8 Steps To Prepare For A Job Interview

My candidates often ask me how to best prepare for an interview. Below is a short list of my recommendations to help you shine in the hot seat.

These tips will no doubt help you become the so-called "finished article," but please keep in mind that while you want to be at the top of your game and have your most qualified aspects take center stage, it's crucial to stay true to who you really are to avoid disappointment later on.

1. Research the Organization

This will boost your confidence and show that you are genuinely interested in the position:

• Seek as much corporate and industry information as possible.
• Google the company and note their site ranking and search engine marketing.
• Start with the company’s website and familiarize yourself with their product portfolio and services.
• Read third-party articles, comparison tests, owner’s club sites, and blogs.
• Review recent press releases for insights on current business performance and future plans.
• Mystery shop them (via phone, online, and offline).
• Talk to peers, ex-colleagues, or customers who may have first-hand experience.
• Follow the company and its competitors on all social media platforms.
• Get a sense of the company’s vision, mission, and corporate culture, and think about how you can embody a similar personality during your interview.

2. Research the Job

Compare your skills to the job requirements:

• Fully familiarize yourself with the job description.
• Outline the skills and experience required, and gather your relevant USPs.
• Note where the biggest overlap is (your comfort zone), and prepare for any gaps in your experience.
• Think of concrete examples from past work experience that demonstrate you have the required professional and personal skills.
• Talk to people you trust who have handled similar jobs successfully.
• Search for people with similar titles and see what makes them unique.
• Determine where the position fits within the company's hierarchy.

3. Research the Interviewer

This will help you create rapport and establish positive chemistry:

• Use search engines to review public information (articles, images, and videos).
• Review their LinkedIn profile.
• Observe their career path.
• Note any hobbies and interests.
• Identify network overlaps.
• Search for common ground.

4. Prepare a Presentation

This will help you stand out from the crowd and take control of the interview - as long as you're speaking, you're answering your own pre-constructed questions (this may not be necessary for the first interview round):

• Briefly introduce yourself and your career path in a visually appealing way.
• List your key achievements and best practices.
• Use your research (from step 1) to summarize your findings.
• Put together a SWOT analysis of the brand as you see it.
• Highlight how the company would benefit from your experience and expertise.
• Prepare a list of reasons why you believe you are the perfect candidate.

5. Prepare Your Responses

During and after your presentation, you will likely face CV-based, behavioral, and case-study questions:

• Working on your presentation will help you organize your story.
• Prepare your personal SWOT analysis, focusing on your strengths and how you can turn your weaknesses and threats into opportunities.
• Be prepared to address any problematic aspects, such as career gaps, sudden changes, or demotions.
• Google the "10 most frequently asked interview questions" and prepare answers for all of them.
• Your interviewer will have read your CV to some extent, so avoid repeating what's written.
• Focus on how you achieved what you did (have case studies in mind).
• Memorize a few key facts and figures to quote.
• Practice with a family member and out loud in front of a mirror.
• Never badmouth your previous employers.
• If you need time, repeat the question thoughtfully before answering, or say, "Now, that is a great question..."
• Above all, always be honest.

6. Prepare for the Day

Remember, you will never have a second chance to make a first impression:

• Avoid alcohol and get enough sleep the night before to be in your best form.
• Eat light and bring some chocolate with you (to stay alert and invigorated).
• Plan your route in advance, consider the unexpected, and aim to arrive 10 minutes early.
• Dress to impress, but don’t overdo it.
• Color-match your accessories.
• A navy blue BOSS suit is the best $500 career investment you will ever make.
• Most definitely, polish your shoes.
• Don’t forget to clean your fingernails.
• Do whatever you need to do to feel good about yourself.
• Bring your presentation in hard copy, on a USB drive, and on your iPad.
• Bring extra copies of your resume, along with work examples and references.
• Prepare a list of questions you want to ask at the end of the interview, and refer to it when prompted.
• Turn off your phone.

7. Pay Attention to Non-Verbal Communication

Words contribute only 7% of the total impression you will make, so work hard on your tone of voice and the visual cues you project:

• The interview starts when you enter the company’s premises.
• Smile often.
• Use a firm handshake (practice at home - you might be surprised by the feedback).
• Establish and maintain eye contact, but don’t stare.
• Sit up straight and lean forward slightly to indicate interest.
• Avoid crossing your arms and legs or placing items in your lap.
• Be aware of nervous gestures such as leg shaking, foot tapping, hair twirling, or finger fiddling.
• Use your hands to express feelings.
• Listen intently and acknowledge questions.
• Read the facial expressions and body language of the interviewer, and make necessary adjustments.

8. Ask for the Job

After the “Do you have any questions?” part comes the pinnacle of the interview:

• Articulate that you thoroughly enjoyed the interview and are thankful for the opportunity.
• Show that your enthusiasm is unwavering and that the more you know, the keener you are to join the company.
• Remember that the interview is your personal sales pitch.
• Close the sale by asking for the job.

Well done, and all the best with your interview!

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About the writer:

My name is Zoltan Zorkoczi (BSc Hons, MSc), and I am an international executive leader with nearly 20 years of experience in various management and leadership roles within the Automotive industry. I am now leveraging my extensive expertise as an Executive Headhunter, Management Consultant, and Advisory Board Member with a global reach.

If you are a business leader and wish to discuss your current vacancies or if you are a potential candidate planning to make your next move, please do not hesitate to contact me in total confidence.

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