We all love that feeling of applying for a new job and getting a callback. It’s the interview that comes after, that we dread. The interview, however, is one of the most crucial parts of the hiring process. That’s why it’s so important for you to know how to crush an interview. There’s a lot of preparation and practice that goes into crushing a job interview, but if you put in the work, you are sure to get the job.
Research:
Before you go into the interview, it’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into. That is why you must do your research ahead of time. Find out more about the organization you applied to work at and the industry they serve. Look for current news about the organization and the industry. Learn about the organization’s mission and vision for the future. Find out if the company culture seems like a good place to work. There are plenty of things to research ahead of time. It’s important to do because it will show the interviewer that you have a genuine interest in working for them. However, it’s also important to do your research because you want to make sure the organization is the right fit for you too.
Resume:
Odds are, if you’re being called in for an interview, the interviewer has already looked over your resume. However, we’re not talking about having an awesome resume here. We’re talking about knowing your resume like it’s the back of your hand. STUDY IT! When you go in for the interview, they’re going to ask you questions about your resume. They will want to know about what you accomplished at your previous jobs, if you can demonstrate your skills, if everything on your resume is truthful, and much more. The more you prepare to talk about everything from your resume, the better you will do on your interview.
Know the Job:
Speaking of studying, you will want to study the job description as well too. Look at the responsibilities you will have and what they’re hoping you can do. Refer to these when answering questions in the interview. Doing so demonstrates to them that you are capable and able to do the tasks they’re going to ask of you. Even if there is something on the job description that you’re not overly familiar with, you can do a little bit of research and get a rough idea. Then during the interview, you can explain you know a little bit about that task but are eager and willing to learn more. Having the job description memorized and knowing how to refer to it during your question responses will have you looking sharp in the employer’s eyes.
Practice:
Practice makes perfect and that’s no different with interviews. You HAVE to practice. Start by looking up common interview questions and working out the answers in your head. Prepare yourself for these types of questions because odds are, you will hear them in an interview. Ask a friend, family member, or other loved one to do a mock interview with you so are ready to go. If nothing else, take the classic approach of talking to yourself in the mirror. It sounds silly, but it helps you get comfortable with an interview setting.
Interview Them:
This job isn’t all about you being the right fit for them. It’s also about them being the right fit for you. Ask them questions! Not only does it show interest in the organization, but it will also give you a great idea of what you’re getting yourself into. Ask the interviewer about their favorite part of the job, why the company is a great place to work for, what a typical day would be like, the benefits of the job, and so on. Make sure this job is right for you and your future. You don’t want to take on a job that isn’t right for you.
Truthfully, there are many other interview tips out there too, but these are some of the most important ones. Simply put, be prepared, be confident, and stay positive. Not only will your answers speak volumes, so will your body language. So sit up tall, speak with confidence, and go CRUSH that interview. You’ve got this!