Prepare for a Great Job Interview

I prepared harder for my Google Onsite interview than ANY other interview of my life. I believe if you incorporate my techniques below you’ll thoroughly impress your dream company at your interview too.

1. I researched each of my interviewers before hand (the recruiter was able to provided me with their names).

• If the recruiter doesn’t provide the name(s) of your interviewer(s) to you automatically, ask for them!
• Look up things you have in common with the interviewer(s) (education, passions, interests, projects, location). If they have a LinkedIn profile, that's a great start!
• Come up with 3-4 questions to ask them. You can ask them about their role or an experience you two have in common. Prepare analytical questions based on what they do at the company.
• Write a flashcard for each interviewer and review it on the way to your interview/ during breaks. If it's remote, keep your notes next to your computer.

2. I noticed that a popular book by Laszlo bock (Work Rules!) shaped a lot of the processes held by Google HR today. I put 2 hours each day into reading the entire book! I highlighted concepts in the book that I specifically aligned with (had experience with, an interest in, or were related to the role I was applying to) so I could talk with the team about it.

• If someone at your dream company has written books or articles, read them! Think of ways the reading relates to the position you applied to.

3. I reviewed every Minimum qualification on the job description and thought about every scenario I had that aligned with those descriptions. I wrote them down in the Star format (this link is incredibly helpful; it’s what I used!) and then talked through them in front of my mirror. I spent over 2 hours rehearsing in my bathroom!

There are so many ways to prepare for an interview; what are so strategies you’ve put into effect that have made you successful? Who is one of the best candidates you’ve interviewed? Tag them in the comments and share what they did that was so impressive.