Prepping to Nail the Interview!

In the past several weeks we've talked about the process marketing yourself (go back to previous editions on creating unique value proposition, resume, cover letter, and thinking strategically when applying to roles). This weeks edition we are going to discuss how preparing for a phone or video interview goes beyond just understanding the role; it requires comprehensive research into the company and strategic preparation to convey your suitability through based on your experiences. Focusing on the job description's key elements and crafting 2-3 stories that highlight your relevant experiences, skills, and accomplishments can significantly enhance your responses, making them more impactful. Here's a refined approach to ensure you're well-prepared:

Do Your Research

Begin your preparation by diving deep into the company's background. Explore their website, recent press releases, social media channels, and any relevant news articles to understand their mission, values, culture, and recent achievements. This research will not only help you tailor your stories more effectively but also enable you to ask insightful questions, demonstrating your genuine interest in the company and the role.

Connect Dots between your Background and the Job Description

Carefully review the job description to identify the core competencies, skills, and experiences the employer is seeking. Focus on elements that are emphasized or mentioned repeatedly, as these are likely the role's critical aspects. These key elements should form the basis of your interview preparation.

Craft Your Stories

Reflect on your experiences to find examples that demonstrate your capabilities in the identified areas. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your narratives, ensuring they are concise, engaging, and relevant. Each story should showcase not only your technical skills but also soft skills like leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability.

Practice Your Delivery

For phone interviews, concentrate on projecting a clear, confident tone, as your voice must convey enthusiasm and professionalism without visual cues. In video interviews, ensure your environment is tidy, well-lit, and professional. Dress as you would for an in-person interview to show respect and seriousness about the opportunity. Practice delivering your stories succinctly, aiming to keep them under two minutes while maintaining engagement.

Prepare for Flexibility

While having prepared stories is crucial, being able to adapt them to different questions or scenarios during the interview is equally important. This flexibility showcases your quick thinking and ability to apply your experiences in various contexts.

Technical and Logistical Setup

Ensure your technology and environment are prepared in advance, whether for a phone or video interview. A stable internet connection, functioning equipment, and a quiet, interruption-free space are essential to avoid any distractions or technical issues during the interview.

By thoroughly researching the company and focusing on the job description's most important elements, you can prepare relevant stories that underscore your suitability for the role. This level of preparation demonstrates not only your qualifications but also your enthusiasm for the position and your fit within the company's culture. Approach your phone or video interview with confidence, equipped with insights and narratives that highlight your readiness to contribute to the company's success. What Prep techniques have you found to be effective?

If you ever have any questions or are excited to hear more on an area of insight, leave a comment or drop me an email response:

[email protected]

Critical Fit Recruiting Team