Suppose you received an invitation to a job interview; first of all, congrats! Only 20% of candidates get it, so your skills, experience, and the decision to hire a LinkedIn profile writing service have paid off. You should be proud. Now, it’s time to get ready to, hopefully, land the job. Here’s a step-by-step guide that’ll help you.
#1 Research the Company Thoroughly
The number one step that goes into interview preparation is researching the company. The more a candidate knows, the more likely they will say all the right things and convince the hiring manager that they’re the right fit for the position. Research also helps convey genuine interest in the company and position.
Learn a bit about the company’s history, find information on its current leadership, and make sure you understand the employer’s core values. Check recent updates to show the interviewer that your knowledge is current. And don’t neglect to look through the company’s social media to ensure that what it stands for aligns with your beliefs.
#2 Study the Job Description
Next, learn as much as possible about the position you’re applying for. You’ll need to show the hiring manager that you understand your future responsibilities and have a clear idea of who the company is looking for. If the role is new to you, ask around (for example, go through your LinkedIn contacts and message those who have worked in similar roles).
#3 Practice Your Answers
As minticecreams from Reddit point out, coming off as a competent candidate is much harder when you’re nervous. That’s one of the main reasons why thorough preparation is key. Most people struggle under stress, often leading to surface-level basic responses to essential questions.
Research creative answers to interview questions (or write down and practice your own). Some of the common ones to expect include the following:
- Why are you interested in our company?
- What in this position interests you the most?
- What’s the biggest challenge you faced in your previous position? How did you overcome it?
- Which of your professional accomplishments are you especially proud of?
- Why do you want to leave the company you’re currently working at?
These are very typical questions; almost every hiring manager asks them. By having good responses ready, you’ll be well-prepared for up to one-half of the entire job interview.
#4 Prepare Good Questions
At some point during the conversation, every hiring manager turns the tables and offers the candidate a chance to ask their questions. This is yet another way to understand who the candidate is as an employee and a person and what matters to them. So you must have a few thoughtful questions (for example, something about learning opportunities and the corporate culture).
#5 Learn a Few Calming Techniques
Almost everyone is nervous during the interview. And in most cases, it comes through in candidates’ responses and overall demeanor. While there’s nothing wrong with being anxious during such an important meeting, when you can take your nerves under control, you’re more likely to still come across as a competent and confident job seeker who knows their worth.
Breathing exercises, such as box breathing, are beneficial. They’re easy to use while the hiring manager is talking to calm oneself before answering the question. Also, most recruiters stand by the “fake it till you make it approach.” Smile and project confidence even if it’s not how you feel. By doing so, you’ll eventually feel calmer.
#6 Change the Way You Think of Job Interviews
Most importantly, stop thinking of job interviews only as a chance to prove yourself to a potential employer. According to Harvard Business Review, an excellent way to calm one’s nerves is to change one’s approach. A job interview is a two-way street. You’re judging the company you’re applying for too. Once you start thinking of interviews this way, they stop being so scary.
#7 Take Care of Your Mental Health
Finally, as important as preparation is, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Having a good night’s sleep before any stressful meeting is one of the most important things for acing it. A job interview isn’t an exception. A candidate who keeps researching the company and practicing their responses all night will be tired and distracted the next day.
Instead, take a break once you’ve done everything you could to prepare. Do something physically challenging to release your nervous energy, indulge in some self-care, and go to bed early. A well-rested candidate is more likely to be (or at least appear) cool, calm, and collected, which is what every hiring manager appreciates.
To Sum Up
The two key aspects of preparation are doing homework and caring for one’s mental health. Research the potential employer and have great responses ready, but also learn helpful anti-stress techniques and do whatever makes you less stressed. Remember that you’re interviewing the company just as much as it’s interviewing you. Good luck!
And if you’ve yet to land an interview, google Skillhub—and we’ll turn your resume and LinkedIn profile into every employer’s dream.
FAQ
Is it a good idea to just learn all the practiced responses verbatim?
No, it’s not. There’s a risk that you’ll forget your response because of nerves and won’t know what to answer. Instead, memorize an outline, so your answer doesn’t sound too rehearsed.
How to show the interviewer that you’re genuinely interested in this specific company or position?
Hiring managers aren’t the biggest fans of the “it’s my dream job” response. Be more specific. List what you like about the company and the position you’re applying for. The research will help you with that.
Is it okay for a candidate to admit that they’re nervous?
Sure. We’re all human, including recruiters and hiring managers. By admitting their nerves, a candidate lets the interviewer know they’re hesitant or stuttering, not due to the lack of professionalism but simply because they’re stressed.