What are the most important things to do before a job interview?

First and foremost, get clear on: -The role you want -The culture you want -The salary you are worth Then: -Research the firm -Research their reviews -Speak to existing employees This is the best preparation strategy to ensure you get what you most desire.

I find if you are able to speak to someone who has/is worked/working there it helps you visualise what its like in reality vs whats written in articles, annual reports and corporate websites. Ask them what the organisations direction/goals are? Whats the work culture like? Whats the management / leadership like? It also helps to ask yourself what is it that you bring to the table (skills/experience etc) that will enable you to be succesful in this organisation and role.

An interview starts long before the actual meeting takes place. ? Do you know anyone who works for the employer — even if they work in a different area than the one you’re applying to? ? What can they tell you about the company? Can they provide you with an introduction or say something on your behalf? ? Who will be conducting the interview? What’s his or her background? ? What do you know about the company? Did you visit their website and read the annual report? Do they discuss key initiatives, company values, and their culture? Has the company been in the news lately? What do analysts say about their strengths and weaknesses? What does their recruiting information say about the people who work there?

What Kind of Research Should I Do? Company Website – At the very least, an applicant should look at the organization’s websites. Many are hundreds of pages and contain information about products and services, clients, company history, executives and if a public company, financial information. newsletters and press releases. LinkedIn Company Information – Not only can you find company information on LinkedIn, the key company facts of that organization are usually summarized in one place. How many employees and how many locations the company has. You can also see how many open positions the company has that they are trying to fill. Is it a great many or only a few?

1. Research the company and its role. This will help you to understand what the company does, what the role entails, and what skills and experience they are looking for. The more preparation you have, the better. Interviewers will detect it, for sure. 2. Practice answering common interview questions. There are a number of common interview questions that you can expect to be asked. Practice answering these questions in advance so that you can give confident and articulate answers during your interview. 3. Prepare a few questions of your own to ask the interviewer. Asking questions shows that you are interested in the company and the role and that you have done your research.

Maybe an obvious detail, but at the point of interviewing one would already have shared their reviewed and updated resume with the recruiter or hiring manager, so it is a little late to be doing it at this stage. Rather, ahead of the interview think about the story you want to share when asked to introduce yourself. Think about how you can make a memorable impression, and what you can tell about yourself that is NOT on your resume. Have an 'elevator pitch' ready that you can use to introduce yourself in just a few minutes and make a lasting impression.

If possible consult with a recruiter you trust. They should know all the strategies on how to shape your linked in profile and resume to be the authentic you and to be comprehensible to other recruiters.

What works for me is having not only a complete resume (with all my roles), but also a one pager with the most relevant jobs, where you can showcase the skills you want to highlight for a specific role/company. This one pager can be adjusted to the most relevant skills: for example, if you are applying to a consulting company, you need to showcase your problem solving skills, fast learning and quick math skills.

One thing that will help you stand out is to relate a story to the highlights and experience and accomplishments found in your resume. Instead of repeating information already shown in your resume, share the story of how it’s become a highlight in your career. How did it fall on your lap? What was the challenge? How did overcome obstacles? What did you learn? Tell the stories that aren’t captured in the bullet points.

Keep it short on the resume and create curiosity. People need to want to meet you to ask you more questions about what you have done. If it is already all on the CV, it makes quite a dull and repetitive interview.

You should ALSO prepare questions that you'll ask the interviewer during a job interview. This is another opportunity to show your value and that you're the right fit for the job. Here's a couple examples to get you started: ??♀? Can I tell you more about my experience or qualifications? ??♀? What kind of career progression opportunities exist within this role? ??♀? How does this role contribute directly to the success of the organization? ??♀? Is there anything else I can clarify or expand upon regarding my qualifications or experience? ??♀? What challenges have previous employees faced while working on similar projects? All of these questions give you another opportunity to make your case why you're the best fit for the job!

Practice with some valuable questions. You should activate your searching mode. Use online resources, e-book, etc. Prepare again and again. Increase confidence level. And finally you rock it man ??

Always be prepared for the big 5 questions: 1. why are you looking? 2. what are you looking for in the next role? 3. why this position? 4. why this company? 5. why you?

Practice is easily the area where you can make the biggest impact on your interview performance. I've seen numerous individuals fail at answering, where just a tiny bit of effort will make the largest difference in the outcome. Make it fun and practice with friends. The 80/20 rule applies perfectly here!

Think of the biggest achievements, challenges, mistakes and solutions that you have experienced in your career. Often these will highlight in the best way your skills, expertise and characteristics that make you, uniquely you. Make sure to understand these situations throughout and be able to articulate them with the STAR(T) method - Situation, Task, Action, Result & Takeaways, as well as understanding for yourself what personal values made you react a certain way or take a certain decision. You'll be surprised at what variety of general interview questions you can answer by just keeping a few strong, complete and well-rounded examples of your past experiences in mind.

Keep in mind whether you're interviewing in person or on camera, as strategies may differ. Appearance and grooming is still important when talking on camera, but also make sure that what you wear will show up well versus your backdrop (as a camera can wash out colors or details that would be considered too flashy in person). You can further specify what you'll wear by looking at colors that complement your hair, eye and skin colors, and by choosing clothing that is well tailored and makes you feel strong and confident.

Your appearance is of the utmost importance and should be checked a few seconds before starting the interview. When the interview is online please also check: * if your face is in the middle of the frame. * if there is no (sun)light behind you (otherwise you only see your silhouette). Please know if you can have red flecks in your neck during the job interview. When you are likely to have this, please wear a scarf or a turtle neck to disguise this. Good luck!

