How to Prepare for a Job Interview

Job interviews can be quite nerve-wracking, but they can go a lot smoother when you are well prepared. Take the time to prepare yourself and arrive with confidence. After all, if you believe you are a good fit for the job, and this is something you really want – this is your opportunity to tell them why!

1. Review the job description
Familiarize yourself with the qualifications outlined in the job description along with the responsibilities. Prepare yourself to demonstrate how capable and qualified you are by thinking of examples from your previous work experience. The better prepared and more confident you are, the more successful the interview will be.

2. Research the company and familiarize yourself with the interviewers
You will be expected to be familiar with the company and have a sense of their products or services as well as their company values. Your knowledge of and familiarity with the company will show your true interest in working with them and allow you to better outline how your values align with theirs.

3. Prepare yourself with answers to common questions
You will likely be faced with some questions you didn’t prepare for, so being ready with responses for common ones will help set you up for success. Why do you want to work for us? What interests you most about this job? What can you bring to the role? Be prepared to share your past experiences and your future aspirations, and clearly demonstrate what you can offer and why you would be a good fit.

4. Prepare a list of questions for the employer
Making note ahead of time of some questions to ask the interviewer is another way to show you are keen. What are the typical steps in the hiring process? What type of training or professional development programs are offered? How long have you been with the company and what do you enjoy most about working here? These are all great questions which also allow you to learn more to see if the position and company are a good match for you.

5. Follow up
Be sure to follow up with the interviewer after meeting them to further demonstrate your interest in joining their team. Restate your interest in the position and let them know that you are eager to hear about next steps. Lastly, thank the interviewer for their time.

Working with a recruitment firm such as Stevenson & White can provide you with many benefits during the interview stage of the job search process. Our recruiters meet with you to determine what you are looking for in your next role, so they can save you valuable time spent interviewing for a position you wouldn’t be suited for. We can also act as a sounding board and guide you regarding questions you are likely going to face. A big part of our recruitment process is making sure our candidates are prepared on all levels, ultimately setting you up for success!