How to Prepare for an Interview: Part 2 of 4

Hooray! I’ve scheduled an interview! How do I prepare?

Welcome to the second in a small series of articles where we’ll discuss things to consider when preparing for an interview! This time, it’s what to do to prepare for an in-person interview.

Know your Resume

• …and be prepared to elaborate on it. A major part of an effective resume is providing enough information that your reader is inspired to call you for more details, so make sure you can go deeper when asked.

• Decide how you want to explain why you left each previous position. Be honest but know that you don’t have to give all the nitty-gritty details. Never badmouth a previous employer.

Know your Story

• Think about the most memorable moments from your previous positions, good and bad. What did you learn? Pull from these examples to answer in-person interview questions.

• Don’t forget to think about the big picture, as well. How did your time at each employer cause you to grow as a person and a professional? What lasting impacts did you make on your previous employers?

Know the Company

• Check out the company’s website and social media channels. What do you have in common with their vision/mission/brand?

• Follow the company on LinkedIn. View employees who currently work there to see if you know anyone. Find and view the profile of the recruiter or hiring manager you’ll be talking with. They will recognize your name, and it shows interest and initiative.

• If you know someone who works at the company you are interviewing with, tell them you applied! Many companies have referral programs and a tendency to favour referred applicants.

Practice your Handshake

• Practice with friends and family and ask for their feedback. On a scale of Donald Trump to a wet spaghetti noodle, you want to be somewhere in the middle—firm and confident.

Tune in next time for: “It’s interview time!”