How to prepare for a job interview
Our top tips on how to prepare to set yourself apart and stand out in an interview.
At Hooray, Gloucestershire’s ethical recruitment agency, we want to help whoever and wherever we can, to support you every step of the way in your job search. That is why we’re spilling the beans and giving you our top hacks to enable you to ace your job interview.
So, you’ve done it? You’ve secured an interview!
Firstly, Hooray! A big congratulations on getting to this stage.
So, now you’re awaiting the next step and need to plan for the big day. It will soon be your time to shine in person.
But where do you start? How do you prepare for an interview? What kind of questions will be asked in a job interview!?
Worry not! We are here to help answer these all-important queries and get you feeling confident and ready to smash your next interview.
For us, we understand that preparation is key. As they say, ‘fail to prepare, prepare to fail’.
Preparing for an interview might seem intimidating, but here are a few things you can do to plan for a successful interview.
#1 Do your research:
Find out more about the company that you want to work for. For example, research the company’s history and their values (what they do and why they do it). Find out about their company culture.
This can give you more insight to see if you’re a good fit and if your values align. You can usually find this information on their website or check out the company’s social media pages.
Not only will this further your understanding of the business and contextualise interview conversations, but it will also be useful to you when preparing your own interview questions.
Hint: Don’t forget to research the person or people who are hiring you!
To find out more about the hiring manager and the team of people you’ll hopefully be working with, check out their ‘Team’ page.
“Remember we have limited opportunity to impress so, the idea is to build rapport as quickly as possible”
– Mark, Tech & Engineering, Divisional Lead.
#2 study the job description
Don’t just read over it, study it.
Reading about the role and description as much as possible will give you an advantage over the competition.
You need to read the job description carefully making sure you understand all the role’s requirements and responsibilities. This will make sure that you’re truly qualified and prepared to hit the ground running if you get the job.
It could also help you identify where you fall short. It’s ok, nobody’s perfect and there can often be a question relating to your weaknesses so it’s good to find out. Let them know how you’re working on this and express your willingness to learn.
Fully preparing this way can help you remain calm and perform at your best.
This can again help you to prepare relevant questions, allowing you to create a strong, long-lasting impression.
#3 Practice the interview with a family or friend
It may seem odd at first and not everyone is going to like this one but practising a mock interview with a friend or family can be really beneficial.
It’s the same way you would practice before public speaking. Rehearsing helps to prepare you. It’s one of the best ways to relieve anxiety, helping you squash those nerves and improve your confidence.
Want to know more about improving confidence in an interview? Check out our Top tips here.
Predicting exact interview questions can be difficult but there are common interview questions that you can practice that have relevant answers to potential questions that might be asked.
For example;
Why do you want this job? / Why do you want to work at our company? These are very similar questions and are both essentially asking you what made you want to apply for this position and what you know about the company that you like.
Make sure you tune in for next month’s blog where we will be revealing employers’ most frequently asked interview questions as well as how to answer them!
#4 Remember to refer back
Make sure you refer back to your achievements and skills.
“This one is actually quite understated; you need to tie your answers back to your relevant skills and accomplishment so ultimately you provide a solution for the problems that are currently existing in the role”
– Mark Mahana, Divisional Lead – Tech & Engineering
Make a list of all your accomplishments and your skills that are relevant to the role you are applying for so that you can link the questions back to your own unique set of skills and attributes.
Get in touch with us
If you’ve decided you’d like a change, or if you’re looking for expert, honest and ethical advice then get in touch! We work with some amazing clients and always have a variety of great new roles.
For personalised support on finding your next temporary or permanent role, give us a buzz today on 01242 300228 or email us your hell@hoorayworks.co.uk.
To see a full list of our vacancies click the link here.
