Follow this advice to ensure you nail your next job interview, from thoroughly studying the company to tackling certain challenging questions. Want to succeed in your upcoming interview and obtain the position you’ve been looking for? Here are some hints to aid with your planning.
Study the business and industry
You might be questioned during an interview about your perceptions of the company’s position within its industry, its competitors, its competitive advantages, and the best course of action. Avoid attempting to properly examine a dozen different industries for this reason. Instead, concentrate your job search on a select few industries.
Explanation of your “selling points” and motivations for applying for the position
Every interview should be prepared with three to five key selling points in mind, such as why you are the best person for the job. Have a prepared illustration of each selling point (“I am a terrific communicator. For instance, I convinced everyone in the group to…”). And be ready to explain to the interviewer why you are interested in the position, as well as what it is that fascinates you about it, what benefits it gives that you find useful, and what skills it demands of you. No matter how qualified you are, an interviewer won’t extend an offer if they don’t believe you are genuinely interested in the position.
Be prepared for the interviewer’s reservations and worries
There are usually more applicants than there are vacancies available. Thus, interviewers search for strategies for eliminating candidates. Consider their perspective and consider any possible reasons they might not want to hire you (I don’t have that, I’m not that, etc.). After that, get ready to defend yourself by saying something like, “I know you might be thinking that I might not be the ideal fit for this role because [their reservation]. However, you should be aware of that [reason the interviewer shouldn’t be excessively worried].
Get ready for typical interview questions
There is a list of at least 100 “common interview questions” in every “how to interview” book. If there are that many frequently asked questions, you would wonder how lengthy the interviews take. How then do you get ready? Think about the inquiries that, given your age and situation, are most likely to be on any given list (about to graduate, looking for a summer internship). After that, practice your responses so you won’t have to scramble for them when the interview actually occurs.
Prepare a list of inquiries for the interviewer
Bring some thoughtful questions prepared for the interviewer that will show both your knowledge of the firm and your genuine purpose. Every time an interviewer asks if you have any questions, you should always be prepared with one or two. He or she might assume that you are not particularly interested in the position or the organization if you respond, “No, not really.” “If you could design the ideal candidate for this role from the ground up, what would he or she be like?” is an excellent general question.
You can use some of your prepared interview questions, such as “What do you think is the best part about working here?” and “What kind of person would you most want to see fill this position?” if you have many interviews with the same firm. Afterward, make an effort to come up with one or two more throughout each interview.
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