How to Get Ready for an Job Interview

A forthcoming interview is an exciting opportunity to explore a new career path and learn more about a company you want to work for. No matter what type of interview you'll be taking part in, from initial screenings to case interviews, it's critical to prepare thoroughly.

According to one report, 93% of Americans are anxious about job interviews. In that survey, 41% stated being unable to answer a tough question made them the most nervous.

However, we may prepare for our job interviews, which should reduce our anxiety.

Strong interviewing abilities do not develop overnight. We'll go over how to prepare for an interview by making your first impression count and giving yourself plenty of prep time ahead of time. Let's start at the beginning and go over the first step to impressing your potential employer.

1. Review the job description carefully

Reviewing the job description can help you understand what is expected from a suitable candidate for this position, which will help you articulate how you will be able to meet those requirements and fit in well with the company. You can use the job description as a reference because it will often list the necessary training, expertise, characteristics, and experience that the employer seeks in a best-fitted applicant. Learn about these specifics and evaluate your qualifications for them by conducting a self-evaluation.

The more you can match up with these specifics, the more likely it is that the employer will recognize you as the most qualified candidate for this position. You can get ideas for interview questions the company might ask from the job description as well.

Most job descriptions follow a similar pattern and are usually categorized by the following points:

• Job title/Department
• Duties and tasks
• Skills required

The job description should be carefully read and reviewed, and you should make sure that your talents match those needed for the position.

2. Make a Match

Make a list of your skills and link them to the job requirements once you've outlined the qualifications for the job.

Make a list of your strengths that correspond to the employment requirements. Skills, traits, certificates, experiences, professional qualifications, abilities, computer skills, and knowledge bases are examples of these.

When explaining to the employer why you are an outstanding fit for the job, you can bring up some of these strengths.

Consider examples from previous job experiences that demonstrate these attributes. This way, you'll be prepared if the interviewer asks you to recount an instance when you displayed a certain talent or aptitude.

This training will help you be prepared to answer job-specific interview questions as well as behavioral interview questions aimed to determine if you have the knowledge, abilities, and traits required to execute the job meticulously.

3. Research the Company

Organizations seek candidates who have the same values as the company culture. Researching the firm before an interview will provide you with insight into the organization's core values, future goals, and ambitions, and being able to discuss these topics will make you appear to your future employer as a long-term investment.

Check out the organization's website, notably the "About Us" page, for a concise knowledge of the company. Read articles about the company in industry magazines or on websites to get a feel of how it compares to other companies in the same industry. You may also read company reviews from customers as well as current and past employees.

The following interview preparation tips will give you a guide as to which aspect of the company should be researched:

• Culture analysis: Look for comments from current or past employees on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Google reviews.
• Competitors: Research the company's main competitors and visit the websites of companies in the same industry.
• Management team: Investigate the corporate website to learn about the company hierarchy and who the board of directors is. moreover, you can go through the departmental head's profile on LinkedIn, which will give you an overall idea about your future superior.
• Research the product or service: Even if the function isn't directly tied to the company's product or service, you want to be a member of the team. It is critical to get overall knowledge about the product or service that the company manufactured and promotes. The more you can tell them about the product from both a corporate and a customer angle, the better you'll do in the interview.

4. Prepare responses to commonly asked interview questions.

There is no way to foresee what you will be asked during an interview, however, there are certain common questions. Plan your responses to these questions since it will raise your confidence and make you believe you can succeed. Here are a few examples of frequently asked questions:

A. Could you tell me about yourself and describe your background in brief?

Interviewers enjoy hearing candidates' personal stories. Make sure your story has a strong beginning, a gripping middle, and a satisfying ending that will make the interviewer root for you to get the job.

Sample Answer 1:

Hey! So, my name is John Doe and I’ve worked as a business analyst for 5+ years in Company X and Company Y.

I have some background in data analysis, having studied Information Systems at [Made-Up] University.

