You're preparing for a job interview. How can you make the most of your time?

?Research the company and the job description. Review your experience and how your experience best relates to what the company is looking for. ? Check out the company’s website, LinkedIn and Glassdoor pages to get a sense of their mission, vision, value and culture. ? Think long and hard about what you want out of your next career move. Come up with questions for the interviewers that will provide you the information you need to make a sound decision. ?Take 5-10 minutes before the interview and just reflect on your experience, hype yourself up and go in confident and ready to conquer the interview. ?Test your equipment before hand if virtual. If in person review your travel plan, look at parking online, leave early to avoid any mishaps!

Preparing for a job interview involves immersing yourself in the essence of the company. Beyond just browsing their website, delve into their industry trends, recent achievements, and any relevant news articles. Uncover their unique selling points, corporate culture, and values. Connect the dots between your expertise and their needs, envisioning how your contributions can propel their success. This research phase isn’t merely about gathering data; it’s about fostering a genuine connection. By investing time in understanding the company’s DNA, you’ll not only ace the interview but also showcase your commitment and alignment with their goals, setting the stage for a fulfilling professional journey ahead.

When getting ready for an interview, a crucial step is conducting research on the company. This involves gaining a deep understanding of the organization's mission, values, culture, products/services, and recent developments. This knowledge is important to customize your responses to closely match the goals of the company. Additionally, familiarizing yourself with the background of your interviewer, including their role and experiences, this can offer valuable insights into their expectations. This approach not only demonstrates your genuine interest but also enhances your ability to make a lasting impression during the interview.

It helps to interview yourself. Get a list of interview questions together and get on a google meets or video alone, look at yourself and respond in the way you would when interviewing. Make notes of areas you trip up in, make notes of questions you have while mock interviewing yourself so you can prepare after your mock. Also leverage your recruitment point of contact. Ask for a prep interview, ask for information about the process. Great prep question is: What are the 3 most important things to the hiring manager?

? Research the company and role before your interview for a tailored approach. ? Use the company's website, social media, and reviews to understand their mission, values, and products. ? Explore industry details, competitors, and trends affecting the company's performance. ? Dedicate at least an hour to this research, jotting down key insights. ? Be prepared to showcase genuine interest, ask relevant questions, and make a lasting impression.

Beginning with a close examination of your resume. Look beyond the bullet points; dive into the narrative each role and accomplishment tells. Reflect on the skills honed, challenges conquered, and milestones achieved. Use this time to not only review but to breathe life into your resume, transforming it into a vibrant testimony of your journey. This introspection isn’t just about recollection; it’s about showcasing the unique blend of experiences and expertise that set you apart. By mining the depths of your resume, you’ll not only be prepared to discuss your career trajectory but also equipped to narrate a compelling story of your professional evolution, leaving a lasting impression in your upcoming interview.

Customize your resume for each job you apply to. Use words and phrases from the job description in your resume. This makes it a better match and boosts your chances of getting an interview. Keep your resume simple, skip fancy designs, and make sure it's easy to read. Describe your experience by highlighting achievements, like using the XYZ formula: achieved [X] by [Y], resulting in [Z].

Take the time to review your resume, have talking points and examples prepared to back up what's on your resume. Try not to sound scripted, it is a conversation after all!

An interview is attempting to find the very best person the company can find to fill their open role. Your resume is your attempt at saying: "trust me- I'm that person and here's why." It's safe to assume then that at some point you'll have interviewers asking probing questions to find how deep the truth of that statement actually runs. If you can only answer superficially, it's guaranteed to raise red flags in the mind of your interviewer. This is all to say: 1) Understand your resume forwards and backwards in it's full detail. 2) Use the interview questions to add color and details to what your resume states- not just rehash what's already on paper. 3) Understand what you're signaling on paper and be a better version of that in person.

