Ok, I find this ad quite funny but I think everyone agrees that there are better ways to increase your chances to get hired after a job interview. Most candidates who don’t make it passed the first interview round lack preparation. You can’t just send in a resume, show up at an interview and expect to get the job. It would be like showing up for a uni exam without having studied the subject or expecting to get your driver’s license without any prior practice.
Here are 10 tips to be prepared as well as you can for your next job interview:
1. Learn about the interview format
The more you know before you attend the meeting, the better. Ask where the interview will take place, how long it will take, whether you will be meeting just one or several people, what their job titles are, what the overall interview process will be like, etc.
A one-on-one over a lunch in a restaurant is a completely different set-up than a panel interview in a boardroom. An interview with HR will be less technical than one with a peer or with the person you will be reporting to.
2. Dress code
Make sure you know how to dress appropriately. If you aren’t sure: it’s always better to dress a little more formally than less. Make sure you are comfortable in whatever you are wearing. Avoid accessories that can cause distractions such as large, colourful necklaces or bright, long earrings. Don’t overdo on perfume and make-up.
3. Research your interviewers
Make sure you know the impact of each person on the decision process. If you can’t already judge this by their job titles, you can look up the interviewers online: often employees will be listed on the company’s website or you could use business networking sites such as LinkedIn.
Having information on their previous roles, education or hobbies is always handy. If you can find a mutual interest to talk about the interview won’t only become more pleasant, you’ll also “click” better. This can be anything from the university you attended or the town you grew up in to practicing the same sport or having a dog.
4. Research the company
Study the company’s website: learn about the history of the organisation, the current size and plans for growth, the philosophy, reputation and competitors. Read industry media. If you can talk to a current or former employee, take that opportunity. Ask them about their working environment, their daily experiences, why they joined, under which circumstances they left, etc. Memorise some facts you can bring up during the interview.
5. Research the Job
Make sure you receive a full job description of the role you applied for prior to attending the interview. Study it with detail and write down any questions or information you feel is missing.
6. Prepare questions
Based on the research you have done on the company, you can prepare a list of questions to ask during or after the interview. Most interviewers will finish by asking the applicant whether he/she has any other questions. Although the interviewer’s impression about you will be confirmed earlier in the interview, it is important to finish the meeting in style. Ask something about what type of training will be available for new employees, what the induction program will look like or what the next step in the selection process will be. Ask about an article you’ve read or more details about the role.
A question I always ask my clients before I start recruiting for them is: “What made you decide to join the company?”
You don’t only get to know the person’s motives better but often also learn more about the company’s culture.
When preparing questions, make sure you are genuinely interested in finding out the answer. Check whether you can’t find the answer on the company’s website or in any correspondence you’ve had with the employer.
7. Think about questions to expect
If you have attended a number of interviews in the same job field before, this might not be necessary but it is quite important to be prepared to answer typical questions such as:
- Why are you interested in this role?
- Why did you choose to study this subject?
- Why should we hire you rather than someone else?
- What are your strengths / weaknesses?
- How do you see your career evolve within the next 5 / 10 years?
Make also sure you know about practical things such as your exact salary and benefits and your notice period with your current employer.
8. Be ready!
Get a good sleep the night before your interview. If you aren’t familiar with the location, try and find out how long it will take you to get there, find out where to park, possibly visit the site a few days earlier.
Prepare and or iron your clothing the day before and avoid anything that can mess up your appearance on the day of your interview e.g. a bacon and egg roll with tomato sauce might not be the best choice of breakfast. Aim to arrive on site 10 to 15 minutes prior to the start of your meeting and allow some extra time for things like traffic jams, no parking spots, etc.
9. Documentation
Make sure you bring at least one copy of your CV, a few business cards, a pen and paper and your calendar (to plan the next interview). Write down the name and phone number of your interviewer: in case you aren’t able to make it in time, you can give them a heads up.
10. Be yourself
Try to be relaxed during the interview and be yourself. There is no point in lying about previous experiences, pretending you are someone else or trying too hard to impress the interviewer. Appear confident, don’t just answer questions with brief sentences but engage in the conversation. See it as a conversation you would be having over a beer with a long-lost friend rather than a police investigation.
Good luck!
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