Interview prep can be nerve-wracking, no matter how many job interviews you’ve been on before.
It’s natural to want to put your best foot forward and make a great impression on your potential employer.
While some people may feel like they can just “wing it”, the truth is that proper interview prep can greatly increase your chances of landing the job.
In this article, we’ll explore some helpful tips and tricks to ensure that you are fully prepared for your next interview. From researching the company to practicing your responses to common interview questions, we’ll cover everything you need to know to ace your interview process and impress the recruiter and hiring manager.
⭐️ Pro-Tip from The Assist: Reduce your interview anxiety long before you even schedule it by making a game plan regarding your references. Do you have any managers or associates at your old company who can reiterate that your layoff had absolutely nothing to do with your performance? Line up those contacts now.
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You might ask yourself, why should I do interview prep?
Preparing for an interview is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, it helps you present your best self to the interviewer, giving you a better chance of being selected for the job. It also helps to reduce nerves and anxiety, as you’ll feel more confident and in control.
⭐️ Pro-Tip: “Come up with your top 5 themes (skills and values) from your work experience and expertise to go into the interview with that aligns best with the job, so that you can use those 5 focused skills and values consistently throughout your interview answers – from beginning to end. Consistency and repetition will show confidence and leave the interview panel with a strong sense of who you are as a candidate.” — Emily Rezkalla, @coachemrez.
Additionally, proper interview prep allows you to tailor your responses to the specific job and company you’re interviewing for, making you a more attractive candidate. By researching the company and industry, practicing responses to common interview questions, and preparing your own questions to ask the interviewer, you show that you’re serious about the position and interested in the company. Overall, taking the time to prepare for an interview is a wise investment in your future career success.
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Top 10 Best Interview Tips
1. Research the company 🤓
Researching the company will help you understand the company’s mission, values, products or services, and recent news or accomplishments. This can help you tailor your responses during the interview and demonstrate your interest in the company.
2. Review the job description 🧑💻
Reviewing the job description will help you understand the responsibilities, requirements, and qualifications for the position. This can help you identify the skills and experience that the employer is seeking and prepare responses that demonstrate your fit for the role.
3. Practice common interview questions ❓
Practicing common interview questions will help you prepare responses for questions like “Tell me about yourself” and “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” This can help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.
4. Prepare questions to ask 🤷
Preparing thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the company or the position can show that you’re interested in learning more about the company and can help you evaluate whether the position is a good fit for you. Doing a mock interview before the actual interview can help relieve pre-interview anxiety.
🛑 Ace your next interview and land your dream job with The Assist – subscribe for weekly insider interview tips and tricks delivered straight to your inbox. 🛑
5. Create a personal branding statement 🤗
Creating a personal branding statement can help you develop a brief statement that summarizes your skills, experience, and unique value proposition. This can help you present a cohesive and memorable personal brand during the interview.
6. Dress appropriately 👔
Dressing appropriately can help you make a good first impression and show that you’re serious about the position. Choose an interview outfit that is appropriate for the company’s culture and position.
7. Arrive on time ⏰
Arriving on time is critical to making a good impression on the interviewer. Plan to arrive at least 10-15 minutes early to allow time for unexpected delays.
8. Bring the necessary materials 📄
Bringing copies of your resume, references, and any other relevant documents can show that you’re prepared and organized. This can also help you provide more detail and context during the interview.
9. Use positive body language 👍
Make eye contact, sit up straight, and smile to convey confidence and professionalism.
10. Follow up after the interview ✅
Send a thank-you note or email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview and reiterate your interest in the position.
Resources for your Interview Prep
💻 A newsletter to subscribe to:
The Assist newsletter is your personal career coach. Learn the ins and outs of salary expectations, ways to obtain your dream job, guide to interview prep, and perfect your interview skills. The Assist is a free, 4x weekly newsletter that’s only 5 minutes to read and makes being a better professional actually easy.
📇 A guide to download:
This 20-page Interview Prep Guide will simplify interviews for you and land you the job with multiple answer templates, one-pagers & keywords. Use code SNACK15 for 15% off the Interview Prep Guide.
📕 A book to read:
“Cracking the Coding Interview” by Gayle Laakmann McDowell: This book is a popular resource for preparing for technical interviews and includes interview tips, practice most common interview questions, and examples.
🎙️ A podcast to listen to:
“Career Tools” podcast by Manager Tools: This podcast covers a wide range of topics related to job searching and career advancement, including interview prep and strategies.
📹 Videos to watch:
“Job Search TV” on YouTube: This channel features videos on a variety of job search topics, including interview prep, resume writing, and networking.
Avoid These Common Job Interview Mistakes
Nailing an interview takes preparation and practice. Even qualified candidates can sabotage their chances by making some common missteps. Avoid these mistakes before and during your meeting.