Throughout my career, I’ve done some pretty impressive stuff (if I do say so myself, haha).?

For example, at Company X, I led a project for migrating all operations data to a new data warehousing system to cut down on costs. The new solution was a much better fit for our business, which eventually led to savings of up to $200,000 annually.

B. Why did you decide to apply for this position or this company?

The interviewer is seeking to assess how passionate you are about the job or organization. After all, job satisfaction is strongly related to job performance. The more satisfied you are with your job, the more productive you will be.

Example answer 1:?“This company is always ahead of tech trends and is constantly looking for ways to improve their products, and that sort of innovative thinking really inspires me. I also appreciate how much this company has given back to the community, especially in efforts to produce more eco-friendly products. I’m always looking for ways to lower my own carbon footprint.”

Example answer 2: “The job description mentioned that this role would be responsible for onboarding new employees, as well as compiling and distributing an updated employee handbook. In my current role, I enjoy working with new employees to help them feel welcome and confident in their roles. And I’ve found that an updated employee handbook can be an excellent resource to help them adapt to company policies, such as rules for hybrid roles, and often helps employees adjust more quickly.”

C. What motivates you to choose this role or Company?Employers ask this question to assess your self-awareness and to verify that your motivations match the role and the organization as a whole. To respond, be as descriptive as possible, use real-life examples, and connect your response to the job role and/or the company's objective.

D. What type of work environment do you prefer?

Before the interview, do your research about the organization and its culture. Your research will save you in this situation. If your chosen setting does not closely coincide with the company's working culture, it may not be the appropriate fit for you.?

For example, you may learn from the company's website that it has a flat organizational structure or that it values collaboration, autonomy and creativity. These are crucial terms to include in your response to this question.

E. What are your biggest strengths?

You have two options here: what your genuine strengths are, or what you believe the recruiting manager or HR person wants to hear. We strongly advise you to choose the first option.?

After you've identified your strength, back them up with a situation or narrative that demonstrates how you've used them to your advantage on the job.?

After all, words are only words. HR has no way of knowing whether your "natural leadership" is a true strength or simply a result of your university result or volunteer activity.

• Sample Answer 1:

My biggest strength is that I’m very efficient at working under pressure. No matter the crisis or stress, I can make the right decisions on-the-spot.

As an event manager at Company X, we were organizing an IT conference for a client. There were a ton of last-minute hiccups - some speakers canceled and the catering company said they’d be late for the lunch break. On top of that, we were understaffed because 2 of our volunteer organizers got sick and couldn’t show up.

At that point, things looked so bleak that we were considering canceling the event or postponing it. Instead, I took the initiative in my hands and sorted through the problems one by one.

F. What is your biggest weakness?

This is always a tricky one!?

After all, you don't want to reveal your weaknesses during an interview, thus the question is bound to be difficult.

The key to answering this question is to understand that the interviewers do not expect you to be flawless. Everyone has flaws, limitations, and areas in which they may grow.

It's also a good idea to express how you're attempting to overcome this problem and how you're aware of how it affects you negatively. If possible, balance it with a positive side effect: think of it as two sides of the same coin.

• Sample Answer 1:

My biggest weakness has always been my communication skills. I’ve been pretty shy and anxious as a kid. Over the years, however, I’ve been really working on the issue.

At this stage, I’m much better than I’ve ever been, but I’m still far from perfect.

This, however, won’t have any impact on my job as a programmer. Despite lacking communication skills, I’m very good at working in a team.

G. Why should we hire you?

The ultimate boasting question.?

The true dilemma now is, how do you market yourself without appearing arrogant, desperate, or needy??

A decent rule of thumb to follow here is to avoid extremes. Consider yourself qualified for the position. Say something like, "You have the right experience."

Don't oversell yourself in any way like; "I'm the best salesman you've ever met!"

Instead, make a broad statement (I'm a wonderful fit for the role because...) and discuss your experiences and accomplishments.

