Landing a job, especially early in your career, is a rigorous and complicated process. It starts in college when you choose what major to study and which classes to take. Once you acquire the knowledge you need, you begin to apply for internships to gain that “real world” experience that so many employers seem to look for in candidates. Then, you compile a resume filled with keywords and formatting that will get past applicant tracking systems. Finally, you get selected for an interview.

 

A job interview may be the last step in the process, but it can be the most stressful and confusing if you are not adequately prepared. Some candidates fool themselves by thinking that because they got an interview, the rest is a formality. Others believe they simply need to answer a bunch of questions about themselves. Both of these mindsets are what prevent qualified candidates from getting the job.

 

A job interview can be such an obstacle because it is more than just having the right experience or skillset. On top of all that, you need to excel at communication, answering questions, performing research, and selling yourself as the right candidate for the position. It would be a real shame if you did not get a job you were qualified for because of a poor interview performance. For this reason, we will cover the five things you must do to be fully prepared for an interview.

 

#1 – Do Your Research

 

It does not matter if you apply to one job or one hundred jobs when you are preparing for an interview that is the only position you are focused on. Put yourself in the shoes of the person interviewing you. They are looking for someone who is excited about the prospect of joining their team. The best way to show that you are passionate about that specific position and company is to do your research.

 

Now, when we say research, we do not mean visit the company website and write down what you see. You need to learn about the company’s mission, what they sell or provide, and how they came to be. Then, visit their social channels and make a note of past events they may have hosted. Look on their website for free resources such as eBooks and infographics to download. When they ask you why you are interested in their company, you can call out something specific that genuinely interests you.

 

Pro Tip: Research the LinkedIn profile of the person interviewing you and ask them a question about their past experience.

 

#2 – Review Your Resume

 

The person interviewing you has already viewed your resume. Therefore, simply reading back to them what is already written is a waste of both your time. Take time to review your past experience and practice presenting it a different way. When you apply to a position, the other people they interview will have resumes that are similar to yours. You need to find a way to take what you have done and repackage it into something that will impress the interviewer.

 

For example, if you are skilled at managing projects or teams, talk about the specific projects you have worked on. If you studied a specific topic, explain what you learned and how you will apply it to this position. If you are good at organizing, mention how you have used your skills and how it will benefit the company. This strategy lets the interviewer visualize you at work and see the value you will bring to the team if hired.

 

Pro Tip: Bring three copies of your resume with you in case the interviewer does not have a copy

 

#3 – Prepare for Possible Questions

 

It is impossible to know exactly what questions you will be asked during an interview. However, you should have a general understanding of what they may ask. These are the questions you should prepare answers for ahead of time. You do not need to memorize your answers, but you should know what you will say to avoid looking unprepared.

 

For example, you will most likely be asked to “tell us a little bit about yourself”. This is an opportunity to set the tone for the entire conversation. What are the three things you want them to know about you? When they ask about your experience, highlight anything you have done that matches what they have listed on the job description. When they ask why you want to work there, respond by calling out something in their mission statement and the services they provide. Again, it would be best if you didn’t sound rehearsed, but you do want to determine the key points to hit ahead of time.

 

Pro Tip: Prepare two or three questions to ask the interviewer about themselves or the company

 

#4 – Have a Professional Outfit Ready

 

The first impression you will make at an interview is based on the clothes you wear. Wearing professional clothes shows that you are taking the interview seriously. It also shows that you are prepared and did not just throw something together at the last minute. Of course, for this to work, you actually have to prepare your outfit ahead of time.

 

We suggest this because that suit you are counting on may not fit as well as you remember. That dress you loved in college may not be appropriate for a formal interview. You want to choose your outfit at least one week ahead of the meeting. This way, you can bring it to the cleaners if it is stained or wrinkled. If it isn’t the perfect choice you thought it was, this gives you time to go shopping and pick out something fresh and professional.

 

Pro Tip: It is always better to be overdressed than underdressed.

 

#5 – Know Where You Are Going

 

Lastly, be sure to know where you are going for your interview. The last thing you want is for all your research and preparation to be wasted because you showed up late to the interview. By showing up 15 minutes earlier, you are allowing yourself extra time to review your notes. Also, the hiring manager will be notified that you showed up early. That can only help to solidify a positive first impression.

 

Once the meeting is confirmed, determine the address and look up the various routes to take. If possible, drive to the office the day before to ensure you can locate the building. When feasible, go into the building and see if there is a security desk you need to pass through or if you are allowed to go straight up to the individual’s office. You want to make the trip the day of the interview as easy and seamless as possible.

 

Pro Tip: Print out a hard copy of the directions in case something happens to your GPS

 

Conclusion

 

Interviewing does not need to be hard or scary. The key is to take the time to prepare for the position you are asking to be hired for. Review your resume and craft a story that showcases your passion and value. Research the company and prove that they will benefit from hiring you. By doing these things, you are setting yourself up for long-term success.

 

Let’s Talk!

To learn more about how The HR Agent can help prepare you for your next interview, send us a note at contact@thehragent.com

 

 

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