Pre-Interview Prep Mistakes
📌 Not researching the company and role enough. Gather key facts, mission, values, and challenges. This shows your interest.
📌 Having a generic resume. Customize with relevant keywords from the job listing. Highlight achievements from your experience.
📌 Not practicing your answers out loud. Rehearse discussing your background, skills, and experience related to the role. Practice until you can naturally articulate your fit.
📌 Overlooking logistics. Confirm the interview time, location, and interviewers ahead of time. Plot your route, attire, and timing to arrive 10-15 minutes early.
Job Interview Day Mistakes
📌 Arriving late. Give yourself extra time to arrive early. Rushing in late starts things off on the wrong foot.
📌 Appearing disinterested. Maintain eye contact, lean forward, and nod to show you’re engaged. Refrain from looking at your phone or watch.
📌 Rambling answers. Practice concise responses with real examples. Avoid repeating or straying off-topic.
📌 Asking no questions. Prepare at least 2-3 thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the company’s goals.
📌 Poor body language. Sit tall with an upright posture. Avoid fidgeting or nervous gestures like tapping your foot.
With preparation and practice, you can master interview skills to impress hiring teams. Show up informed, engaged, and professional and you’ll showcase why you’re the perfect candidate.
⭐️ Get the winning edge on your career with The Assist‘s fun, actionable tips – subscribe for weekly emails packed with insider advice on nailing interviews, getting promoted, and more! ⭐️
Tips for Job Interview Reddit Thread
Getting hired can be nerve-wracking, but you can get an edge by joining the Job Interview Tips community on Reddit. Connecting with other career-minded Redditors provides a judgment-free space to ask anything interview-related and get feedback in real-time.
Whether you need help preparing answers to common questions, making small talk with recruiters, or deciding what to wear, fellow community members who’ve been in your shoes are ready to provide tips and reassurance. By practicing questions together, you can calm those pre-interview jitters and enter each meeting with confidence. The community uplifts users by celebrating wins, troubleshooting challenging situations, and reminding you that you’ve got this! Having a team of supporters in your corner can make all the difference in acing interviews.
Check out r/JobInterviewTips to learn more!
People Also Ask These Questions About Interview Preparation
Q: How do I tailor my responses to the specific company and position I am interviewing for?
- A: To tailor your responses to the specific company and position you’re interviewing for, you should research the company and industry on the company’s website, review the job description, and identify key skills and relevant work experience that the employer is seeking. You can then use this information to frame your answers and demonstrate how you are the best fit for the role.
Q: What are some best practices for following up after an interview?
- A: Some best practices for following up after an interview include sending a thank-you note within 24-48 hours, reiterating your interest in the position, and mentioning any important points that were discussed during the interview. You can also inquire about the next steps and a potential timeline for a decision, and be sure to follow up again if you don’t hear back within the specified timeframe.
Q: As a recruiter, how can I improve the post-interview process?
- A: The key is having a great onboarding process. Some tools and checklists can help organize the onboarding process to make it easier for the hiring manager and the job seeker. Additionally, celebrating new hires with an orientation will help with retention and promote positive company culture. Pro-Tip: Actively celebrate job promotions within the company and integrate an employee wellness program for long-term employee retention and job satisfaction.
Q: How can I overcome nervousness or anxiety during an interview?
- A: To overcome nervousness or anxiety during an interview, you should practice answering common interview questions with a friend or family member, take deep breaths and focus on staying calm, and remind yourself of your strengths and why you’re a good fit for the role. You can also bring a copy of your resume and any notes or questions you may have to help keep you organized and focused.
Q: What are some common interview mistakes to avoid?
- A: Some common interview mistakes to avoid include arriving late or unprepared, speaking negatively about former employers, and failing to research the company and the position. Additionally, it’s important to dress appropriately, maintain good body language, and avoid oversharing personal information or dominating the conversation.
Q: What are some ways to prepare for a virtual or video interview, and how does it differ from an in-person interview?
- A: This could be different for each type of interview. To prepare for a virtual interview or video interview, you should test your equipment and internet connection beforehand, dress professionally, and set up a quiet and well-lit space for the interview. It differs from an in-person interview in that you’ll need to be familiar with the technology and adjust your communication style to account for potential lags or delays in the video feed. Additionally, it’s important to maintain eye contact with the camera and avoid any distractions in the background. For a phone interview, you should make sure your sound quality is good and you have a stable phone connection.
Q: How can I research the company beyond its website and social media presence?
- A: To research the company beyond its website and social media presence, you can check out news articles and press releases about the company, read reviews on sites like Glassdoor or Indeed, and reach out to current or former employees for insight. You can also attend industry conferences or events to network and learn more about the company and its competitors.
