How to Best Prepare for a Job Interview – Updated 2023

Introduction

Attending an interview is one of the most difficult parts about job hunting. To make sure you are prepared for the interview process, Ashton College shares key interview tips that will help you feel confident and make a lasting positive impression.

For more information on all things HR – check out our HR-specific blog.

If you were invited to an interview, it means that you already went through the first step in the selection process. You’ve probably spent a good deal of time searching and applying for a number of positions that seemed to fit your profile.

To perform well in the next step – the interview – and land the job you want, you’ll need to think about what you are going to say, how you are going to say it, and be prepared to respond to different questions.

Before getting the interview:

Many opportunities may not be advertised on the internet. “You need to explore the hidden job market and ask your friends and network if they know anyone who may be hiring. This can be a huge opportunity”

Summer jobs also matter and can prove to employers that you are interested and ready to work. Similarly, ensuring that your social media presence is career ready is also helpful.

“Employers today look at the social media pages of the potential employees to see their characteristics and personal traits. A nice resume isn’t enough if your social media presence doesn’t show good things about you,”

During the interview:

Beyond demonstrating why you are the right candidate for the job during the interview, asking questions to show interest about the position can be very valuable. Here are some questions to consider:

• Why is this job available?
• What are the biggest challenges of the job?
• What do you like or dislike about working for this company?
• Based on our conversation, are you confident that I’m someone who can meet the expectations of this job?

Just be sure to never ask about salary, benefits or vacations. It only makes interviewers feel negatively about your motivations for wanting the job.

“Showing that you’re calm during an interview is also a good indicator of how you will react in a difficult or stressful situation at work”

First Step

Many interviewees experience stress before and during the interviews, and may find that their nerves have interfered with their ability to present themselves as suitable candidates for the position.

In order to reduce anxiety, try to think of a job interview as a strategic conversation with a purpose. Of course, your goal is to show the employer that you have the skills, background, and desire to do the job. At the same time, you should also be gathering information about the organization, your role and future career opportunities. Remember: the interview is a chance both for you and for the employer to determine if the job and the work environment are a good fit for you and your skillset.

Interview Tips

• Do your research.

  Ensure that you have collected enough information about the company, as it gives the interviewer the impression that you are enthusiastic and interested in the company. You will need to be prepared to answer questions such as “What do you know about our company?” and “Why do you want to work here?”

• Practice, practice, practice!

  Think about conducting a mock interview before attending the real interview. Practice with a friend or a career adviser. You could also record or videotape your responses, so you can replay the interview and see how well you did. Make sure to prepare answers to commonly asked interview questions, especially questions like “Tell us about yourself?” or “What are some of your weaknesses?”

• Arrive early – and be prepared.

  It seems like a simple step, but being late due t transit or traffic can make a bad first impression. Look up directions ahead of time, bring a hard copy of your resume, and arrive at least 15 minutes ahead of time to give yourself time to check your appearance, straighten your outfit and silence your phone before entering the building.

• Dress the part.

  The rule is, when in doubt, overdress. Recent trends have dictated business-casual attire, but it's still appropriate to wear a business suit.

• Relax and be confident.

  The employer is interested in getting to know you, so think of the interview as a conversation rather than an interrogation.

• Don’t be afraid to show off a bit.

  Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to respond to questions and highlight past accomplishments.

• Expect the unexpected.

  It is likely that you will be asked some questions that you never heard or read anywhere. Many interviewers include questions that are not necessarily related to the job, such as “If you could be any superhero, who would you be?” These questions are designed to test your ability to think on your feet and to get to know you as a person.

• Get clarification.

  If you don't understand a question, don't hesitate to ask your interviewer to repeat it. You have a better shot at giving your best answer if you know exactly what they're asking.

• Prepare some questions to ask at the end of the interview.

  Smart questions do not include anything about potential salary or time off. Consider: “How would you describe the ideal candidate?” or “What have you enjoyed the most about working here?”

• Follow up.

  It's good etiquette to thank interviewers for their time. Make sure you get a business card from the person or people that you meet with and send a letter or e-mail to each one as soon as possible after the interview.

During the interview:

Beyond demonstrating why you are the right candidate for the job during the interview, asking questions to show interest about the position can be very valuable. Here are some questions to consider:

– Why is this job available?
– What are the biggest challenges of the job?
– What do you like or dislike about working for this company?
– Based on our conversation, are you confident that I’m someone who can meet the expectations of this job?

Just be sure to never ask about salary, benefits or vacations. It only makes interviewers feel negatively about your motivations for wanting the job.

“Showing that you’re calm during an interview is also a good indicator of how you will react in a difficult or stressful situation at work” says Batchert-Burke.

After the interview:

You can split interviews into two main parts: about yourself and about the company.

“Do your homework. Visit their website, understand what differentiates the organization from others and be able to communicate why you would be a good fit to further the organization’s mission,” she says.

Be prepared to answer questions about yourself. This could include your strengths, your weaknesses, your skills, and some personal characteristics related to a job, such as how well you can work under pressure. It’s also important to figure out your career goals and demonstrate how they align with the job.