How to prep for an interview!
January 14, 2025
Prepping for a job interview can be intimidating. You may wonder: What types of questions will I be asked? Should I prepare specific answers or focus more on general responses? After doing several interviews across various positions, I’ve gotten a sense of the questions you might generally encounter. Here are some practical ways to boost your confidence and key tips to help you successfully tackle your upcoming interview!
Familiarize yourself with the company
Depending on the department/company you’re applying to, it’s important to familiarize yourself with their work. You should know the company’s purpose and the role in which you are interested. This can be a great opportunity to understand better if this company is a good fit for you, and you can ask the interviewer questions.
You’re bound to get questions where they might ask you why you’re interested in the position or what drew you to the company to apply. In these instances, reference information about the company or the job position will work to your advantage. This demonstrates your strong commitment to the company and overall interest.
Some additional questions include:
- What are the key responsibilities of the position?
- What skills and experiences are essential for success in this role?
- How does this role fit into the larger team or company structure?
Have a good pitch about yourself
Having a strong pitch about yourself is crucial for an interview. It is a great way to summarize your strengths, experiences, and goals. This can make a great impression and show the interviewer how strong of a candidate you are. Through their questions, you can showcase what makes you valuable and differentiates you from others. By preparing a pitch, you can highlight relevant skills, make connections, and open more job opportunities.
Some questions they may ask where you pitch yourself:
- What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
- Tell me about yourself (Have a pitch in mind so you do not go blank or are unsure of how to approach the question)
- Can you provide an example of a challenge you faced and how you overcame it?
- Why are you interested in this position and this company?
Questions to ask the interviewer
As I mentioned, asking the interviewer questions can give you a gist of the company’s growth opportunities, work environment, and leadership styles and help you determine whether this will fit you well.
Examples of questions to ask:
- What opportunities for growth and development does the company offer?
- How do you measure success in this position?
- What does a typical day look like for someone in this role?
Additional questions to practice
I have generally had these questions asked, so it would be useful to include them. It is important to have a few potential responses in the back of your mind for questions like these.
- Describe a time you worked as part of a team.
- Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult situation and how you overcame it.
Presentation
Before you do your interview, it’s important to consider the following questions. First impressions are key!
- What should I wear?
- How will I get to the interview location?
- What materials must I bring (e.g., resume copies, portfolio)?
Mindset and relaxation
It's natural to get the jitters before an interview, but with the right techniques, you can manage your anxiety and feel confident, focused, and ready to impress. Here are some effective strategies to keep in mind.
- What techniques can I use to manage interview anxiety?
- How can I stay positive and focused before the interview?
- What reminders can I give myself about my worth and capabilities?
Follow-up preparation
After completing an interview, sending a thank-you note or follow-up message is a good idea to reinforce your interest and to be professional. Consider these questions as you write your follow-up.
- What thank-you note strategy will I use post-interview?
- What key points do I want to reiterate in my follow-up communication?
Well, that covers my advice on how to prepare for an interview! Note that this will vary depending on the position you are applying for. Good luck:)
