Preparing for an interview can be a nerve racking and sometimes stressful experience. However, it shouldn’t be. To help you with the process, we have decided to share with you today, our knowledge on how to prepare for an interview.
Included in this blog piece is our top 5 tips on interview preparation and some key takeaways which we hope will help you as you search for your dream job.
A job interview is your chance to show the interviewers what you are made of. Contrary to what we would like to believe, an interview is where first impressions matter the most. Unfortunately, you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.
Let’s take a look at our top 5 tips for how to prepare for an interview. If you keep these interview tips in mind during your preparation, you will be sure to make it a conversation that your interviewers will remember for all of the right reasons.
1. Research, Research, Research
There is nothing worse than being asked ‘What do you know about us?’ and not having an answer – the ultimate interview fail. Whether it’s an entry-level position or a promotion within your department, do your research.
Research things like: the company, the industry you may be working in, market share, product portfolio, past and current marketing strategies competitors and your potential new work colleagues.
Conducting research on the company is an easy way to gain points from the interviewer. It shows that you are interested in not just getting a job, but in the company and its stakeholders.
Research the interviewer(s) if you know their name. How will you know who is interviewing you? Ask. Failing to plan is planning to fail. If you really want the job make it your business to do everything you can to get the job. Consider how you can build a connection and rapport with the interviewer.
2. Practice
It is good practice to write out potential questions you may be asked. Ask yourself the questions and practice saying the answers out loud. You may feel silly doing this but it is a great way to retain the information. It will help with remembering answers when you are in the interview. If you have a friend or family member to help, ask them to do a run through or practice interview with you.
3. Think of questions of your own
As I’m sure you are aware, at the end of an interview, the interviewer always asks the interviewee if they have any questions. Your Answer: YES! You should ALWAYS have a question in mind to ask the interviewer – big or small, it doesn’t matter. Asking a question will show the interviewer you were actively listening and engaged throughout the interview.
While it is good to impress the interviewer with perhaps more knowledge you know about the company, this is also a good opportunity to find out if the job is suited to you and your skills. Really think about what you would like to know about the job. Consider that you may be with the company for several years so ask something you really want to know when you imagine going to work at this job every day.
4. Get a good night’s sleep
This may seem like an obvious one but many of us are guilty of staying up late pacing up and down the kitchen rehearsing questions and answers. Don’t do this, please. A good night’s sleep means you will wake up with a fresh clear mind. This will also help you get into a positive state of mind for the interview. If you are feeling nervous, try to think of the interview as more of a collaborative business meeting – where you and the interviewer are trying to figure out if you are suited to working together.
5. Practice power posing
The ‘power pose’, or sometimes known as the Superman Stance is a psychological technique which its promoters say “can induce positive hormonal and behavioural changes in people simply by assuming a powerful posture“.
A study conducted on power posing revealed that there is a compelling link between the positions of our body and our feelings. It revealed that our bodies influence our minds and a simple change in posture can convey feelings of physical power and emotional mental strength. Before your interview, practice power posing in the mirror!
The team at Orangeworks are very familiar with power posing and practice it frequently before delivering events. Check them out below: Our concluding quick tip on how to prepare for an interview is a short one: Be Yourself. Show the interviewer who you are as a person and why you are the perfect candidate for the job.
If you are an interviewer looking for some insight into future employees, check out this piece we wrote on “What matters to your future employees: an effective onboarding experience.”.
