Prepare to nail the interview and get the job you want
You have earned your certifications, sent out your resume and now have an interview set-up. A strong resume gets you in the door but how well you do during the interview determines whether you’re offered the job.
Are you prepared for your upcoming interview?
Preparing for an interview takes more time than just Googling a list of common interview questions. Check out these tips to help you ace an interview.
Research the Company
Spend as much time as you can learning about the company and the person who you will be interviewing with. You will want to get a sense of the company’s culture and how to embody a similar personality during your interview. An interviewer will be impressed if you are able to bring up a piece of news or company history you learned from your company research. This shows the potential employer that you are genuinely interested in the company and position.
Prepare Answers and Questions
Interviews go both ways. The employer is interviewing you to see if you are a good fit for the position and you are interviewing them to see if this is a good fit for your career goals.
Prepare answers for questions you think might come up in your interview.
Common questions you will want to prepare for are:
- Tell me about yourself.
- What made you interested in working here?
- What are your career goals?
Practice your answers to help increase your confidence when responding. Have two to three key points for each response.
At the end of the interview you will most likely be asked, “What questions do you have for us?” Have a few questions ready such as:
- What do the day-to-day responsibilities look like?
- Are there opportunities for professional development?
- What’s the most unique thing about working for this company?
Asking questions will show that you are interested in learning more about the company and the position you are applying for.
Day of the Interview
Prepare your outfit prior to the day of the interview. Wear business attire even if you are applying for a job in the allied health profession and your daily attire would be scrubs. Keep jewelry and makeup to a minimal to avoid distractions.
You should arrive at least 10 minutes early to the interview.
Closing the Interview
After the interviewer has asked their questions and you have asked yours, thank them for their time and the opportunity to speak with them. The end of an interview is an opportunity for you to express your enthusiasm for the job. A way to do this is to explain how the interview has confirmed your interest in the company and the position. Before leaving, you can ask what the next steps are in the hiring process. Again, thank them for their time and reiterate your excitement for the position.
Follow-up
After any interview a follow-up is critical. As soon as you can, write down key details discussed in the interview. Think of the qualifications the employer is looking for and match your strengths to them. A “thank you” e-mail should be written no later than 24 hours after the interview.
Perfecting an interview takes time, practice and preparation. At Professional Skills Institute, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your goals by providing professional development and job skills, such as mock interviews. Set yourself up for success by visiting our Career Services department.
