You got the interview. Now comes the real work: preparing. What can you do to increase your odds of getting the offer? As one of Phoenix’s top recruitment firms, PrideStaff knows that practice makes perfect. And while you shouldn’t rehearse so much that it sounds like you’re giving canned answers, there are steps you can take to prepare and walk into the interview with more confidence. Here are a few to consider:
#1: Do your homework.
When it comes to practicing for an interview, you need to do some legwork first. For instance, learn all you can about the company, the challenges and opportunities they’re facing, and the types of customers they serve. You should go beyond their website and look to news sites and other sources to find out what’s going on with the organization. This kind of information will inform the answers you give and ensure you offer the most intelligent responses possible.
At the same time, also do some digging and make a list of interview questions that are common to the field you work in. Once you know the types that will be coming your way, you’ll be able to think through the answers you want to give.
#2: Create a list of relevant accomplishments.
In addition to learning about the company and practicing your answers to common interview questions, it’s also important to be able to back up your claims with a proven record of accomplishments. So before your big interview, make a list of achievements that are most relevant and important to note during the job interview. That way, you’ll have a variety to choose from that are top of mind as you’re answering interview questions.
#3: Learn what you can about culture.
One of the big areas that many hiring managers focus on during the interview process is cultural fit. They want to make sure that you have more than just the technical skills to do the job, but also the soft skills and personality to fit in with the culture and become a strong contributor.
So beyond the hard facts about the company, find out what you can about the culture. If you know someone who already works there, then that person is the ideal starting point to gather information. If not, though, then look to any social media profiles or company blogs. These tend to offer more insider insight into what the culture is really like versus the About Us page.
Once you have a better grasp on the culture and if it seems like the right fit for you, you can formulate responses to interview questions that bring your personality, values and style into the conversation.
#4: Conduct a mock interview.
Most candidates don’t like interviews and are uncomfortable during them. However, one way to increase your confidence is by asking a friend or family member to conduct a mock interview with you. Give them a list of your interview questions and ask them to go through them with you.
Even better, record the session so you can truly analyze your answers, performance and body language. That way, you’ll know exactly what areas you need to improve upon.
#5: Always be yourself.
Don’t practice so much that you come off as rehearsed and inauthentic. The purpose of a job interview is for a hiring manager to get to know you as a person, as well as for you to evaluate the opportunity. So rather than an interrogation, approach the situation as a fact-finding conversation. You’ll be less nervous and more comfortable as a result.
Need more help with your job search efforts?
Call the experts at PrideStaff. As one of Phoenix’s top recruitment firms, we know what hiring managers want in new employees and can help you increase your odds of getting hired. Contact us today to learn more or get started.
