On the Job

Job interviews don’t have to be intimidating when you prepare in advance. With these 5 tips for a successful job interview, you can nail your job interview questions with confidence and leave an impression that counts.

So, you’ve got the job interview. Congratulations! But what next? When it comes to job interviews, most of us feel the pressure to be on our A-game, and with that pressure comes anxiety, stress, and nerves. But with these proper job interview preparation tips, you can prepare for questions and answer them with confidence, making the interview process feel like a breeze.

1. Study the Job Description.

The first step before your job interview is to research the position you’re applying for and match your qualifications to the job. Have examples ready to show that you meet those requirements with your CV or portfolio that showcase your experience and capability. It’s beneficial to draw on your own experiences and ask yourself, “How have my experiences equipped me for this position?”

2. Research the Company.

Once you’re familiar with the job position, an essential next step is to research the company you’re applying to. You want to learn who they are, what they do, and what challenges they face, and demonstrate that you know these things.

Start on the company website and social media pages like LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. Look at their mission statement and values and ask yourself which of these values resonate with you and how you can incorporate them into your interview answers.

*Our tip: If their mission statement isn’t on their website, find a moment to ask them what it is during your interview. This will show your genuine interest in the company, and they’ll be more than happy to tell you.

3. How to Prepare an Elevator Pitch.

Remember, the goal of the interview is to convince your potential employer that you are the right choice for the job, and an elevator pitch is a great way to do just that. (Even if you don’t pitch it, preparing your elevator pitch is a great exercise to help you clarify your goals and what unique skills you have to offer.)

An elevator pitch is a 30 – 60 second persuasive pitch that summarizes who you are, what you do, why your potential employer should hire you. Let them know your unique selling proposition (USP) and why you’d be a valuable addition to the company. Your interviewer will be impressed by your preparedness and confidence, and your elevator pitch might be the reason you stand out amongst the crowd.

4. Prepare Questions for the Interviewer.

After you’ve answered all the nerve-inducing interview questions with confidence and ease, it’s an excellent opportunity to ask the interviewer questions that will help you understand more about the company and role you’re applying for. Often, your interviewer will ask you if you have any questions for them, so preparing some in advance will help you avoid the pressure of on-the-spot thinking.

Interview Questions to Ask Your Employer

Think of 3 or 4 questions specific to the position and 3 or 4 generic ones. You don’t have to ask all of them (in fact, you shouldn’t), but it’s good to have some extra questions banked in case you forget any of them.

*Our tip: Avoid asking about the salary, work hours, and vacation days on the first interview.

Instead, ask questions like:

• What would you expect from me in this role daily?
• How is success defined in this role?
• What are the growth opportunities for this role?

5. How to Prepare for a Video Job Interview.

Another type of job interview is video interview. With more companies working remotely, there’s a good chance you may have to interview via a video call on apps like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Skype. Our top tips are:

1. Find a private, quiet location where you won’t be interrupted.
2. Use a simple, neutral background and a well-lit space.
3. Dress as you would for a face-to-face interview (this depends on the company you are applying to).
4. Test your setup by doing dummy interviews with a friend to make sure you are happy with the lighting, sound quality, background, and connection.
5. Prepare for your interview using our other 4 job interview tips.

With these 5 tips for a successful job interview, you can walk into any interview with answers that stand out and confidence that leaves an impression that counts.