Job interviews are seen as a daunting task by many. But with strategic preparation, what was once an anxiety-inducing nightmare can become an empowering experience. Follow these tips to have your most successful interview.
Do your research: know the company you’re applying for
The amount of research an interviewee conducts in preparation for their job interview greatly reflects their dedication and initiative. Begin your interview preparation process by learning about the company or organization of the role you are applying for: their mission and vision, what they do, who they serve, and how they do it. Practice giving a synopsis of the organization out loud to yourself.
Make the job description your interview study guide
Think of the provided job description as your one-stop shop for preparing for your job interview questions. While many people approach interview preparation by trying to predict what questions they will be asked and preparing pre-written answers for those questions, not only is it futile to accurately predict what these questions will be, but trying to remember your canned responses makes it difficult to adapt when the interview goes in a different direction. Keep in mind that the majority of hiring managers will ask interviewees questions based on the job description. To prepare, go line-by-line through the job description and think of statistics, narratives, or other stories about how you’re qualified. Pull experiences from your personal, professional, and academic life that showcase how you align with the role, and don’t underestimate transferable skills.
Understand that interviews go both ways: have questions prepared
A great deal of anxiety that arises from job interviews is the feeling that comes with being evaluated or studied. The concept of opening oneself up to criticism or rejection is indeed daunting. However, the landscape changes drastically by approaching interviews from a position of mutual evaluation. Prepare questions you would like to ask to determine whether or not the role is something you want to have and if the organization aligns with your values. Understand that the people interviewing you are also just people. Breathe, and remember all the qualities that make you an excellent match for the role.
Would you like to develop your interview skills further? WorkLink offers a free Interview Skills workshop for our clients! Contact us to learn more about our free employment services and how to register: 250.478.9525 or info@worklink.bc.ca