You landed that big job interview- Congratulations!
You know you will excel at the position, but first comes the interview process…
So now it is time to prepare, and peoplezest has you covered. Being prepared for your interview will give you the confidence to succeed in highlighting the most important qualities to illustrate your qualifications and show that you are the best candidate for the job.
Employers typically want to know three things:
Can you do the job?
Will you do the job?
Will you fit in with the company and their culture?
Your job is to demonstrate an unequivocal “yes” to all of these questions. To do this, you need to be aware of some of the characteristics employers seek in new hires. Some of the most sought-after attributes are:
Strong Communications Skills
Honesty/Integrity
Interpersonal Teamwork Skills
Motivation/Initiative
Strong Work Ethic
It is not uncommon to get nervous before an interview. Like other tasks you must master, interviewing is a skill that requires preparation and practice. In the days before your interview, set aside time to do the following.
Research the company and interviewers. Understanding key information about the company will help you go into the interview with confidence. Use the company’s website and social media.
Practice your answers to common interview questions. The idea is to quickly communicate who you are and what value you bring to the company
Review the job description.Identify specific skill sets the employer is seeking and how you fit into being the solution. Think about examples from your past and current work that align with these requirements.
Prepare examples of your work and relevant questions. Give specific examples of work you have completed that directly relates to the job. Interviewers welcome questions and want to know that you are serious about working with them.
Once you have done your homework, it is time to get in the right headspace and gain mental clarity. Treat the process the same, whether your interview is in person or virtual.
Plan your outfit the night before and try it on. Dress the part and keep accessories on the conservative side.
Have additional copies of your resume and visuals if applicable.
Arrive early.
Sit up straight, keep your arms uncrossed and demonstrate confidence.
Greet everyone politely and professionally.
Actively listen and do not interrupt.
Show that you are passionate about the opportunity. Demonstrate that you have a true desire to grow professionally.
Ask questions when appropriate and be actively engaged.
Inquire about the timeline for next steps.
Send a follow up note to express interest and gratitude for their time. This sets the expectation of a reply.
The more experience you get with interviewing, the less nervous you will feel and the easier it will flow. Interviewing is no different than preparing for a big sports game, performance or presentation, it just takes preparation and practice.
We love to hear feedback! Have you received any outstanding interview tips that have stuck with you? What blog topics would you like to see from peoplezest? Let us know in the comments!