Preparing for an interview is an important ritual in the job search process. You must make sure you are ready and confident in how you approach the interview. This means having a full understanding of the company, the responsibilities of this role, and why you and your skillsets are the right fit.
Taking the necessary steps will not only help you but will also allow the employer to fairly compare you with the other candidates.
Preparation can lead to an excellent interview, which means you might land the dream job you’ve always wanted! Here are a few steps to make that interview easier.
1. Dress to Impress
If you know you are going to be interviewing in person or over video conference, it’s important to dress in business attire. While this doesn’t necessarily mean wearing a suit, dressing professionally could mean the difference between making a good first impression and getting the job over someone else.
The old saying goes, “You never get a second chance to make a good first impression.” And the evidence is there. 65% of hiring managers indicate that clothes could be a deciding factor between two almost-identical candidates.
2. Ensure your space isn’t a distraction.
In today’s environment, many interviews are happening remotely. This means it’s crucial to ensure your space is tidy and not going to be a distraction to you or your interviewer. Furthermore, make sure that you have a quiet space to have a conversation and that nobody will be walking in the background, shouting, or any other noises that will focus your attention on something other than the interview.
3. Know your resume and be prepared to answer questions about your experience
While it’s important to know how to answer common interview questions a hiring manager might ask, be prepared to be tested on your technical knowledge, previous experience, and skills. Make sure you know the definitions of basic terms and can demonstrate your abilities to the employer.
Providing examples of your past professional accomplishments is an effective way to show the interviewer that you are capable of problem solving and finding solutions.
Using the STAR method can be a great way to do that.
S – Situation: Describe the situation
T – Task: Describe the purpose
A – Action: Explain what exactly you did to solve the problem.
R – Result: State the outcome of your work
It might seem silly to practice your speaking voice and mannerisms, but make sure that you are confident in your soft skills before the interview. According to LegalJobs, 39% of candidates get rejected due to overall confidence level, voice quality, or lack of a smile. A warm smile, firm handshake, and self-assurance can go a long way.
Do your homework. Knowing about the company, how it functions, the leaders within the company, and even looking up your interviewer beforehand can help you appear interested and knowledgeable to the hiring manager. If you cannot answer any questions about the company, you immediately are at a disadvantage and appear unprepared.
Additionally, you will want to make sure you come to the interview well acquainted with what the job description entails and what your responsibilities will be. Asking questions like, “What does a typical day look like for a person in this position?” or “What is the company culture like?” will not only demonstrate you have done your research, but also your interest in the role.
5. Follow up after the interviewFollowing up with your interviewer after your conversation is polite etiquette. Thank them for their time and bring up something from your previous conversation to make it personable. Sending an email is fine but sending a handwritten thank you note would provide a memorable touch.
This can also be the time to reiterate your interest in the position and recap your qualifications. Don’t forget to include your contact information as well. It can also be a good idea to encourage the hiring manager to take the next step in the hiring process. This extra step won’t take long and will help you stand out.
Interviewing can be a stressful process but preparing can help you feel more confident, increase your knowledge, and make you stand out from other candidates.
Our recruiters at SkillStorm are the leaders in IT staffing. They strive to accelerate your career and match our candidates with the best clients.
SkillStorm can help you land that dream job and prep you for an interview. If you’d like to learn more or connect with a member of our recruitment team, just shoot us an email at apply@skillstorm.com. Storm on!