How to Prepare for An Interview

If you have been out of the interviewing game, or have not interviewed for a job in a long time, this is for you. This is also for you if you are a person that just needs to sharpen your approach to interviewing.

First, interviewing is not the same as it was 5 years ago, heck 10 years ago! Same thing as applying for jobs. It’s wild to think we would actually drive to a place and ask if they are hiring and fill out a paper application. I mean, I am sure this is still the case for the occasional small employer, but let’s be realistic. In 2022 the way to find a job is through a job/career board, LinkedIn, Social Media, networking, etc. Besides the point, and everyone needs to get on board! Now..let’s get to the interviewing part.

Interviewing is very challenging and daunting. I am going to give you my experience to let you know, that I was not always an interviewing guru.

I was nearly approaching graduating from college and I started applying to jobs. Mind you, I have worked in restaurants pretty much my whole life and there was not really an “interview” per say. It was more a “hey, you have served before. Here is your schedule” and boomb that’s how I would get a job. So, as I was about to start my career I realized I was not skilled in the area of interviewing! I had no problem writing a resume, but interviewing?! No skills at all, ZIPPO! What I did was google or pinterest anything and everything on how to interview. First, let me tell you that interviewing overall is a grey area. I say this because each company and or hiring manager does it differently. Yes, there are the generic questions like “Why are you interested in this company/role?”, “What skills and strengths can you bring to this position?” or “Can you tell me about your current job?”. These are just a few that are pretty generic that you can typically prepare to talk about. I was tired of failing interviews, that is how I got to where I am. I started to educate myself by researching, reading and preparing to be un-prepared. Now that we have covered that I was not a pro at this (still not sure if I am, but hey I am a human being and will forever be learning!), let’s get into what I have learned, and what I advise my clients to do to prepare for an interview.

YAY, YOU MADE IT! You have passed the phone screen and are now scheduled for your first round interview! Now what? Well, I will make it very easy for you guys so you are an interviewing PRO.

Research the industry and company.

This is SO very important. I know many people are looking for the highest paying job, or best benefits, and while those are VERY important, you are also at work for 40 or so hours a week, so you want to make sure you actually “like” the company. You do not want to start at a company that their mission, vision, and goals do not align with yours. You will be miserable! (Trust me, I have been there). So, do your homework and research on the company. Recruiters and hiring managers like to gage what you know about the industry and their company, and see how serious you are about being hired with them.

Clarify your “selling points” and the reasons you want the job.

Come prepared! My biggest tip to everyone. You want to at least practice your interviewing skills and what skills you bring to the table. It’s not as easy as it sounds unless you practice it. I know interviewing practice does not sound fun, but not anymore fun than going around in circles interviewing and not getting the job. Run through your resume, write down in a notebook what skills and accomplishments you have achieved throughout your career, and how it can translate well into the position you have applied for. Always be prepared to discuss why you would be a better fit than another candidate; bring value.

Prepare for common interview questions & the unexpected questions

We are at time where we have plenty of tools to find basic interview questions. Just do a quick google search on some general questions employers may ask. This will give you any idea on what to discuss and prepare for. While those are helpful, you have to dig deep and expect for the unexpected. There may be a curve ball thrown at you with behavorial questions, or “give me an example when..” type of questions. Try to write down and role play how you would answer a question like that. Other types of questions that could be asked could be how are your time management skills? or what would your previous employer say about you? These are some things you definetly want to go over. Again; practice, practice, practice.

Have copies of your resume/portfolio & a list of questions ready to go

This is a vital part of interviewing. During times like this (the pandemic) you may have a virtual interview or an in person interview, sometimes both. If you have a virtual interview, have your resume and portfolio pulled up and ready to go. You do not want to be scrambling to find it or just go off memory in that moment. If your interview is in person, you want to bring your padfolio. If you do not have one, get one. There are tons on amazon. Padfolio’s can go anywhere between $15 to $100, depending on how fancy you want to get. Now that the employer has ran through all of their questions, they want to know what questions you have for them. DO NOT SAY YOU DO NOT HAVE ANY!!! An example of questions I have typically asked as an interviewee; what is the pay range? what is the schedule like? what are you looking for in a candidate? is their growth? what is the workplace culture look like? whats the timeline for you to fill this role? you get the picture.

Dress to impress & nothing less

Dressing to impress is important. Again, while some interviews are virtual, it is still important to look your best. You can even ask the recruiter how you should dress for the interview. In virtual interviews, you want to make sure you are in a quiet space and check if your camera is working prior to the interview (yes, at times the cat will pop in, but most employers get that). If your interview is in person, you always want to look groomed and put together. Employers dont want to see someone that looks like they rolled out of bed and rushed to get here. Always prepare extra time the day of an interview. Always ask for their contact information so you can send a follow up thank you e-mail. This is vital!

PRACTICE. PRACTICE. PRACTICE!

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