5 Essential Steps to Get Ready for an Interview

Congratulations on landing an interview! Now that you have the opportunity to showcase your skills and experience to the hiring manager, it’s time to focus on preparing for the big day. Although job interviews can be nerve-wracking, proper preparation can help ease your nerves and increase your chances of success. From researching the company to practising common interview questions, there are several steps you can take to get ready for an interview. Here are five essential steps to follow:

1. RESEARCH THE COMPANY AND THE ROLE 

Before going to an interview, it’s essential to understand the company and the role you applied for by researching the company you are interviewing with. This will help you understand the company’s values, culture, and mission statement, as well as their products or services. Doing this research will also help you formulate well-thought-out questions to ask your interviewer, and show them that you’re genuinely interested in the company and the position. Here are some tips to consider when researching the company:

• Explore the company’s website: Start by checking out their “About Us” page to learn about their history, mission, and values. Browse through their products and services to understand what they do and who their clients are.
• Check out their social media presence: Follow the company on LinkedIn, Twitter, and other social media platforms to get an idea of their culture, recent news, and any industry trends they’re talking about.
• Look for company reviews: Check out online reviews on websites like Glassdoor to learn about the company’s reputation and what current or former employees have to say about their experiences.
• Look for news articles: Search online for any recent news articles about the company. This can give you insight into the company’s current events and direction.
• Read the job description thoroughly: Make sure you understand the role you’re applying for and the responsibilities that come with it. Identify the key skills and experience that the company is looking for, and prepare to highlight them in your responses.

2. REVIEW COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

One of the best ways to feel confident and prepared for an interview is to practise your responses to common interview questions. Rehearsing your responses in advance will help you articulate your thoughts clearly, and ensure that you don’t forget any key points you want to make. Here are some common interview questions to prepare for:

• Tell me about yourself.
• Why do you want to work for our company?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Describe a challenging situation you faced and how you overcame it.
• Where do you see yourself in five years?
• What are your salary expectations?
• What are your long-term career goals?

To prepare your responses, start by making a list of the questions you’re likely to be asked, and then practise answering them out loud. Practice makes perfect, and this holds true for interviews. Rehearse your answers to the interview questions with a friend or family member. This will help you feel more confident and comfortable answering questions during the actual interview. Try to keep your responses concise and focused on the most relevant details. However, you should avoid memorising your answers word for word, as this can make your responses sound robotic or insincere.

In addition to practising your answers, you can also practise other aspects of the interview, such as your body language and tone of voice. Pay attention to your posture, eye contact as these nonverbal cues can convey a lot about your confidence and professionalism.

3. DRESS TO IMPRESS 

Your attire can play a significant role in how you’re perceived during an interview. Dressing appropriately can help you make a positive first impression, and demonstrate your professionalism and attention to detail. Here are some tips to consider when deciding what to wear:

• Dress for the company culture: While it’s important to look professional, you should also take into account the company’s dress code and culture. Some companies have a more casual dress code, so it’s important to research the company’s culture beforehand to ensure you’re dressed appropriately. For instance, if you’re interviewing for a tech startup, a suit and tie might not be necessary. Similarly, when interviewing at art companies or businesses in the creative industry, one might wear clothing that incorporates bright colours, patterns, and an overall individualistic, creative style. People are generally well-received when they express their personality through their appearance in this type of industry.

4. PRACTISE YOUR BODY LANGUAGE 

Your body language can reveal a lot about your personality, attitude, and confidence level. During an interview, it’s essential to make a positive impression through your body language. Here are some tips to consider:

• Maintain good posture: Sit up straight and avoid slouching or leaning too far forward.
• Maintain eye contact: Looking the interviewer in the eye shows that you’re interested and engaged in the conversation. 
• Avoid fidgeting: Tapping your foot, twirling your hair, or other nervous habits can be distracting and convey a lack of confidence. 
• Practise your handshake: A firm handshake is a sign of confidence and professionalism. Practice with a friend or family member to ensure your handshake is firm but not too aggressive.

5. PREPARE YOUR OWN QUESTIONS 

Asking thoughtful questions during an interview shows your interest in the company and your dedication to the position. Before your interview, prepare a list of questions to ask your interviewer. Here are some examples of questions you can ask:

• What qualities do you look for in a successful candidate for this position? 
• What are the biggest challenges facing this department or team? 
• What opportunities are there for professional development within the company? 
• What is the company culture like? 
• How does the company encourage work-life balance?

By asking these questions, you will demonstrate your interest in the company and show that you have done your research.

CONCLUSION 

Preparing for an interview can seem overwhelming, but by following these five essential steps, you can increase your chances of success. With these steps, you'll be well on your way to acing your interview and landing your dream job as you will feel more confident and prepared for your interview. Remember to also be yourself and let your personality shine through during the interview. Good luck!

 References:

 

1. https://post.edu/blog/have-an-interview-6-reasons-why-research-is-key/
2. https://www.experis.com/en/insights/articles/2021/05/25/20-tips-for-great-job-interviews
3. https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/interview-tips/how-to-prepare-for-an-interview
4. https://recruiteze.com/what-to-wear-for-job-interview/
5. https://www.themuse.com/advice/interview-body-language-tips
6. https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/interview-tips/7-good-questions-to-ask-at-an-interview

For more information and jobsearch advice, see our blog post on how storytelling can help your job search, as well as our cover letter do's and don'ts.