Go through the resume section by section, from personal information and summary to work experience, education, skills, and any other relevant sections. Ensure that all the information is accurate, up-to-date, and presented clearly. Highlight achievements rather than just listing responsibilities. Quantify accomplishments with numbers, percentages, or any measurable results. For instance, instead of saying "I managed a team," specify how many people were in the team, what goals were achieved, or any improvements brought about.

Preparing for a job interview isn’t just about answering questions; it’s about asking the right ones. Take the time to craft thoughtful and insightful questions that go beyond surface-level inquiries. Consider queries that delve into the company culture, growth opportunities, and the challenges the team is currently facing. These questions not only showcase your genuine interest but also demonstrate your strategic thinking and proactive approach. Use this preparation to not only refine your responses but also to curate a set of questions that reflect your enthusiasm, curiosity, and drive to contribute meaningfully. Remember, the questions you ask can often leave a lasting impression, showcasing your commitment and vision for the role.

As an interviewer, a flag for me is someone who answers "No" to the first instance of "Ok so do you have any questions for me/us?" Even if you have all your information, you should never leave that kind of a prompt hanging. Two great ones to have at the ready (for almost any scenario) are: 1. "What would the next stages of the the interview process be if we were to move forward?" 2. "I had a few questions about (so and so) but you covered them all quite well when you walked me through the (eg: benefits plan) earlier."

Enhance your interview preparation by infusing a touch of curiosity and uniqueness into your questions. Craft three to five inquiries that transcend the basics, showcasing your deep engagement and alignment with the role. Dive into the company's distinctive approaches to industry challenges, seek insights into less-publicized projects, and explore how your potential contributions align with their objectives. Delve into aspects of company culture, values, and goals, ensuring your questions reflect thoughtful research and genuine interest. Remember to steer clear of overly personal, obvious, or negative queries. Allocate a dedicated 15 minutes for this vital step, jotting down your tailored and insightful questions.

Asking questions as a candidate can help align the values of the company, with yours. It can also help you validate information, as confirming valuable key points will help you make a wiser decision to join. As an interviewer, it's also really important to leave time for the candidate to ask questions, and take appropriate time to answer them (not to rush the candidate). It will make the candidate feel more valued doing so.

It's always good to a have few questions prepared. It demonstrates interest. Ask about the work culture, the day to day, key factors for success. You should be interviewing the company to see if the opportunity lines up with your goals and ability. Don't go overboard with your questions and be mindful of the time.

Preparing for a job interview encompasses more than just words; it’s about communicating through every aspect, including attire. Dressing appropriately isn’t merely a formality; it’s a statement of respect and professionalism. Take the time to understand the company culture and industry norms to tailor your attire accordingly. Whether it’s a formal suit or business casual attire, the goal is to present yourself with confidence, allowing your skills and personality to shine through. Your attire isn’t just a garment; it’s a reflection of your preparedness and commitment to making a positive impression. Use this opportunity to step into the interview room not just dressed appropriately but with the confidence to showcase your best self.

Dressing appropriately for an interview is crucial. Research the company's dress code and aim to dress slightly more formal than their usual attire. Choose professional, well-fitted attire that aligns with the industry norms. Ensure your outfit is clean, neat, and reflects your professionalism. Pay attention to grooming and accessories, aiming for a polished and confident appearance. Your attire speaks volumes about your respect for the opportunity and your seriousness about the role.

The goal is to make a positive impression by showing respect for the opportunity and the company. Your attire should complement your qualifications and professionalism, helping you present yourself as the best candidate for the role.

Timeless advice is to dress a level up from the position you are interviewing for. At the very least, business casual is safe.

Use this time wisely to plan every detail—route to the interview location, estimated travel time, and mode of transportation. Account for potential delays and aim to arrive early to ease any last-minute stress. Additionally, prepare a list of essentials to bring, such as extra copies of your resume, a notepad, and any supporting documents. This proactive approach isn’t just about punctuality; it’s about setting the stage for a composed and confident performance. By meticulously planning logistics, you’re not just preparing for an interview; you’re paving the way for a seamless and impactful experience that showcases your professionalism and preparedness.

