So, you’ve landed an interview….congrats!
Now it’s time to do all the interview prep everyone often talks about so you can impress the hiring managers and show them you’re the right fit for the job.
It’s not just talk–making a great impression can be the difference between getting the job or not.
So, let’s take a closer look at how you can effectively prepare and ace your upcoming interview!
How to Prepare for the Interview
Research the Company
Before heading into your interview, take some time to research the company.
It’s a good idea to know and understand their core values, mission, and any recent wins and successes.
By researching the company, you’ll be able to tailor your responses to show how your goals align with theirs. Understanding the company will not only reflect a genuine interest in the role, but it will also showcase your readiness to jump right into the position.
Prepare for the Hard Questions
It’s wise to anticipate and prepare for tricky questions that might pop up during your interview.
Questions like “Tell me about yourself” and “What is it about our company that interests you?” can catch you off guard if you’re not prepared.
Take some time to craft genuine responses that highlight not just your skills and experiences, but also your excitement for the role and the company.
Here are some common interview questions that could catch you off guard if you’re not prepared:
- What are your weaknesses?
- Can you explain your employment gap?
- Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
- Why are you leaving your current employer?
- Tell me about a time you experienced conflict in the workplace. How did you handle it?
By practicing answers to these questions ahead of time, you’ll be able to present yourself in the best light possible–more on this later!
Dress to Impress
According to Apollo Technical, 33% of employers make a decision about a candidate within the first 15 minutes of the interview.
So, while it’s true that we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, first impressions do matter.
The saying “dress for the job you want, not the job you have” is widespread for a reason!
When choosing your interview outfit, wear something that aligns with the company culture and looks polished and professional.
Whether you opt for a formal suit or business casual attire, dressing appropriately shows that you take the interview seriously and genuinely want to make a great impression.
Review the Job Description
In order to ace your job interview, it’s important to review the job description to understand the specific skills and experiences required for the role.
Be sure to highlight your relevant qualifications that connect directly to the role’s responsibilities. Demonstrating how your background aligns with the job requirements will show that you’re ready and capable of thriving in this position.
Want to stand out as a strong candidate and enhance your chances of acing the job interview?
Review the job description and tailor your responses to highlight how your expertise is exactly what they need.
What Hiring Managers Look For During Interviews
Ready to set yourself apart from the crowd and boost your chances of making a great impression during the interview?
Here are the qualities that interviewers are always on the lookout for:
Enthusiasm
Hiring managers want to find people who are genuinely excited about the job and the company. So, trust us when we say, showing genuine enthusiasm for the role goes a long way.
Why? Showing that you’re enthusiastic not only proves you’re genuinely interested but also hints at your willingness to stick around and stay dedicated to the organization.
By showing excitement about the responsibilities mentioned in the job description, you can grab the attention of hiring managers and make an impression as a solid candidate.
Professionalism
Professionalism is super important when it comes to acing your interview.
Hiring managers will look at how you present yourself, how you communicate, and how you handle yourself when asked tough questions.
Showing professionalism says to managers, “Hey, I am ready for this job and I respect this opportunity.”
Join the interview with a confident and respectful attitude, and hiring managers see you as the dependable and skilled candidate that you are.
Thoughtful Questions
Take it from us, hiring managers like it when candidates come to the interview with thoughtful questions about the company and the job.
Interviews are a two-way street. They’re an opportunity for you to make sure the company is right for you, just as much as you are for them.
When you ask well-researched questions, it shows you care about the role and the organization. Plus, it highlights your critical thinking skills and your eagerness to understand how the company works and what it expects.
Ace the Job Interview by Asking These Questions
Here’s our #1 Job Interview tip for you: Get good at asking the right questions at the right time.
Whether you want to know more about the company culture or need clarity on job duties, the right questions can help you stand out as someone who listens thoughtfully and thinks critically.
Here are a few questions we recommend to gain more insight on the job and make a great first impression:
What do the people who are the most successful in their roles do differently?
This question highlights your eagerness to excel and learn from the company’s top performers.
Plus, it provides a great opportunity for you to see how your own skills and strengths align with the skills and strengths of the *most* successful employees at the company.
What does it mean for someone to be a good culture fit at *insert company here*?
Asking about the culture fits shows that you’re genuinely interested in getting to know the working environment and how you can make a positive impact on the company’s culture.
This question also highlights your understanding of how important the right culture fit is for a thriving organization.
What would you like to see accomplished in the first 90 days?
Want to demonstrate a forward-thinking attitude and a desire to make meaningful contributions? Ask a question that gets to the heart of what the company hopes to see accomplished.
This question demonstrates a proactive mindset and a clear grasp of what’s expected right away.
Who will I be reporting to and what is their management style?
This question shows that you’re eager to understand how you’ll fit in with the team and adapt to the management style, and that’s great!
Asking about management styles reflects your desire to work well within the team dynamic and with higher ups.
What is the rest of the interview process like and when can I expect to hear back about next steps?
Asking questions to better understand next steps in the interview process is a surefire way to show your enthusiasm for the role, while also highlighting your organizational skills.
Pro tip: Jot down the next steps after the interview so you know when to send appropriate thank you emails and follow-ups.
How That’s Good HR Can Help You Land Your Dream Job
At That’s Good HR, we understand the importance of acing the job interview–and we want to see you nail it!
Our team is here to provide more tips, resources, and support to help you prepare accordingly and land your dream job.
Curious about the roles we’re currently hiring for and how we can help you land and ace the interview?
Visit our website to get in touch with our team of HR pros!