Preparing for a Job Interview

For most people, a job interview is a stressful event. Getting a new job is a big deal! Doing all you can to prepare for the interview will improve your chances of landing the job and help you feel confident.

Do your research.

You want to demonstrate to the interviewer that you’re genuinely interested in this job — not just any job.

Company

Visit the company website and social media, and try searching for the company on Google and in online business publications.

Look for information about:

Company culture
Mission and values
Upcoming projects
Major past projects
Community involvement

Relating this information to yourself during the interview questions will help the interviewer imagine you in the job.

Do you share the same values as the company? Is there an upcoming project that excites you and will allow you to flex your skills? Do you appreciate how the company helps people in the community? These are things to include in your interview answers.

Products & Services

Even if you’re interviewing for a job in an industry you’ve worked in before, it’s wise to research the specific products and services the company offers.

You don’t have to understand every last detail, but you should at least know the basics. The interviewer may ask you how your skills relate to what they offer. Plus, bringing up a service that particularly interests you — and where you know you will shine — will impress the interviewer.

Interviewer

We don’t mean social media stalking here, but you should know who will interview you and their role(s) in the company. The types of questions you’ll ask and answer will differ depending on whether you’re interviewed by an outside recruiter, hiring manager, future supervisor, or the company owner.

Check the company website and LinkedIn to find the job title and photo of the person conducting your interview. Recognizing your interviewer when you arrive can help you feel more confident — and it will earn you an extra point for preparation!

Practice answering and asking interview questions.

There’s no way to predict everything you’ll be asked, but there are some common questions that tend to come up in most interviews. In fact, we’ve put together a guide!

Understanding how your qualifications, experience and qualities align with the company’s needs can help you prepare for almost any interview question.

Go through the job description line by line. Identify how your specific skills, training, background and work style meet each requirement. You must communicate your enthusiasm for the job and why you’re the best candidate.
Have a friend or family member ask you typical interview questions so you can practice answering them out loud. Or, practice in front of a mirror. You want to sound confident and friendly.

Remember that you’ll have a chance to ask questions, too! The interview allows both parties to discover if the position is the right fit. Prepare to ask at least three to five questions. We’ve put together a list to spark some ideas.

Dress to impress.

Refer to our interview outfit guide for advice on interview attire.

Read More: What to Wear to a Job Interview

Before the big day, try on your interview outfit. Walk, stand and sit down to make sure everything fits comfortably. The last thing you want at the interview is a wardrobe malfunction! You won’t do your best if you’re distracted by tight shoes or constantly have to adjust your clothing.

Feel your best.

A job interview expends mental energy, requiring a lot from your body. Think of preparing for your interview as getting ready to play in a big game.

Get a good night’s sleep
Stay hydrated
Eat a nourishing meal an hour or two beforehand if possible
Avoid alcohol and other intoxicants

Know your route.

Interviews are stressful enough without rushing to get there on time or worrying about getting lost. You’ll arrive with your nerves shredded. While you can’t prevent every possible delay, there are ways to help ensure smooth sailing.

Leave early
Make sure you understand the route, especially if you’re going somewhere unfamiliar
Check for traffic jams and construction on Google Maps
Know your available parking options and have a way to pay if applicable
Have the interviewer’s contact information on hand in case of delays
Use Google Street View to familiarize yourself with the building, if possible

Bring these items to the interview.

Printout of specific instructions (e.g., who to ask for at the desk, where to go in the building) — nerves can make us forget things!
Three copies of your resume
Portfolio or work samples, if applicable
Printout of the job description to refer to
Notepad and pen to take notes and for questions you want to ask

Why printouts if these items are available on your mobile device? Looking down at your phone signals to many people that you aren’t paying attention. Your phone should be off and out of sight — even if the interviewer uses theirs.

Need personalized help with your job search?

With offices in Wichita, Kansas, and Tulsa, Oklahoma, Summit Employment Professionals offers friendly, honest, one-on-one help for job seekers at all career stages. Contact us today.