5 Things You Need to Know to Ace Your Interview
You landed the interview - cue happy dance!!!
But wait - oh gosh - now you actually have to prepare for the interview?!
Before your nerves take over, take a few deep breaths, read my interview prep tips below, and channel your inner professional rockstar as you showcase why you are the best candidate for the role.
(And then, of course, get back to your happy dance!)
5 Things You Need to Know to Ace Your Interview
✔️ Know the Organization: Start your preparation by doing a deep dive on the organization. What are their pain points? What differentiates them from their competitors? What challenges are they facing? This research will help you 1) position yourself as someone who can help solve their problems and 2) ask your interviewer smart questions about the company.
✔️ Know the Position: Review the job description closely to highlight how you will fulfill (and exceed) the core competencies of the role. During your interview, sprinkle in language related to the key job functions or qualifications to reinforce what makes you a strong fit.
✔️ Know Yourself: The key to impressing your interviewer is sharing your story in a compelling way. Prepare for interview questions by brainstorming a list of your significant professional experiences - this includes your accomplishments, as well as major challenges you've faced, obstacles you've overcome, and lessons you've learned. (This is why tracking your work wins is so important!)
✔️ Know Your Responses: Now, it is critical to translate these experiences into solid, concise stories that will demonstrate how you will apply what you've learned to succeed in this role. Google common interview questions and prepare your responses. For behavioral interview questions, I always encourage my clients to use the S.T.A.R. Interview Method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) - and I add in an extra 'R' for 'Reflect' to connect how this experience prepared you to be a strong candidate for this position.
Also, practice out loud! You can know exactly what you want to say in your head, but it comes out completely differently when you're nervous. Rehearse in front of the mirror, record yourself on video, or reach out to me for a mock interview.
✔️ Know Your Questions: This is so important! Prepare at least 3-5 smart, thoughtful questions for your interviewer. It is a major red flag if you don't ask any questions. Remember, you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you - this is your chance to learn about the company culture and find out if this role is the right fit for you.
Follow these steps, and you will ace your interview and show them why they can't go another week without you on their team.
P.S. If you really want to elevate your interviewing skills, reach out to me to learn about my single-session mock interview services or my Career Transition Coaching Package.
