In most interviews, the initial few minutes are the most crucial as that’s when the interviewer forms a judgment of the candidate to determine whether he/she is the right fit. With an increasing number of job interviews being conducted over video calls, it is imperative for candidates to make a great first impression.
Here are a few tips on how to prepare for an interview:
- Do a thorough analysis of the job description. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to reach out to the respective recruiter for questions or doubts you may have. In order to see how you fit in the role, compare the job’s roles and responsibilities to your current/previous ones. Then match your past achievements related with those responsibilities. You will then master any questions associated with the job’s responsibilities and your future prospects with the firm.
- Perfect your elevator pitch. An elevator pitch is a short speech typically lasting somewhere between thirty to sixty seconds to capture the attention of the interviewer. To successfully answer one of the most common interview questions: “Tell us about yourself”, you need a powerful elevator pitch about you and your work, why you should get hired and what makes you stand out from the crowd. Keep it short and sweet but enticing enough to keep the interviewer interested. Be sure to customize your pitch to your prospective company and practice your speech with a friend or family member to perfect it.
- The stories you bring to the table are more memorable to your employer than the facts you disclose. Bring a few captivating stories to your interview and leave a positive mark. During your interview, you should provide examples of how your story aligns perfectly with the firm and the job you are applying for.
- Lastly, make sure to have your post-interview questions prepared beforehand. Not having any questions only goes to show your lack of desire towards the job. It’s not recommended to ask questions that you will find answers to on the firm’s website or ask questions that lead to a one-word yes/no answer. Below are a few examples of some good post-interview questions:
a. Who will I be reporting to?
b. Can you tell me about the team I will be working with?
c. What KPIs will you use to measure my performance?
d. What’s the most important thing I could do to help within the first 3 months of my job?
e. What do you consider to be the most challenging aspect of your job?
f. What is the most appealing aspect of this company for you personally?
g. How would you describe the culture at your company?
h. Can you tell me about the next steps involved in the interview process?
