Preparing for an interview doesn’t have to be an overwhelming process, but to truly show your best self and have a stress-free experience, it's best to do a little bit of prepping. Making a great first impression is important—those who can showcase they have knowledge on the company, the role, and know exactly how to convey they're the perfect fit for the job are the ones rise to the top.
Follow these tips to ace the interview in 1 hour or less:
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1. Do your Homework
It's important to do a little research before walking in the interview door. At minimum, know these 3 things:
• The company (history, culture, relevant news)
• The job (Title, responsibilities, skillsets required)
• The interviewer(s) (Job title, work background)
2. Practice
As the saying goes, practice makes perfect. You'll be glad you took the time to come up with past examples and experiences ahead of time. To start, try out this exorcise then practice with a friend:
• Make a list of your own skills that align with the job requirements
• Think of real-life examples that showcase desired and favorable characteristics in the workplace
• Bring 3-5 stories or examples of relevant work experience that demonstrates you’re qualified
3. Know your elevator pitch
Be ready to answer the question "Why should I hire you for this job?" at any time.
4. Bring questions
It's likely some of your questions will get answered during the interview, so bring 4-5 to be safe. Some examples of great questions to ask:
• What does a typical day like in this position?
• What are some of the challenges people face in this role?
• What are the growth and success expectations?
• Tell me about the company culture
5. Prepare
Not all organizations require formal attire, but you should still appear neat and tidy. Bring copies of your resume, as well as a pen and notebook for notetaking. Prepare your outfit and what you'll bring the night before, so you don't have to worry about it the day-of. Be sure you know where you're going and any special logistical instructions. A good rule of thumb is to arrive 10 minutes early.
6. Ask your recruiter
It's what they're here for! When in doubt, your recruiter is on-call to answer any questions you have.
Prepping for your interview doesn't have to take long, follow this process to walk in the door feeling prepared and at-ease. To help further, download and fill out our Interview Cheat Sheet.