How to prepare for an interview when you are applying to a job with a company. Interviews allow you to present your skills and learn more information about the company. We will talk about how to dress for success as well as research the company and ask questions.
STAR method
The STAR technique for interview preparation consists primarily in structuring your replies by using relevant anecdotes. It is essential to prepare stories for all types of questions that you may be asked by the interviewer. Perhaps you are asked to share a story about how you have overcome a challenge and helped others.
Dress professionally
Your appearance can make a difference in how you present yourself to interviewers for jobs. Your appearance could reflect your knowledge about the job, and your level of seriousness. Employers will only be interested in your qualifications, so make sure you are well-dressed.
Research the company
You can increase your chances to land a job by doing research about the company you are interviewing. This can give you a better understanding of the company's history, products, global reach, and other information. This can give you an idea of the culture and ethos of the company. The company website is a great place to begin your research, particularly the section titled "About Us". A company's social media profiles could provide additional insight.
Create a story
The best way to prepare for a job interview is to create a story. How do you tell a story that will grab an interviewer? Keep your message short and direct. Your interviewer will likely have a limited attention span and time. As such, you should aim to create a story that can be delivered within two to three minutes. Your story should focus on metrics and actions and end with a wrap-up that connects back to the interviewer.
Avoid distractions
Avoiding distracting things is an essential part of preparing for an interview. This can be as simple a matter of not bringing your glasses to the interview or leaving your smartwatch in your car. Both of these things can be distracting and give the wrong impression. It is also a good idea to turn off your cell phone, as notifications can easily distract you during a conversation. These distractions can make you look unprepared and unprofessional, and may even cost you the job.
A thank you note to be written
It is important to prepare for an interview by writing a thank-you note. It should be concise and reiterate your interest in the job. It should also sell you as a candidate. Here are some tips to make your thank you note stand out from the rest of the pack.