A perfect interview requires a lot of preparation along with the ability to be at ease in the interview room. It’s also that you be comfortable and confident in discussing why you are the best fit for a role.
Interviewing is a skill in and of itself, one in which your ability to interact with the interviewer and to articulate your thoughts are factors that are just as important in getting the job as are the qualifications listed on your resume. Here is a list of interview skills that will help you get hired.
Interview Preparation
Winging it is never worth it. Not only will your interviewer see right through it, but your answers (and your self-confidence) will seriously suffer if you neglect to properly prepare. You should dedicate at least an hour to your preparation.
Here’s a sample formula outlining a 60-minute preparation exercise:
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- 5 minutes – read and analyze the job description, focusing on the essential requirements and responsibilities, try to tailor your answers and to the most important aspects of the job.
- 5 minutes – read your resume to review how you pitched yourself in the first place. *If you don’t have the skills or technology, don’t put it on your resume…you will get called out on it.
- 15 minutes – research potential interview questions specific to the position and the industry.
- 20 minutes – practice answers to these questions and recalling specific examples from your work experiences, such as major accomplishments, challenges, or milestones that will serve to strengthen your responses to situational and behavioral-based interview questions. (What, Where, When, Task or Project, Result, What you learned and Applied in another situation)
- 15 minutes researching the company, looking into their history, mission and values, and recent projects. You will score major points if you look up each interviewer on LinkedIn and remember their job history and background.