Job interviews play a key role in the hiring process, and a strong interview can significantly increase your chances of securing the job. It's a two-way street: You’re also assessing whether the job and company align with your goals. Preparation is paramount. In fact, 88% of hiring managers consider a prepared candidate to be a strong candidate. Interviews come in various formats, including phone, one-on-one, panel, group, video, and one-way interviews, and it's common to go through two to four interviews before receiving a job offer.
To effectively prepare for an interview, consider using the 20-40-40 approach. Allocate 20% of your preparation time to researching the company, 40% to identifying potential interview questions, and 40% to practicing your responses. Make sure to research the company’s history, mission, and recent news, and also learn about your interviewer's background. The job description is also critical, as it contains the essential information you'll need to address in the interview. Consider creating an "interview prep pack" to organize your findings and prepare thoughtful responses to common questions.
During the interview, employers evaluate how well your personality and work style align with the company culture, as well as your background, job-specific skills, and social abilities. For in-person interviews, schedule strategically, aim for an earlier slot to be compared to later candidates, and make a positive first impression. Be sure to engage in thoughtful discussion, take notes, and end on a polite note. For virtual interviews, ensure you have a professional setting with a plain background, test your equipment, and log in early. Pay close attention to your body language and make sure you are making eye contact.
Remember that an interview is a two-way conversation, so ask thoughtful questions to show your engagement and gather important information about the role, the team, the interviewer, and the company. It is also important to send a thank you email within 24 hours, highlighting specific points discussed during the interview. Make sure your subject line is clear and include a greeting. Include a few details from the interview to show that you were engaged and be sure to restate why you believe you'd be a great fit for the position. Finally, it's a good idea to consider doing mock interviews and carefully navigate the job offer before accepting.
