Preparing For an Interview Will Make A difference
Creating and implementing a job seeking strategy translates into time well spent. We advise that you leverage a metric driven plan, which will allow you to adjust your efforts toward the methods that produce the best results. If after 30 days, you find that you are receiving the most feedback from a particular source, you should fine-tune your efforts the following month. When you discover the perfect job opportunity, there are several things you’ll want to do to prepare for the first interview.
Review the company provided job description, which can usually be found with the original job posting. Become familiar with all of the duties outlined for the position and compare your previous work history to identify experience that pertains to the target job. Have you performed similar tasks before? What are specific examples of how you championed improvements to processes and efficiency? Be honest with your answers, as this will provide certainty in your strengths and weaknesses, which will allow you to avoid displaying hesitance during the interview.
Fine-Tune Your Questions by Researching the Company
Take time to research the company, as you’ll likely be given time to ask any questions you may have during or at the conclusion of the interview. This will give you the opportunity to make a sincere inquiry, while also displaying your knowledge and prior experience in a similar role. Do not ask about salary or benefits. Instead consider if there has been a recent expansion or a new product, ask what your related responsibilities would entail. Perhaps there are particular expectations of the job that you would like to have clarified by your interviewer.
While it may be difficult to predict what may be asked during an interview, you can prepare by anticipating certain questions and practicing your response. Be ready to give an example that highlights your experience – particularly the value that you present, as a candidate. Even if a question appears to be closed-ended, being able to elaborate rather than answering a simple “yes” is ideal.
Some generic questions that are often asked during an interview are:
- What makes you the best candidate for the position?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- What did you like most about your last position? What did you like least?
- Give an example of a problem you had to resolve and what steps you took in finding the solution.
These types of questions can be challenging to answer if you are not prepared. However, it’s best to avoid appearing stiff and rehearsed. Don’t hesitate to be conversational with your answers and allow for your personality to shine through. Give the interviewer an idea of what it would be like to have you, the individual, as part of their team. Focus your attention on showing value, what you will deliver, if offered a position.
Every Job Interview is Conducted Differently – Be Prepared to Adapt
Following these guidelines can result in an improved feeling of confidence during the interview and will increase chances of landing the job.
Vertical Media Solutions can design a customized interview preparation plan. We are experts at providing valuable insight, which will make the difference between a job offer and a rejection letter. Give us a call today: 616-631-4300 or 517-308-0800
Leave a Reply