Congratulations! Your application was a success 🤩 Now it’s time to prep for the interview.
The interview is your #1 chance to showcase to employers why you’re the best fit for the role.
Before you begin
To best prepare for the job interview, you should find out the interview structure. You can do this by reaching out to the recruiter and asking how they tend the run their job interviews, i.e.
- Is it a casual interview?
- Is it a technical/skill-based interview?
- Will the questions follow the STAR structure?
- Is there anything you should be aware of?
Knowing this will help you come prepared and answer questions correctly.
Familiarise yourself with the job description
Before going into an interview, it’s good practice to re-read the job description to familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of the role, as well as the skills, attributes and qualities they’re looking for. It can help to write these down in a list.
When it comes to answering interview questions, you can relate your answers back to these key points.
Research the organisation
Employers LOVE it when you’ve done your research — they’re proud of where they work and they want you to be as well. Not only will doing in-depth research of the company give you more to talk about and answer questions better, it highlights you’re serious about the position and are prepared to do more than just surface-level work.
Show alignment when responding to questions
Understanding the goals, values and vision of the company and showcasing this during your interview discussion will demonstrate you align with what they’re doing.
It’s important to remain authentic when communicating this. Relate your alignment with a personal anecdote or past experience that has led you to feel so strongly about what they do. This ensures it doesn’t just sound like you’re reciting something you read on their website.
Study interview questions
Each interview is different, but there are common questions you’ll likely get asked that you can adequately prepare for. This helps you to go into the interview feeling prepared, which will settle nerves and put you in the best frame of mind.
Here’s some examples below and how to answer them:
Why would you like to work for this company?
“I believe in what your company is doing, and I think it provides a lot of benefit for [who or what it benefits]. I personally align very strongly with your vision of [state their vision]. Reason being, [your personal alignment]. I’ve also been following you for X time and have enjoyed seeing the work you’ve done, I would love to be able to contribute to that.”
Why should we hire you?
“This role is not just a job for me, but a chance for me to contribute to something I strongly support. Therefore, I will always give 110% and am eager to continue to grow and develop. I also believe I’m a great team member and will fit in well with the culture at [ company name].
What do you hope to get out of this job?
“I am looking to work in a team that inspires me, and to contribute to something I support and believe in. I also feel the role will provide great opportunities to help me build my skills and knowledge in [industry].”
Why are you looking to leave your current company?
“I’m looking to grow and challenge myself with new skills, and I feel that this opportunity will allow me to do that than if I was to stay at my current company.”
Take the time to think deeply about each of these questions. It can help to first write them down, and then practice saying them out loud in front of a mirror. You could even record a video of yourself answering them. This is beneficial as it allows you to see and hear yourself through a different platform. We often think we sound and look different to how we really are, so it’s a great opportunity to see this in action.
Once you’re confident, you can ask someone else like a family member or friend to ask you the questions as well.
You can find more great interview questions and how to answer them in the Job Search Secrets course.
Think of some questions to ask your recruiter
If there’s one thing you can do to standout in an interview, it’s to ask the recruiter questions. Seriously, nobody does this — but it’s so important!
Asking questions during an interview is important because it shows you’re eager and curious about the role and the company.
Here’s some example questions you can ask 👇
- What are the core problems you want someone in this role to solve?
- How do you see this role developing over time?
- What is something you have been wanting to see happen in this role, but haven’t had the resources to take on yet?
- What do you like best about working here?
- What’s the company culture like?
Demonstrate strong communication skills
Verbal
- Try to be as articulate as possible and avoid saying “um”
- Use the STAR technique to answer behavioural questions in a strategic and effective manner (learn more about this in our Job Search Secrets course)
- Be precise and specific about your skills and experience
Nonverbal communication
- Maintain eye contact
- Maintain positive facial expressions to show your interest in the job and the company
- Active listening (don’t just nod your head and say “yeah”)
- Maintain a confident and professional tone of voice
- Don’t interrupt the recruiter while they are talking
Your communication skills, both verbal and nonverbal reveal your emotional intelligence and can help you build trust with the recruiter. Remember to be tactful and polite during interpersonal communication.
Lastly, practice basic interview etiquette
Some basics for the day of the interview:
- Dress professionally & well-groomed
- Be punctual
- Greet them with a smile and firm handshake
This allows you to make a first good impression. Of course, what you say during the interview matters the most but there’s no point if they are more focused on your poorly composed outfit or annoyed that you were 20 minutes late.
If you found this useful, you’ll love our Job Search Secrets course. We’ve got stacks full of information, like reach-out templates, tips for writing a winning CV and in-depth advice on how to nail your interview. Check it out here: https://useverb.com/courses/jobsearchsecretscourse.
You got this, good luck! 💪
