With job interviews, preparation is often the key to success. However, it’s also critical to prepare in the right way. If you want to get moving in the right direction, here are seven things you should do before an interview, according to recruiters.
1. Research the Company
One of the most critical steps that candidates can take is to research the company before the interview. It creates opportunities to learn more about its products or services, mission and values, company culture, current projects, and much more. Then, job seekers can use that information to tailor their interview answers to include some of those details, making a better overall impression.
2. Learn More About the Hiring Manager
Similar to the point above, learning about the hiring manager benefits candidates. It lets them target their responses based on that specific hiring manager’s needs and priorities. Often, LinkedIn is an ideal place to start, as it gives details about the hiring manager’s broader role at the company and career journey, as well as their personality.
3. Practice Interview Answers
When it comes to answering interview questions, practice makes perfect. Review common interview questions based on the job, prepare responses in advance, and rehearse them to get comfortable with the content. That makes speaking clearly and confidently easier while also ensuring that job seekers don’t forget a critical detail during the meeting.
4. Provide Specifics
When answering interview questions, it’s critical to provide specifics instead of generalizations. Discuss individual accomplishments that relate to the question, and quantify the details whenever possible. By doing so, the end result is far more complete and compelling.
5. Review Your Resume
Another critical step is to take a moment to review the resume or application the candidate submitted for the specific job. Often, hiring managers will reference details in those documents during the interview. By rereading the resume or application, job seekers know what the hiring manager already knows and where they may need to expand, making it easier to prepare for related questions.
6. Know Where You’re Going
While the hiring manager will usually provide an address to the interview site well before an interview, don’t rely on GPS alone to get you there on time. Instead, review the route in advance and even travel it if possible. Find alternative paths to the destination and factor in how traffic may impact traveling speed. That ensures candidates can leave at an appropriate time to ensure they aren’t late, as well as gives them options if the first route becomes less than ideal.
7. Prepare Questions for the Hiring Manager
Near the end of the interview, candidates usually have a chance to ask the hiring manager some questions. By asking a few, it causes job seekers to come across as engaged and enthusiastic. Plus, it’s a chance to get additional details about the role, company culture, and whether they’re a top candidate.
If candidates aren’t sure what to ask, the following options work well:
- Can you describe a typical day in this position?
- What does the pipeline of projects look like?
- Do you have any concerns about hiring me?
Our Recruiters Will Help You Find a Job Today
Ultimately, all of the tips above can help candidates prepare for an interview and increase their odds of job search success. If you’d like to learn more or are currently seeking out new opportunities, TekCom wants to hear from you. Contact us today.
