Tips On How to Prepare for Your Next Interview

Being well-prepared for an interview is key to your success and improves your chances of getting the job. This post shares six helpful tips.

Interviews are an opportunity to show your best self and demonstrate to a company that you are the right candidate for the role they want to fill. Before turning up on the day, there are a few things you need to do prior, to give yourself the best chance at excelling.

Tips On How to Prepare for Your Next Interview

1. Job Description

Make sure you have read the full job description before you attend the interview.

The chances are most of the questions you will be asked will be centred around what’s in the document. 

Ensure you match your experiences and skills to what the company is looking for.

If there is anything you are unclear about, this is the time to do your research.

If there are skills that are required that you currently do not possess,  be open about it during the interview. Offer your willingness to learn on and off the job to master the skill. Platforms like Lynda.com can be an excellent place to start.

Check out our post on 10 Qualitities of a Good People Manager

2. Interview Location

This can be easily overlooked but make sure you know exactly where the company is located and how to get there.

Some companies will have multiple sites within the same city, so ensure you know which sites the interview is and how you plan to get there.

If you are driving, allow enough time to accommodate traffic and parking just in case the company doesn’t offer on-sight parking.

The last thing you want is to drive around looking for parking when you are late.

If you are taking public transport, make sure you take an earlier bus or train to get you to the location early.

This will ensure that, if there are any delays, you give yourself a better chance of getting to your interview on time.

Some companies will have a big campus, make sure you end up at the right entrance.

I’ve made that mistake before and had a 10min run (in full suit) to get to the right entrance, which meant I was late and sweaty. 

3. Virtual Interview

Post-2021, there is a high likelihood that you will have your interview virtually.

Make sure you have a good internet connection (connect via ethernet if possible for better speeds), and your background is clean and clutter-free.

If a particular video conferencing software is required for the interview, make sure you have downloaded it and mastered the software.

You don’t want to be late due to technical difficulties.

If the interview is over the phone, make sure you keep background noise to a minimum and speak clearly.

I recommend standing up and moving around, giving you more confidence and energy.

If sitting works for you, why not.

4. Research The Company

Spend some time researching the company and what they do.

You don’t need to know everything but enough about what they do or sell and what you like about the company.

The latest headlines from the company will also be good to highlight and shows you are keeping up with current affairs.

Check out our post on 5 Ways to get Recognised and Land a Promotion at Work

5. Research Interviewers/ Panel

If the names of the interviewer or panel are provided, then do your research on them via LinkedIn

Get to know their background; where they come from, and how long they’ve been in their current role.

This will offer you opportunities to ask them questions in the interview.

6. Dress Code

Depending on the role you are applying for, dress accordingly(formal or business casual).

Prepare your clothing the day before. Make sure it still fits, just in case it’s been a while since you wore it.

Being well-groomed and using a dash of perfume to smell good can boost your confidence but don’t overdo it.

Conclusion

Being well-prepared for an interview is the least you can do.

Taking the time to prepare for an interview can increase your chances of landing your dream job. Good luck!

If you have any preparation tips, feel free to share them in the comments.