Preparing for Your Interview...
Did you know the average number of interviews before getting a job offer is 2–3 [i][ii]. However, this number could be higher or lower depending on the company’s hiring process and the position you are applying for [iii]. If you are interviewing for a high-level executive position, you may need to go on more than four interviews [iv]. If you are interviewing for an entry-level position, you may only need to go on one or two interviews [v]… So, properly preparing for a job interview is critical!
Below are 20 great interview tips to help you make the best impression:
1. Research the company
Before any interview, review the company’s website and LinkedIn profile. Make sure you understand the company’s mission, values, and goals. Next, perform an online search for any news relating to the company. This may provide insight into the company’s earnings, financial health, and overall stability. Finally, read online reviews of the company on Glassdoor.com and similar sites to get a better sense of the culture. With that said, beware of overly glowing reviews, they may be tilted in favor of the employer out of fear of retaliation, or of pressure from management for current employees to write favorable comments.
2. Research the position
Review the job description once again. Make sure you understand the duties of the role and each job requirement. This will help you be better prepared to address any deficits you might have and highlight your experience. Remember to formulate job specific questions to ask during the interview. For example: "Will I be working as a a sole contributer?"; "Will I be working with stakeholders in different time zones?"; "What does a typical workday look like?"
3. Research the interviewer
Review the interviewer’s LinkedIn profile prior to your meeting. Read the “about” section to learn more about who they are and what drives them. Look at their past experiences to gain a sense of their career progression. Then look at their connections within the industry and company. This will give you an idea of where they fall within the overall hierarchy of the firm and of course their industry.
4. Preparing for Interview Questions
Begin by taking the free 50-minute online LinkedIn Learning course “Mastering Common Interview Questions”:[vi] https://www.linkedin.com/learning/mastering-common-interview-questions/be-prepared-with-authentic-answers?autoplay=true
5. Understand the STAR method
The STAR interview method is a technique you can use to prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions [vii]. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action and Result [viii]. Hiring managers ask behavioral interview questions to determine whether you are the right fit for a job [ix]. By using this strategy, you can make sure you're fully addressing the interviewer's question while also demonstrating how you were able to overcome previous challenges and be successful [x].
6. Be prepared to discuss your strengths and weaknesses
When discussing your strengths and weaknesses during an interview, it's important to speak positively about yourself and expand on your accomplishments [xi]. Offer specific strengths and weaknesses to avoid ambiguity [xii]. Be honest about your abilities [xiii]. Ensure the strengths you provide support the job description and help you distinguish yourself as a candidate [xiv]. Use the job description to frame your answer [xv]. Your strengths and weaknesses should reflect the requirements of the role. Ensure that you highlight your skills that are listed in the job description, and explain how you will gain or improve critical skills that you lack [xvi]. In case the hiring manager asks about strengths and weaknesses at the same time, discuss your weaknesses first so that you can end on a positive note [xvii].
Here's an example of how you can address your weaknesses in an interview:
"I tend to be a bit of a perfectionist and sometimes I spend too much time on small details. However, I've learned to prioritize my tasks and focus on the big picture. I've also learned to delegate tasks to other team members when necessary."
Here's an example of how you can address your strengths in an interview:
"I believe my greatest strength is my ability to work well under pressure. In my previous job, I was responsible for managing a team of 10 people and we had a tight deadline to meet. I was able to motivate my team and we were able to complete the project on time and within budget. I also have strong communication skills which have helped me build strong relationships with clients and colleagues."
7. Practice, practice, practice
It is always a good idea to practice your interview skills before the big day. This will help you feel more confident and prepared. Afterwards, you can practice with a friend or family member, or by using a practice interview tool such as Google’s “Interview Warmup” tool: https://grow.google/certificates/interview-warmup/ [xviii]
8. Dress for success
One of the most important interview tips is to dress for success. This means wearing clothing that is professional and makes you look your best whether your interview is online or in-person. According to author John T. Malloy, author of “Dress for Success”, candidates should dress like they already have the job. According to his research, he discovered respondents were found to subconsciously judge candidate’s clothes to see if they would fit in with other employees. For contemporary wardrobe tips visit: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-wear-job-interview-get-hired-by-linkedin-news/
9. Bring 2 copies of your resume
Your resume will serve as a reference point for both you and the reviewer to walk through your employment history, skills, and education while also enabling you to point out some of your career highlights.
10. Arrive on time
Make sure to arrive at the interview on time – or even a few minutes early. Punctuality is key. This shows the interviewer that you are organized, respectful and that you take the interview seriously. It also shows you are dependable and if hired, starting work on time won’t be an issue.
11. Make a good first impression
Be polite and respectful to everyone you meet during the interview, from the receptionist to the interviewer. Shake hands firmly. Remember that first impressions are very important.
