Job Interview Cheat Sheet
Do you have a job interview looming and need some helpful tips? At this point in the job search process, you’ve already put in a lot of hard work! Between writing resumes, cover letters, and completing applications, it’s normal for the interview stage to feel both exciting and daunting.
Whether you’re interviewing for a part-time job alongside your studies or for your first big break after graduation, here are some helpful tips to get you through that interview!
Do your research
It’s always a good idea to get to know the company that you’re interviewing with before stepping into the interview. One of their first questions might be, ‘why are you excited about the possibility of working with our team?’ - and you don’t want to be caught off guard!
Try spending 30 minutes on a google search or perusing their website to get to know who they are, what they specialize in, and what makes them stand out from their competitors. Showing that you’ve taken the time to get to know them will help you to stand out!
Prep some classic interview questions
There are some questions that you’re likely to get asked in any interview, so brushing up on things like your greatest strengths and weaknesses is a good use of prep time! Sometimes a question can sound easy (or even be one you’ve answered in an interview before), but it can be helpful to prepare those questions before each interview. Maybe you even have a more recent or relevant example of how you impressed your last manager that you can share and want to remember to include it.
Try googling some typical interview questions and writing out your answers to the five most popular to feel prepared.
Prepare your own questions
Most of the time, interviewers will end with a final question – do you have any questions for us? If your conversation covers everything and you really don’t have anything to ask, that’s okay!
If there is anything you’re curious about though, this is the time! It can be hard to think of something on the spot, so try to have a question ready. This is a great way to make sure you’re taking this opportunity in the moment to go over anything else you think is important.
Practice!
Thinking through or writing out your thoughts and answers to questions can be so helpful. Take your preparation to the next level by practicing with a friend! Maybe you want to make sure you’re not speaking too fast or have them quiz you on your answers, so you don’t need to check your notes as often.
Is your interview virtual? You might find it helpful to think about where you’ll take the meeting in advance to make sure you have a quiet, organized space.
Prepare for any outcome
Interviewing is hard work, especially when you’re up against other qualified candidates. Try taking a moment before the interview to acknowledge the hard work you’ve been putting in and know that even if it doesn’t go your way, you’re still working towards something positive! If it doesn’t happen for this interview, then it might be the hard work and skills you implemented now that will help you land the next job you interview for.
You got this!