When you’ve been invited in for an interview, preparation is the key to success. But figuring out precisely how you should prepare isn’t always intuitive, especially when it goes beyond simply practicing your answer to interview questions.
Excelling during your interview takes time and attention, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. If you are ready to impress during your next meeting with a hiring manager, here are 10 tips you don’t want to miss.
1. Learn About the Interviewers
If you learn the names of those who will be interviewing you, take a little time to see what you can discover about them. See if they have a bio on the company website or a publicly accessible LinkedIn page to determine their perspective and find out what sorts of answers or actions are most likely to catch their attention.
2. Research the Company
Similarly, having a solid understanding of what the company has to offer, as well as the basic organizational structure, can play to your advantage. You can add relevant tidbits based on their priorities and goals, ensuring your responses speak to their needs.
3. Suss Out the Interview Format
There is a broad range of interview types, and companies may use different approaches depending on their goals. If possible, find out if you’re heading in for a traditional, technical or behavioral interview in advance. That way, you can prepare based on that information.
4. Be Aware of Your Movements
When it comes to answering interview questions, it isn’t just what you say that matters. Your gestures and mannerisms also tell a story, so you want to make sure your body language is appropriate. Practice your responses in front of a mirror so you can observe your actions. Then, if necessary, make adjustments to ensure you present yourself properly.
5. Quantify Your Answers
If you are practicing your interview responses, make sure to quantify the information. Numbers and hard metrics are especially powerful, so use them whenever you can.
6. Select Your Attire in Advance
The last thing you want to do is scramble to pick your outfit on the morning of your interview. Instead of leaving this to the last minute, plan your attire in advance and lay out your clothes, shoes, and accessories the night before. This ensures everything is ready, giving you peace of mind and helping you get out the door quickly.
7. Gather Your Materials
In most cases, you’ll want to bring copies of your resume, references and portfolio with you for an interview. Similar to planning your outfit, doing this the night before ensures everything is ready and nothing is forgotten.
8. Prepare Your Questions
Nearly every interview ends with an opportunity to ask your own questions, and you need to have a few ready. While you can certainly adjust what you ask based on what you learn during the interview, questions like, “Is there anything we’ve discussed that would keep me from being a top candidate for the position?” can be used in nearly any situation.
9. Reflect on Your Career
While preparing answers is helpful, it’s also wise to reflect on your career as a whole. Take a few moments to consider how you’ve progressed, examining each position in chronological order. This helps you form a picture of your path in your mind, making it easier to keep things straight during the interview.
10. Get a Good Night’s Sleep
If you’re tired, you’ll likely struggle during the interview. Make sure to get a good night’s sleep so you can arrive refreshed and alert, increasing your odds of being at your best.
By following the tips above, you can position yourself to shine during your interview. If you are interested in learning more or are looking for a new job, the professionals at TempStaff can help. Contact us today to see how our services can benefit you.
