Interview Tips - How prepped are you?

Study the job description:

A position description is a document that outlines the key responsibilities, duties, and qualifications for a job. A position description can be a helpful tool during an interview, as it can help you understand what the company is looking for in a candidate. The position description can also give you a good sense of whether the job fits you. However, it is essential to remember that the position description constantly changes and is simply a guide to help you learn more about the job.

Highlight your critical skills in one colour, then highlight in another the learning areas you feel the opportunity can give you. Remember, no one is ever a perfect match for a career opportunity. Most people placed into a role are a 70% fit with a 30% up-skill component to their application. 

Have tangible examples of what you bring to the table:

Interviewers often ask applicants to provide real examples of their skills and experience. These can be difficult questions to answer, but preparing is essential to having a positive outcome. 

Some examples of ways to answer this question include: 

• Providing specific examples of times when you have used your skills to achieve success 

• Describing a time when you had to go above and beyond to complete a project 

• Sharing a story about a time when you had to overcome a challenge 

In short, the best way to answer this question is to be specific and share a real-life story highlighting your skills and abilities. Doing so will give the interviewer a better understanding of who you are and what you can bring to the table. Outcome-based answers are always the best.

Practice makes perfect:

The old saying "practice makes perfect" is true regarding nailing job interviews. Interviewers often ask candidates how they would handle a difficult situation. In other words, they want to know how you react under pressure. While there is no surefire way to ace an interview, practice can help you feel more confident and prepared. Role-play with a friend or family member, imagining that they are the interviewer. Think of some difficult questions that they might ask, and then practice giving your best answer. Alternatively, you can search for interview questions online and practice responding out loud. The key to a successful interview is to remain calm and focused under pressure. By practising your job interview ahead of time, you will feel confident to handle any questions thrown at you during an interview.

Learn about the interviewer and find an angle: 

Understanding who the interviewer is and what they're like in terms of personality is crucial to building common ground with the interviewer and ensuring a more successful interview. Study the interviewer's background and find some common ground before the discussion. 

Showing you've done your research on the interviewer goes a long way to show you have a keen interest in working for the business and working with them as a colleague. 

LinkedIn is a brilliant starting place for insight into your perspective new co-worker or boss, trade publications and your network are also great places to look. Find out if the interviewer has similar hobbies or similar interests to you. Doing this helps build instant or great rapport and could give you an edge over your competition. It's ok to be a bit creepy. 

Learn about the company:

Interviewing for a job can be nerve-wracking, but it's important to remember that the interview is also an opportunity to learn more about the company. Before your interview, take some time to research the company so that you can ask informed questions and demonstrate your interest in the role. 

Here are a few tips:

• Start by reading the company's website, including the about us page and recent news articles.

• Check out their social media accounts to see what kind of content they share and how they interact with their followers.

• Talk to your friends, family, and contacts who may have information about the company.

• Do a general search on Google or other search engines.

• By taking the time to research the company, you'll go into your interview armed with valuable information that will help you make a great impression.

Know the location and do a final checklist:

Planning your trip is one of the most critical aspects of preparing for an interview. Make sure to leave yourself plenty of time to get to the Interview site, factoring in traffic, public transportation, and walking time. You don't want to arrive frazzled and out of breath! It's also a good idea to scope out the area ahead of time, so you know where you're going and avoid getting lost. Finally, pack any items you might need, such as a copy of your resume or a list of references. By planning your trip carefully, you can make sure that your interview goes smoothly from start to finish.

Follow up:

After your interview, send a thank-you note to the interviewers or get your recruiter to follow up within 24 hours. Sending a thank you note will help you to stay top-of-mind, and it will also show that you're courteous and professional. In addition, feel free to follow up with the interviewer if you have yet to hear back within a week or two. A quick email or phone call can help to keep your name in front of the hiring manager or recruiter and shows that you're genuinely interested in the position. Remember: the follow-up is just as necessary as the interview itself, so stay on top.

Remember, the squeaky wheel always gets the oil.