How to Prepare for an Interview 101

The interview process can be a stressful and daunting experience, especially if it is your first ever interview or it has been some time since your last one. How do I stand out from the crowd? What can I bring to the role? What if they don’t like me? These are all thoughts that may enter your head so below are five simple steps to help maximise the impression you make on your interviewer:

It may seem common sense but in the rush to best prepare yourself you may have forgotten to research the organisation and industry. Do a google search, check LinkedIn, connect with professionals within your network and check if the industry is being affected by world affairs.

Before any interview, you want to be mentally prepared for who you are meeting. What do they do, what is their job title, how many people are you meeting with? Make sure you do a quick search for any mutual connections. Have you worked with anyone that may have worked in the same organisation as your interviewer? Any connection you may be able to find will definitely help you build rapport and can act as an ice breaker.

Reciting your resume word for word is not what I mean. What you need to do is familiarise yourself with dates, companies and the duties you have outlined on your resume. If they don’t align employers will have questions. Don’t oversell yourself and exaggerate what you were involved in but at the same time take pride in the experience you have. Be prepared to tell a story of your career pathway and why each role led to the next, this may personal or professional growth.

Any candidate who has secured an interview with one of my clients will know what I’m talking about. This is the part of the interview that in my opinion is the most important (at any level). It’s your chance to explain what you can offer and how you can value add. If you are in accounts, did you reduce the days outstanding for payments, were you able to allocate $80,000 due to reconciling the accounts, have you assisted with the testing and implementation of a new system? Think of your career and what lasting impression you have had on your past employers.

Never, and I mean never say no! You will never cover everything regarding the role, the company or perhaps skills the employer is looking for within an interview. Take your chance to ask about the team, culture or even the challenges that could be faced within the role. Use this opportunity to enquire about those doubts or concerns you may have, leave the interview feeling relieved not puzzled.

Being prepared and confident will help you win your dream role. Good luck!