The impression you make upon meeting someone for the first time is of utmost importance. It is fundamental that you dress appropriately for the circumstance at hand, as it presents an opportunity to display your personal style and charm. It is crucial to keep in mind that the way you present yourself speaks volumes about your self-confidence and establishes the tone for how others perceive you. Authenticity is key. Avoid following fashion trends and instead, embrace Coco Chanel's timeless advice, "Fashion changes, but style endures." Discover your unique style that reflects your self-assurance and charisma.

Dressing appropriately is very industry specific. From my perspective as an interviewer, I must admit that I do not pay too much attention to what people are wearing. What I notice however is when something is not quite right: too much makeup, un-groomed beard, unruly hair, un-ironed clothes. More recently, I started to appreciate people when they show up as their authentic selves, wearing what they are comfortable in, in the style they identify with. What I look for is attitude and confidence. I would say, wear what makes you feel good! Don't worry too much about how it might be perceived.

You’re always onstage. Some people believe that an applicant is evaluated based solely on the interview. The truth is, you will be judged on everything that takes place before, during, and after the interview. How will that social media post go over when the potential employer catches a glimpse? Employers will also note whether your résumé was sent with a customized cover letter; whether you were responsive in answering phone calls and e-mails; whether you were courteous to the person confirming the interview; and whether you followed up in a timely manner.

Best to arrive early, rather than “on time”. Being early allows you to observe the office environment, other candidates, get a feel of whether you like the atmosphere or not. Being early also gives you time to go over your preparations and ample time to breathe.

Translating this topic into the digital world mean checking your virtual interview setup ahead of time. Ensure a good connection, check that the microphone and camera are working, charge your devices and have back ups present just in case. Connect a little early if you can to avoid last-minute rushing to find the right link or to choose the right background.

It’s also a good practice to drive to an interview or company location prior to the interview. Notice the traffic patterns and the time it actually takes you.

Here is my checklist for a digital interview: 1 hour before the interview: 1. Test your internet connection 2. Turn on the camera in a videoconferencing software like Zoom or Meet and check your lighting, the backdrop and your positioning 3. Check your mic and make sure it works well 15 min before the interview: 4. Log into the meeting to check it works 5. Contact the interviewer if it does not work 6. Take a moment to do a superman pose or anything that builds your confidence 7. Think of the amazing life you will have once you have that job

Have a pre-interview routine to help you be present, focused and to calm your nerves. It could be a walk beforehand to clear your head, or some deep breathing. How you show up is just as important as the preparation. Take a few deep breaths, you’ve got this!

One thing which always helps me is - being authentic - which also aids in being more confident. Talking about an actual thing/event is much easier than made up ones just to prove a point or showing up a non-existent expertise in the interview. Most often than not the interviewers are mature and skilled enough to see through and make up their mind accordingly.

As more and more people have the relevant skills and expertise for the job, it becomes more about how you are in the interview that makes a difference. Your quality of presence, confidence, humility, curiosity and general energy can be the attractor or detractor in an interview. This means taking time and creating space to relax, take a walk, listen to a podcast, and practice mindful breathing. These can all be useful ways to shift your state and put you in the best place possible for showing up as the best version of yourself.

Coherent breathing - 5 in and 5 out in a light, slow, nasal and diaphragmatic breathing - to activate the parasympathetic nervous system so that you can be yourself :-) Or humming breath, slow breathing in and slow breathing out making a humming noise..... And most of all, have fun, and know that no matter what, it is a learning opportunity :-)

Remember that the goal is to find a match, a job that fit your abilities and desires, it is after all a mutual process. If you get good at impressing during an interview then great, but remember that if you are hired you cannot fake it, you will have to live up to the first impression. Being authentic is not a cliche, it allows your future employer to get to know you for real and have better decision making based on this true to life data. Of course it goes both ways, employers tend to show blow up financial reports, and rave about mundane perks in attempt to seduce you into signing with them, so your job is to call out the bluff.

In the post-COVID era, as most interviews have transitioned to virtual settings, it remains crucial to prepare just as diligently as you would for an in-person interview. 1. If you're unfamiliar with the interview software, it's essential to conduct a pre-test to ensure a smooth experience. 2. Assess your lighting setup. Ensure it's well-lit to present your face clearly to the interviewer. 3. Test your internet connection in advance to avoid any disruptions during the interview. Ensure you have a stable connection and ample data or Wi-Fi. 4. Dress professionally for the virtual interview. Your appearance still matters and can leave a positive impression on the interviewer.

Memory- a key point to any interview. What impression do you want to leave - practice it, learn how to transmit that. Answer this - what three things do you want them to remember about you? Name it. Why is that important? What MUST you get across, how will you? How will they remember your answer and your point. Lastly remember why you are applying, when you apply before and during the interview. The real authentic reason will show - so apply for the job that’s suits you.

I always advocate top professionals should attend at least one interview every year....keeps you up to scratch and builds confidence!

With companies going heavy on employer branding, the painted picture might look very appealing to a candidate. However, the reality could be totally different. Do a thorough research on company culture. Read reviews on websites such as Glassdoor or MeetFrank. If possible, reach out to ex-employees and present employees to get their perspectives and experiences of working at the organisation. Prepare your questions to the organisation/HRs in advance.

After every interview, either with the recruiter or with the hiring company, always send an email with the following: 1. Stating how great it was to know more about the company and the role. 2. Thanking for the availability of everyone present. 3. Reassuring how you are the best person for the position - state your top 3 skills for the role. 4. Remembering your contact information in case there are any extra questions they want you to answer.