How to Perfect Your Interview Strategy
Job interviews can feel daunting, no matter how many times you have done one. A job interview isn’t an interrogation. It’s important that you keep that in mind when you’re perfecting your interview strategy. Creating an interview strategy can help maximise your chances of landing the role you want. Think of an interview as a two-way business conversation. One that you make sure you’re prepared for. Sometimes outdated interview advice can hinder your chances. So we’re here to give you some updated tips and tricks to perfect the strategy.
Do your research
It’s good practice to do research, whether that’s as simple as researching the company or talking to past employees. Doing your research is important, as it can make you more aware of the company and its values. Making sure your reasoning for working there is clear. Try to look for mentions of the company on social media and job sites like GlassDoor. To see what others have been saying about the company.
If you know who your interviewers are, you could do research on them, maybe their LinkedIn profile. Speaking of LinkedIn, utilise it! You can search for the company page and if they have one, most likely you will be able to see who the employees are and find out what the workplace culture is like.
Additionally, doing your research will give you a better understanding of the company’s values, culture and goals. Make sure you read the job description in depth as well and fully understand what they’re asking of you. As having a thorough understanding of the skills and experience they require from you will be helpful for you to tailor your responses to the interviewer’s questions.
Sell yourself!
In fact, try to think of an interview as a pitch or a business meeting. You’re selling your services and how well you know the subject matter. As well as selling yourself. Because at the end of the day, you’re the person they’re going to be hiring. Be prepared to share your enthusiasm as well! It definitely looks good to interviewers that you’re enthusiastic and motivated by the industry.
Furthermore, make sure you explain why you’re interested in joining the company and taking the job. In addition, you need to be specific and clear. You don’t want to come across as unaware and vague when you’re trying to tell them why you want the job. If you can’t convince yourself, you certainly won’t convince them. Within this, demonstrate your knowledge and how you can be valuable to the business. This can also act as a clear reason why you want the job, especially if you believe you’re the best because of your knowledge.
Practice, practice, practice
Prepare your answers to predictable competency-based questions around clear topics. Such as leadership, management or skills. You need to prepare specific and unique examples for each of the questions you may get asked. Make sure you practice these as well! As it’s all well and good having answers to the questions, but not if you can’t remember what you wanted to say. It will also help avoid going on a tangent in front of the interviewers. Express your skills and experiences clearly to help get to the point and be understandable. Doing this will make you feel more confident during the interview.
Prepare questions
If you get asked by the interviewer if you have any questions for them, don’t say no! This could potentially be your stand-out moment and your last chance to impress them. If you don’t have any good questions, it can show a lack of curiosity and engagement. But if you do have a few well-thought-out questions, you end the interview on a positive note. It also lets the interviewer know you’ve done your research. It may also be a chance for them to get to know you better. As it might explain the types of questions you ask.
These questions need to be useful as well as insightful. Dont be rushed out of the room without having the chance to ask about their expectations or about the company culture.
To follow up or to not follow up?
A simple thank you email is acceptable after the interview, as it shows them that you’re polite and courteous. However, actually wanting to follow up on the job and interview, you should wait a few days, maybe a week. This will give you time to pause, reflect and decide on how you’re best going to approach the follow-up depending on the interviewer. We’ve also got a series of blogs about email crafting to make you a better job seeker!
Be Yourself
Not only do you have to sell yourself, but you also have to be yourself. It’s important to present the best version of yourself to employers and interviewers. You also need to be your authentic self. If you’re not authentic to who you are and you get the job, there are chances that you won’t stay there for long. You could be missing out on a better career that’s more of a fit for you.
In conclusion
Perfecting your interview strategy is an essential step towards achieving success in your job search. It’s not enough to just have the right skills and experience; you need to be able to effectively communicate your value to potential employers.
By following the tips and advice outlined, you can increase your chances of acing your next interview and landing your dream job. Remember to research the company, practice your responses to common interview questions, and project confidence and enthusiasm during the interview. With the right preparation and mindset, you can stand out from other candidates and impress your interviewers.
Good luck with your job search!