Here's how you can effectively prepare for common interview questions.

Una de las preguntas más comunes en las entrevistas por competencias, es que destaques tus habilidades y reflexiones cuáles son tus debilidades y como intentas mejorarlas. Para ello es fundamental tu autoconocimiento y tu capacidad para transmitir confianza y claridad de que tipo de profesional eres y el excelente candidato que eres aun con tus debilidades.

Be true to who you are. Many times, candidates will provide answer they believe the interview team want to hear. The interview process is a two-way experience. Be true to who you are to ensure the role and the company align.

Researching is important, however, memorizing facts to repeat in an interview just demonstrates you are able to memorize. It does not provide value unless you are able to research and form a thought-provoking opinion. This works much easier when you are interviewing in industries you are passionate about.

Be sure to also research the industry that company is in, including its competition. You want to speak intelligently about the broader work and how the company you are interviewing with differentiates itself from its competition.

Understand the Company Start with the company’s official website. Explore sections like "About Us," "Mission and Values," "History," "Leadership Team," and "News." Familiarize yourself with the company’s products, services, and key projects. Understand their unique selling points and market position. Study the Industry Stay updated on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities within the industry. Use resources like industry reports, news websites, and professional journals. Identify the company’s main competitors and understand their market strategies. Knowing the competitive landscape can help you discuss how the company differentiates itself.

Seeking feedback from others outside of a professional coach can steer you in the wrong direction. Ensure you are working with someone who has experience in this area. Has your coach been on the other side of the table? Do they have experience to provide valuable insights and guidance?

1. Identify Key Questions Common Questions: Start with commonly asked interview questions such as "Tell me about yourself," "Why do you want to work here?" and "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" Role-Specific Questions: Include questions specific to the role you’re applying for. Review the job description to anticipate technical or situational questions. 2. Prepare Your Responses Draft Answers: Write down your responses to each question. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method for behavioral questions. Tailor Responses: Customize your answers to highlight your skills, experiences, and alignment with the company’s values and needs.

Knowing your key stories ahead of time can help tremendously in an interview. Regardless of the question being asked, your key stories can be positioned to answer any interview question.

1. Identify Your Core Message Define Your Value Proposition: Determine the key message you want to convey about your professional identity and what makes you unique. Align with the Role: Ensure your core message aligns with the job description and the company’s values. 2. Outline Your Career Path Chronological Structure: Outline your career progression, including key roles, responsibilities, and transitions. Highlight Milestones: Identify significant achievements, challenges overcome, and learning experiences. 3. Select Key Experiences Relevance: Choose experiences that are most relevant to the position you’re applying for. Impact: Focus on experiences where you made a significant impact or contribution.

Confidence in yourself in knowing who you are and the value you bring will help you through any challenge that comes up during an interview. Being over prepared does not leave room for a natural conversation to take place. Remember that interviews are two-ways and you are there to assess the organization for fit as much as they are. Allow yourself to have posture in whatever interview you are in.

1. Start with Your Background Personal Introduction: Begin with a brief personal introduction. Mention your name, where you're from, and a bit about your educational background. Professional Start: Explain how you entered your current field. What sparked your interest? How did you get started? 2. Highlight Key Milestones Key Roles: Describe the most significant roles you’ve had. Focus on positions that have had the biggest impact on your career. Achievements: Highlight your major accomplishments. Use specific examples and quantify your achievements where possible (e.g., "increased sales by 20%"). Growth: Discuss how you have grown in your career. Mention any new skills or knowledge you have acquired.