company and the role
Researching the company you’re applying to is an important part of preparing for a job interview. Not only will this help provide context for your interviews, but it will also help you prepare thoughtful questions for interviewers.
Researching the company and position as thoroughly as possible will give you an edge over the competition. Additionally, thorough preparation for a job interview will help you stay calm and look your best. Here are some things you should know before going to a job interview:
Search for the product or service
Even if the role is not directly related to the company’s product or service, you still want to be part of the team. It is important to learn as much as possible about the product or service that the company produces and promotes. You don’t necessarily need to understand every detail, especially if it’s a technical product and you’re applying for a non-technical position, but you should have a basic understanding of the main products or services the company offers.
If possible, ask for a sample of the product to get the customer’s perspective. The more you can tell them about the product, from both the company and customer perspective, the better you will do in the interview.
Find the newspaper
It is important to read the job description carefully and make sure you understand all the requirements and responsibilities that come with it. Not only will this prepare you to ask thoughtful, focused questions about the job during the interview, but it will also ensure that you are truly qualified and prepared to handle the responsibilities should you get the job.
If possible, research similar roles and read reviews from people in those roles to get an idea of what day-to-day activities will be like. During the interview, ask for clarification or details about the role to make sure you’re ready if you receive a job offer. Researching the role before an interview will also help you decide if the position is right for you.
Research the company culture
Modern companies often have social media accounts and blogs that discuss their company culture and industry. This information can give you a sense of the company’s tone and personality, as well as what it values. No matter how great a job seems, it’s important that you fit into the company culture and share similar personalities and values.
If you have questions about the work environment, culture, personality or values, ask during the interview. These questions can range from the software and tools used by the company to its vacation and sick leave policies. Remember that the interview is as much about finding a good fit for your own work environment as it is about the company finding a good fit for the role. Knowing that your values are aligned with those of the company guarantees a happy professional life. This is also the perfect opportunity to find out more about the company and show the interviewer how you would fit in.
- Consider your answers to common interview questions
While you can’t predict every question you’ll be asked in an interview, there are some common questions you can plan answers for. You might also consider developing an elevator pitch that quickly describes who you are, what you do, and what you want.
There are some jobs that may involve a test or evaluation during the interview process. For example, if you are interviewing for a computer programming, development or analysis role, you may also be asked to write or evaluate lines of code. It may be helpful to consult with colleagues in the industry for examples of tests they have been given to prepare.
You should also prepare to discuss your salary expectations, just in case. If you’re unsure about what salary is appropriate to ask for the position you’re applying for, visit Indeed’s Salary Calculator to get a free, personalized salary range based on your location, industry and experience
5. Practice your speaking voice and body language
It’s important to make a positive and lasting impression during the interview process. You can do this by practicing a confident, strong speaking voice and friendly, open body language. While these might come naturally to you, you might also want to spend time practicing with trusted friends or family or in front of a mirror.
6. Prepare thoughtful questions for the interviewer
Many employers feel confident about candidates who ask thoughtful questions about the company and the position. You should take time before the interview to prepare several questions for your interviewer(s) that show you’ve researched the company and are well-versed about the position. Some examples of questions you could ask include:
7. Conduct mock interviews
Just like public speaking, practicing interviews is the best way to relieve anxiety and improve your confidence. Practice may feel tedious, but repeatedly experiencing the interview process will make you more comfortable and help you give the right impression.
If you have friends or family to help, conduct mock interviews as much as you can. If you don’t have another person, practice your questions and answers out loud. You may find that an answer sounds awkward or doesn’t convey what you wish when it’s spoken, so this gives you an opportunity to refine your answers and commit them to memory. The more you repeat your interview, the more confident you’ll be during the real thing.
8. Print hard copies of your resume
Most employers ask for digital copies of your resume with the application, but they may not have easy access to it during the interview itself. Having copies to present to multiple interviewers shows that you’re prepared and organized. You should have at least three copies to provide for multiple interviewers, plus one for yourself to follow along.
9. Prepare your travel arrangements
Job interviews tend to be stressful for most people for many reasons, but getting to the interview can be a challenge in itself. If your interview is an unfamiliar area or even an entirely new city, it can be a source of anxiety to find your way around and make sure that you show up on time.
To avoid becoming too anxious for your commute, prepare yourself to ensure everything goes smoothly on the day of the meeting. Here’s how:
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