Preparing For An Interview
What You Need to Know
You crafted a stellar resume and wrote an amazing cover letter. Now the company has reached out to speak with you in person. This might seem intimidating, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
The interview process might involve more than one interview, and the hiring manager or team will likely ask you a series of questions to determine if you are a good fit for the company.
Let’s go over a few helpful tips to help you prepare, including the most common questions you might be asked and how to answer them with confidence.
Interview | LOOK YOUR BEST
When interviewing for a job it is important to present yourself in an appropriate manner, not just in personality but in appearance.
This means wearing proper attire. For men, slacks and a crisp clean long-sleeved dress shirt. For women, dress pants and a blouse.
According to Workpac.com, “65% of hiring managers say clothes can be the deciding factor between two similar candidates.”
While these are only suggestions, you should dress according to the company’s culture. You will also want to make sure you are wearing clean shoes and your hair is styled.
Interview | SHOW UP EARLY
This should go without saying but we have to mention it: Don’t be late to your first appearance! Learn the exact location of the business and who you are meeting with. Know exactly where you are going, and give yourself plenty of time to get there.
Clear your mind before your interview to help you relax. The more time you have to mentally prepare the better.
Interview | PREPARE TO GET GRILLED
Up next, we will take a look at some of the questions you might be asked during your interview. While it’s true the whole experience can be a little nerve-racking, we will demonstrate not only what to say, but how to say it. So, let’s dive right in!
COMMON QUESTIONS
Here are some very common interview questions:
1. What can you tell us about yourself?
2. Why do you want to work here?
3. Why did you decide to leave your previous job?
4. What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
5. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
HOW TO RESPOND
1. What can you tell us about yourself?
This is probably the question that gets asked the most and it is also the first question you are likely to encounter during the interview.
Response Tips:
- Introduce yourself.
- Tell them what you like about your profession.
- Explain what you’re good at and how that can help the company.
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2. Why do you want to work here?
If the employer asks you this question they are most likely trying to determine how excited you are about the position.
Response Tips:
- What specific reasons do you want to work for this particular employer?
- Tell them what you like about the company and in what ways you’ve been following their progress.
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3. Why did you decide to leave your previous job?
Employers want someone who will stick around even when times are tough, so make sure your reason for leaving is valid.
Response Tips:
- Tell them you left because you had accomplished all that you could it that role and were looking for something new.
- Describe how the company’s values are not what you had in mind, or are not aligned with yours.
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4. What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
After answering these questions prepare to give examples of situations in which you had to rely on your strengths, and conversely, how you overcame weakness.
Response Tips:
- Pick two or three of your strongest characteristics. These can be skills or traits that represent your best qualities as an employee.
- When describing a weakness, tell them an actual weakness you have but assure them it won’t interfere with the job.
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5. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Employers ask this question to get an idea of how realistic your goals and aspirations would be within the company.
Response Tips:
- Describe a role within the company that is realistic to reach in 5 years, like shift leader or manager.
- Explain how you would progress and produce results in that timeframe. Give believable answers.