Phase 5: Crush the Interview
Congratulations on securing your first interview! Now, what's next?
Interviewing is a skill that improves with practice, much like building a muscle.
To excel in interviews, it's crucial to not only self-study but also gain practical experience by utilizing resources such as Candorful or seeking guidance from a trusted advisor.
One essential piece of advice is to always accept interview opportunities, even for jobs you may not necessarily desire, as it provides invaluable practice. You never know who you might encounter, and the more you practice, the more confident you'll become.
1. Pre-Interview Preparation
Before the interview, thorough preparation is key to success. Here's what you need to do:
Craft Your Introduction: Practice delivering a concise elevator pitch about yourself in under 90 seconds. The opening question, "Tell me about yourself," is a critical opportunity to create a positive first impression and introduce topics you want to discuss.
Resume Familiarity: Ensure you know your resume thoroughly, allowing you to discuss your past roles confidently and without hesitation.
Research Interviewers: If possible, find out the names of your interviewers and research their backgrounds. This knowledge will enable you to tailor your responses and questions effectively.
Utilize Recruiter Insights: Consult with the recruiter to gain insights into the interview format, typical discussion topics, and additional job description details.
Ask Thoughtful Questions: Always ask questions at the end of interviews. Limit questions to 1-2 per interviewer for panel interviews and 3-5 for one-on-one sessions. Personalize your questions based on the interviewers' backgrounds to make a lasting impression.
Example Question: For instance, if an interviewer is a recent college graduate in a supervisory role, consider asking, "I see you are a recent college graduate of [insert college here] but hold a supervisory role. Do you have any advice on how you achieved and maintained success so early in your career and earned the respect of those in similar positions with more experience?"
Research the Interview: Recognize that different companies, especially tech firms, may have unique interview processes. Conduct online research and use resources like LinkedIn's Interview Prep, YouTube, and the Blind App.
Behavioral Interview Mastery: Be well-prepared to answer behavioral interview questions effectively. Excelling in these questions can offset knowledge gaps, as employers value candidates they want to collaborate with, rather than just seeking the next Elon Musk.
Practice Extensively: Given the prevalence of virtual interviews, practice speaking confidently in this format. Additionally, seek guidance and conduct mock interviews with mentors to enhance your skills further.
2. Company and Job Research
Effective interview preparation also requires in-depth research on the company and the specific job role. Here's how to go about it:
Company Insight: Prior to the interview, thoroughly research the company. Familiarize yourself with its culture, values, mission, recent news, and developments. Understand the company's products, services, and main competitors.
Job Description Analysis: Analyze the job description meticulously to comprehend the role's requirements and responsibilities. Identify the skills, qualifications, and attributes sought in a candidate.
Technical Proficiency: If the position involves technical skills, ensure you review and refresh your knowledge in those areas. Be prepared to answer technical questions or tackle problems relevant to the role.
Industry Awareness: Stay informed about the industry in which the company operates. Keep abreast of industry trends, challenges, and innovations.
Prepare STAR Stories: Practice crafting STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that showcase your skills and experiences, particularly for behavioral questions. These stories should demonstrate your ability to handle various situations effectively.
3. Interview Strategy and Communication
Effectively strategizing and communicating during interviews is crucial. Here's how to approach it:
Set Clear Objectives: Define your goals for the interview. What key points do you want to convey? What aspects of your qualifications and experience should you highlight?
Body Language and Tone: Pay attention to your body language and tone during the interview. Maintain eye contact, sit upright, and speak clearly and confidently. Non-verbal cues are just as important as your words.
Active Listening: Engage in active listening during the interview. Fully immerse yourself in the interviewer's questions and statements. Seek clarification when needed before responding.
Structured Responses: When answering questions, structure your responses logically. For behavioral questions, use the STAR method. Be concise, providing sufficient detail to answer the question without unnecessary elaboration.
Show Alignment: Highlight how your skills and experiences align with the company's needs. Demonstrate enthusiasm for the role and the organization.
Handling Tough Questions: Be ready for challenging or unexpected questions. Stay composed, take a moment to collect your thoughts before responding, and don't hesitate to ask for clarification.
Follow-Up: After the interview, send a thank-you email to the interviewer to express appreciation for the opportunity. Use this communication to reiterate your interest in the position.