Interviews can be a very nerve-wracking process. However, that is a completely natural response, and it is something almost everyone experiences. While there is no way to ensure that you will not be nervous, there are several things you can do to prepare for an upcoming interview. Here are 7 interview tips to help you prepare for your next interview.
1. Research The Company
First, you should research the company that is offering the position you are applying for. You can find reviews from former employees on Indeed that can provide you with a preview of what working there is like. Knowledge about the company can help you structure your answers in a way that can impress the interviewer.
Also, the interviewer will likely ask you what you know about the company and why you want to work for them. Once again, having knowledge about the company can help you structure your answers in a way that may impress the interviewer.
2. Know Your Resume
Throughout your interview, the interviewer will likely ask you about stuff on your resume, whether it be skills, projects, or work experience. It is important that you are familiar with everything to answer any questions the interviewer asks.
This is especially critical with any skills on your resume. The interviewer will ask you about the skills you have on your resume. You must be able to show that you know the skills you claim you have. By reviewing everything you have on your resume, you can review any skills you may not fully remember.
3. Prepare Answers For Some Common Interview Questions
While it is impossible to prepare for everything that will happen during your interview, there are usually a few common questions you receive. Here are a few common questions:
Tell me about yourself.
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Why do you want to work here?
Can you describe a challenge or conflict you've faced at work and how you handled it?
Where do you see yourself in five years?
The Harvard Business Review goes further in-depth, and it covers 10 Common Job Interview Questions and How to Answer Them.
4. Dress Appropriately
It is important that you confirm the dress code for the interviewer. Often, recruiters will mention it over the phone, but you should ask in the event they do not. Remember, it is always better to be overdressed than underdressed for your interview! Being underdressed may be a red mark on your application, but you would not get one for showing up in formal attire instead of business casual.
5. Prepare Yourself
Before your interview, there are a few things you can do to prepare for them. In general, the first few tips we recommended are pretty universal. However, preparation for in-person versus online interviews does vary.
In-Person Interviews
Bring all the necessary supplies you will need for your interview, such as a notebook and writing utensil. You can use these to take notes from your interview. As you arrive, make sure that you are organized. We strongly recommend bringing some supplies, but it is best to store them in some type of bag. Preferably, a somewhat professional looking bag. A plain backpack can be a good option.
Remote Interviews
Make sure to ensure your work environment is clear. Have your background be as clear of distractions as possible. An empty wall is best because it makes you the only thing the employer can focus on.
If this is not possible, you should be sure to remove any immediate distractions. For example, if your bed is in the background, make sure it is made, and there are no dirty clothes lying around. Also, keep your door closed to make sure any family members or pets do not enter during your interview.
6. Arrive Early
At the latest, be sure to arrive at your interview 15 minutes early. With interviews, it is always better to be early than late. When it comes to interviews, you are late if you are not early. This is the first impression you can make with the employer, and it is a much better look to be early than late.
7. Prepare Some Questions For The Interviewer
Regardless of where the interview is being held, it is important to have some questions ready. While the majority of interviews are hard to predict, they will always end with asking if you have any questions. A strong set of questions can serve as an opportunity to impress the interviewer.
We recommend having a few questions already written down on your notebook that you take to your interview. It is possible that some of your questions may get answered, but you should make sure you have enough where you can ask one or two. Additionally, you should try to ask at least one question about something specific the interviewer said. This can show you were paying attention.
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