Here are three general points to consider:

1. Why you're so passionate about working with the company.
2. How your competencies match their needs.
3. How do you intend to assist the organization in resolving its current issues, Improve a metric, put up a process, and so forth.

H. What are your salary requirements?

This is a difficult question to answer. You don't want to undersell yourself, but you also don't want to be told "No" because you gave such an outlandish figure.

Keep the following three factors in mind when responding:

Keep the following three factors in mind when responding:

1. What is the typical compensation for someone with your skill set?

2. How much does the company pay people with your level of expertise?

3. Finally, how much do you earn in your current position?

In most circumstances, you should be able to negotiate a raise from your existing salary.

I. Do you have any questions for us?

This question will be asked in every interview you attend. The purpose of this inquiry is to gauge your level of interest or eagerness to take this job.

?While there is no correct response, there is one that is incorrect: Nope, everything is fine! Thank you; I'll go check myself out.

The answers you receive from the interviewer may also indicate whether you truly want to work there.?

J. Can you tell me about a difficult work situation and how you overcame it?

This question is frequently used to test your problem-solving abilities and your ability to perform well under pressure. Consider using the STAR approach to describe a workplace difficulty and how you overcome it. You would frame your response specifically by expressing the Situation or challenge, your position or assigned Task, the Action you performed to overcome the problem, and the Result or outcome.

K. What is your greatest accomplishment?

It can be tough to identify your most outstanding accomplishment. Instead, consider a few accomplishments that demonstrate your work ethic and ideals. Choose examples that relate to the major tasks of the open position if possible.

L. Why are you leaving your current job?

There are numerous valid reasons for leaving a job.?Prepare a thoughtful response that will reassure your interviewer that you are serious about this job transition. Instead of dwelling on the shortcomings of your present or prior position, consider the future and what you want to gain in your next one.

Sample answer:?“While I value the experience I’ve gained from my current role, there aren’t any opportunities for advancement and I’d like to continue challenging myself by taking on more responsibilities.”

5. Practice Interviewing

Take the time to practice answering interview questions that you are likely to be asked. This will also assist to soothe your nerve because you will not be scrambling for an answer while in the hot seat.

Try to follow the same format as the real interview during the practice interview. For example, if the interview is over the phone, have a friend call you to practice answering questions. If it's a panel interview, have a couple of peers act as panelists.

If you're interviewing virtually, make sure you're comfortable with the technology, and make a dry run of that virtual platform before the interview session.

6. Understand the importance of body language and tone of voice

Your tone of voice can reveal a lot about your personality and confidence. If you want to leave an impression on the interviewers, try speaking in a confident and strong voice that is both professional and friendly. Pay attention to your body language as well, such as how you shake hands, move into a room, keep eye contact, and when and how you smile.

7. Ask the right question

Many firms may allow you to ask questions about the company and the role. It is a good idea to prepare these questions ahead of time so that interviewers receive the sense that you have done your research on the company and understand what the position entails. You could ask the following questions:

• What steps are involved in your hiring process?
• What kinds of internal training programs do you provide?
• What characteristics do your most productive staff possess?

8. Review your resume

Before the interview, always go over your resume. This will assist you in identifying any gaps or other anomalies that interviewers may notice. For instance, if you have a professional gap, you may be questioned about it. Prepare your explanation and ensure that it is truthful and logical.

9. Follow-up after the interview

You may wish to check on the status of your application after your interview, but avoid doing it the next day. Allow them time to analyze your application and interview, and then follow up after a reasonable period of time. This will serve as a reminder to the company that you remain interested in the position. You can contact them via email, which is the quickest method, or by phone to find out if a decision has been made.

Giving an interview can be a stressful event, but by planning and preparing, you can lessen your worry and anxiety. You will feel more confident and relaxed if you put some effort into preparing for it. This will lead to you performing well on your big day.

writter-

Arfan Ahmed Shourov

Corporate mentor & HR professional