12. Make eye contact
Make eye contact with the interviewer when you’re speaking and listening. This shows that you are engaged and interested in what they have to say.
13. Make a connection
Find something in common with the interviewer. Again, review the interviewer’s LinkedIn Profile and focus on the following: Do they live near you? Did they attend the same college/university as yourself, family, or friends? Did they work at the same companies as yourself, family, or friends? Do you have connections in common? Do you follow the same influencers? If so, a good prompt might be: “I noticed you attended Boston University, so did I!” ...pause and let them finish the thought.
14. Listen carefully
Pay attention to the interviewer’s questions and make sure you understand what they’re asking. Be articulate, respond clearly and concisely to questions. Be honest. If you don’t know the answer to a question, say so.
15. Be yourself
Remember to be yourself during the interview. The interviewer wants to get to know you, so be genuine and honest. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. The interviewer will see through it.
16. Stay positive and upbeat
Avoid negative comments about past employers. Instead, show enthusiasm. Demonstrate you’re excited about the opportunity and eager to learn more.
17. Sell yourself and your skills
Make sure to sell yourself during the interview. Talk about your skills and experience, and explain why you’d be a great fit for the position.
18. Be assertive and show confidence
Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want but don’t be cocky.
19. Be sure to ask questions
This shows that you’re interested in the position and the company. Some good questions to ask are:
What are the biggest challenges facing the company right now?
What is the company culture like?
What are the biggest priorities for the position?
Are there any career development opportunities associated with this position?
How would you describe the ideal candidate for this position?
20. Thank the interviewer
At the end of your interview be sure to thank the interviewer for their time and reiterate your interest in the position. Ask them what the next steps are. Afterwards, follow up with a thank-you email or note.
If you need additional career advice including resume writing services
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Good Luck!
Strategic Search Associates, LLC
References:
[i] 27 Astonishing Interview Statistics for 2023 - What To Become. https://bing.com/search?q=typical+number+of+interviews+before+job+offer.
[ii] How Many Interviews Are There Before A Job Offer?. https://www.presentationskills.me/how-many-interviews-are-there-before-a-job-offer/.
[iii] How Many Interviews to Expect Before a Job Offer. https://insightglobal.com/blog/how-many-interviews-before-job-offer/.
[iv] What is An Average Amount of Interviews to Conduct Before a Job Offer?. https://www.axiomstaffing.com/2021/07/what-is-an-average-amount-of-interviews-to-conduct-before-a-job-offer/.
[v] FAQ: How Many Job Interviews Are in the Hiring Process?. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/how-many-interviews-for-a-job.
[vi] LinkedIn Learning course “Mastering Common Interview Questions”: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/mastering-common-interview-questions/be-prepared-with-authentic-answers?autoplay=true
[vii] How to use the Star Interview Response Technique | Indeed.com. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/how-to-use-the-star-interview-response-technique.
[viii] How To Use the STAR Interview Method (With Example). https://hk.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/star-interview-method.
[ix] Get to Know Candidates With the STAR Interview Format - Indeed. https://www.indeed.com/hire/c/info/star-interview-format.
[x] How to Use the STAR Method to Ace Your Job Interview | The Muse. https://www.themuse.com/advice/star-interview-method.
[xi] Interview Question: "What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?" - Indeed. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/interview-question-what-are-your-strengths-and-weaknesses.
[xii] How to Answer: What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses? - Betterteam. https://www.betterteam.com/strengths-and-weaknesses.
[xiii] Interview Question: "What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?". https://ca.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/strengths-and-weaknesses.
[xiv] Interview Question: "What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?" - Indeed. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/interview-question-what-are-your-strengths-and-weaknesses.
[xv] 10 Examples of Strengths and Weaknesses for Job Interviews. https://www.coursera.org/articles/strengths-and-weaknesses-interview.
[xvi] How to Answer: What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses? - Betterteam. https://www.betterteam.com/strengths-and-weaknesses.
[xvii] Interview Question: "What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?" - Indeed. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/interview-question-what-are-your-strengths-and-weaknesses.
[xviii] Google’s “Interview Warmup” tool: https://grow.google/certificates/interview-warmup/.
Great advice! Looking forward to more posts
Very helpful tips! My spouse recently got laid off and is actively looking for a new role. Will share this with him and encourage him to check out Strategic Search Associates‘s website for further guidance. Thx!
Very helpful, useful, & valuable information
Great advice no matter where you are on your career path!!
Regina has helped many of my long-time colleagues and former clients source highly qualified talent. She goes the extra ten miles to figure out, and the find, the right fit. Fewer interviews, more homeruns. She's best of the best!