7 Ways to Prepare for Your Next Job Interview

On the way to your dream job, there are a few hurdles to jump through. There will be some unexpected twists along the way, so it’s best to prepare for all the things you can't control. So when your high-impact resume or All-Star LinkedIn profile has worked and you've landed the interview, it's time to take your A-game to the next level! And let's face it - job interviews can be nerve-racking. But just like any skill, practice makes perfect… or at least better.

Try these seven tips to make a lasting impression.

1. Do your research.

   You can bet you’ll be asked why you want to work at the company you’re interviewing. Or better yet, what you know about them. While crickets are an option, they’re not a good one. After all, how can you show that you really want to work there? Impress the interviewer by doing your homework. Head straight to Google to gather some news about the company. Check out their blog, read through their website, and don’t forget to make it to their social media pages.
   
   Bonus points. When checking out LinkedIn, maybe there’s someone you know working there already. Or a friend of a friend. This is a great way to gain some insider info and learn more about whether this company might be the one of your dreams.

2. Prepare your elevator pitch.

   Virtually every interview starts with the same opening question, "So tell me about yourself". Being prepared means expecting this routine ice breaker and making sure your response answers the question with impact. Write out a 60 second response to share who you are, what you do, why you do it, and why it matters for the company.
   
   Bonus points. Consider adding in any special details that make you unique to stand out from the crowd. Or maybe add an extra line to talk about what you like to do outside of work so that you will be different and interesting.
   
   

3. Dress to impress.

   Dressing well is just as important as updating your LinkedIn profile photo. As a rule of thumb, it’s always better to be the best dressed person in the room, so when in doubt go professional. Is there an outfit that makes you feel confident? Sticking to the classics is a place that won’t steer you wrong.
   
   Bonus points. Add a pop of colour to your attire to stand out from the crowd. Chances are the interviewer is meeting several people in one day, so aim for memorable.
   
   

4. Practice, practice, practice.

   Behavioural questions are the norm because people want to learn about how you behave in challenging situations. So, prepare for the tough questions by following the STAR method. This method will guide you from problem to outcome without the endless rambling!
   
   Here's the STAR method:

• Situation: Set the scene and give the necessary details of your example
• Task: Describe what your responsibility was in that situation
• Action: Explain the exact steps you took to address it
• Result: Share what outcomes your actions achieved

Bonus points. Write down a list of impressive accomplishments or times when you’ve overcome adversity. Bring this list to your interview and use it as a handy reference guide in case you get stuck.

5. Ask to take notes.

   Interviews are rapid exchanges of information. There’s a lot to digest and remember. Information is hurled at you quickly and it can be tough to absorb it all. But if you write it down, you can make notes about what you want to learn more about or spot opportunities to share a relevant experience that speaks to the interviewer’s statements.
   
   

6. Ask great questions.

   An interview is a two-way street. It’s just as much for the company to learn about you as it is for you to learn about them. So be prepared for the interview and show up with a list of hot questions that show you’re interested in really understanding what the role is all about.
   
   Here are a few favourites:

• What do you see as some of the role's biggest challenges and opportunities?
• How would you measure success in one year’s time?
• What stories can you share about your company culture and what makes this a great place to work?
• In terms of personality, what types of characteristics are essential for this role?

7. Send a thank-you.

   Gratitude is a positive quality. A sincere thank-you email has become common practice and chances are the other candidates are doing it. It’s also an opportunity to recap anything unique you discussed in your interview or remind the interviewer of why you’re a great fit. Thank them for their time, reiterate your interest, recap your suitability, and express enthusiasm for the next step in the hiring process.
   
   

An invitation to interview.

Preparing for an interview is a lot of work. But once you've done the work, you'll find the next interviews get easier. As you become more comfortable with the song and dance of the interview process, it will become more natural. And the nerves will fade as you become an expert at talking about yourself, your accomplishments, and your future potential. Let's not forget. An initiation to interview means you have the skills on paper to potentially do the job, so this is all about candidate fit. So be sure to let your personality shine.

Feeling ready to make your next career move? Apply to our opportunities now.