Photo by Medienstürmer on Unsplash
YOU DID IT! You’ve landed an interview, CONGRATULATIONS!
This is a big deal and should be treated as such. You stood out to the hiring team with just the words on your resume and perhaps a screening call, and now it’s your time to really shine.
If it’s a video call, remember it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed.
Just a phone call? A smile through the phone is readily perceivable by the person on the other end of the line and can set the tone for the entire call.
Here are a few other considerations in preparing for your upcoming interview.
Company Research
Take a look at the company’s website, look them up on LinkedIn, and check them out on GlassDoor. Make sure you have a good grasp of who they are and what they do. Take notes on key points such as where their headquarters are located, how large the company is, how long the company has been in business, what they’re best known for, and who they compete against.
Know Your Interviewer
Find out from the recruiter or hiring manager who you’ll be interviewing with and do some research on them. LinkedIn and the company website are a couple of good places to look.
Have some questions ready for the interviewer. Brainstorm the top 3 things you’d like to know about the position. Examples: What does a typical day look like in this role? How big is the team I’ll be working with? Is this a new position, and if yes, why was it created? What is the career path for this role?
Remember the interviewer’s name! Write it on a piece of paper and stick it somewhere that you can easily reference during the call. Using their name often in conversation is a sign of courtesy and will show that you are present and engaging. At the least, try using their name at the beginning and the end of the conversation.
Reference the Job Description
This will show the interviewer that you understand the job requirements and allows you to showcase how your skills and experience line up well with the role that you’re interviewing for. Go back to the job description and highlight the areas that you can show direct experience with and jot down some examples to reference during the call. Bullet points make it easier to glance at your notes and quickly grab the needed info.
Know Who You Are
We’re all aware of the dreaded “tell me about yourself” prompt. Some people have no problem describing themselves, but for the other 95% of us, it seems to be a struggle.
Consider starting from either the beginning of your career or the most recent relevant position that you’ve held. From there, showcase experiences, strengths, and abilities as it relates to the job you’re discussing, and be ready to share specific examples of each. Also, be prepared to address any gaps in employment that were longer than a month, and to provide reasons for leaving past jobs.
Preparation should give you the confidence and ability to present your best self. Remember to have fun with it. It’s absolutely okay to show your playful and humorous side, just remember to stay on task. Let them see the real person that they’re potentially hiring.
We’d love to hear from you… What are your steps in preparing for an interview?
Written by: Emily Henion, Search Consultant at Hunter Crown, LLC
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