Planning logistics is key to a successful interview. Research the interview location and plan your route in advance, considering traffic and potential delays. Aim to arrive 10-15 minutes early to account for any unexpected circumstances. Confirm the interview time and format (in-person, phone, video) to prepare accordingly. Have the interviewer's contact information handy in case of emergencies or delays. Ensure all necessary materials, such as extra copies of your resume, portfolio, or notes, are organized and ready to bring. By planning logistics ahead, you'll feel more composed and focused during the interview.

Arrive early, this applies to virtual interviews (take time to test your technology). Things come up, and if that is the case, get in touch with your interviewer to keep them in the loop, in most cases they will be understanding.

I always suggest checking and trying all the technical details before a video conference. Trying to repair the headsets, find the camera button, or turn on some settings is a waste of time.

Recheck the date, time, and location of the interview. Ensure you're clear about whether it's an in-person, virtual, or phone interview. Take note of the interviewer's name and contact details if available. Plan your route in advance, considering traffic conditions, parking availability, or public transportation schedules if it's an in-person interview. If the interview is virtual, ensure you're familiar with the platform (Zoom, Skype, etc.) being used. Test your internet connection, camera, microphone, and any required software in advance. Gather all required documents, including copies of your resume, cover letter, references, portfolio, or any other materials requested. Place them in a folder or a portfolio for easy access.

All of the preparation you've put time into can be undone in a matter of seconds making all of that work a powerful waste of time. How's that? More often than not it's because you get in your own way. Not allowing yourself to be relaxed is like tying your shoelaces together, instead of in a nice bow, right before running a marathon- it took effort to do, but it's counterproductive and awkward. Being relaxed should also not be mistaken for not caring. It's simply a variable to account for so that you can bring your best self to the table. Focus on slow deep breaths, and when you get into the interview, focus on what the interviewer is saying. If you put yourself in a calm state you're much more likely to flow and not get in your own way.

Remember, the interview is not just about showcasing your skills but also about finding the right fit for both you and the company. Take a moment to relax before the interview—deep breaths can help calm nerves. Be authentic, speak confidently about your experiences, and engage in genuine conversation. Show enthusiasm and let your personality shine through. Authenticity not only helps you feel more comfortable but also allows the interviewer to see the real you beyond the qualifications on paper.

The steps highlighted by LI here is missing the most critical one: talk about yourself. You're at a job interview to answer questions the interviewer has about YOU as a viable candidate for the role. In addition to all the above, spend most of your time dredging up your top career achievements, especially the ones you're most proud of and practice retelling these short stories in STAR (or see my post on SOAR) format. Practice telling each within a 3 minute time limit to keep the other's attention. This exercise reduces the memory-fishing you'd have to do during the interview when you're already feeling under the microscope.

3 step process to instantly improve your interview game: 1. Write out the bullets in the job description 2. Craft a 2-3 min answer for each bullet 3. Create 2 follow up questions you could be asked Prepare, practice and role play. If you have short/concise stories prepared for each bullet point you've done 75% of the interview prep (in the initial stages of the interview process).

If you are working with a recruiter ask for a quick prep call a day or two before your interview. Ask the recruiter to share any insights on the top skills the hiring manager is looking for, to describe the company culture, and the types of questions you should be prepared to answer.

When preparing for an interview, make sure you read the job description in detail and highlight skills you are missing or know you need to speak to in yellow. Next, identify key experiences or examples to showcase how you have those missing skills (even if transferable skills or indirect like similar technology tools, but that the exact one listed).

Consider the 60-minute prep. 30 minutes in the company, values, job description ensuring your skills align and you have ample examples ready to showcase. 15 minutes on the interview, looking for rapport connections. 10 minutes toward your questions, think what won’t I find out unless I ask? 5 minutes for that special sauce element… can you find something so unique that you must’ve done research to see it. This will make you stand out even more.