5 Ways to Prepare for Your Next Interview
You've done it! You've landed an interview that will help you advance in your career. This is an exciting time, but there's work to do. If you want to maximize your chances of success, you need to be fully prepared before entering the interview. This will help you be confident in your answers and make a strong impression of who you are and what they can expect from you. Here are five things that you can do before an interview to help you stand out and increase your ability to land the job: 1. Research the Company One of the most critical things you can do before an interview is to research the company you're applying to. Not only will this show that you're genuinely interested in the role, but it will also allow you to tailor your responses to align with the company's values, culture, and needs. By demonstrating that you've done your homework, you prove your commitment and enthusiasm for the position. Start by learning about the company's mission, products, services, and employees. Check their social media platforms and recent news articles to see if there are any initiatives they are involved in. Additionally, use websites such as Glassdoor to get a better understanding of the company's environment and former employees' opinions. 2. Review the Job Description When reviewing the job description for the position you're applying for, pay attention to the specific skills and qualifications the employer is seeking. Highlight the essential responsibilities and skills on your own resume and evaluate how your background aligns with the requirements. Reflect on past or current experiences that you can draw from and discuss how you have achieved success in those areas. As you analyze the job description, take note of any frequently used buzzwords or phrases. These can provide you with insights into what the company values most and help you structure your responses in a way that directly addresses those needs. 3. Practice Common Interview Questions During an interview, you're likely to be asked several common questions, including: "Tell me about yourself." "Why do you want to work here?" "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" "Where do you see yourself in five years?" Practice your responses to these questions out loud. You can do this in front of a mirror, record yourself, or have someone listen to your responses. Doing this will help you avoid stumbling on your responses, ensure that you can articulate your points with confidence, and convey your passion for the role. Remember to keep your answers clear and concise! 4. Prepare Your Questions Always prepare at least two questions to ask at the end of your interview. This aligns with your research of the company and its operations, and it can help to solidify your brand during the interview. It demonstrates your interest and appreciation for the company and the interviewer. Here are some examples of questions to ask: "What does success look like in this position?" "How would you describe the company culture?" "What opportunities are there for professional development?" "Can you tell me about the team I would be working with?" Avoid asking questions that are self-explanatory, easily found, or that the interviewer has already answered. Your questions should be based on your interest in the position, your long-term career goals, and how you could fit into the company. 5. Plan Your Outfit and Logistics It's crucial that as you prepare to talk the part, you also look the part! Consider the company culture when deciding what to wear. A corporate setting would require more business formal attire, while a creative or tech-based industry may appreciate business casual attire. If you're unsure, it's best to choose the business formal route. Lastly, always confirm the date, time, and location of your interview. Plan your route and anticipate any traffic delays to ensure you arrive on time. If you have a virtual interview, ensure that you have a quiet space with minimal distractions, good lighting, and that your equipment (camera, microphone, and internet connection) is working correctly. Test your video conferencing platform and make sure you have the proper application available. The more prepared you are for an interview, the more you will impress the interviewer and increase your chances of landing the job. Remember these five basic steps: research the company, review the job description, practice your responses to commonly asked questions, prepare your own questions, and arrive on time and looking polished. Success is within reach - good luck! Hanna F. joined Enterprise Mobility™ in 2017 as a Management Trainee and quickly moved up the ranks. In less than a year, she was promoted to Assistant Branch Rental Manager at the Ottawa International Airport. Hanna's unstoppable success continued as she received multiple promotions across the region. In 2021, she took on the challenge of being an Area Manager in Winnipeg, overseeing a mix of rental locations both in urban and rural areas. But that's not the end of Hanna's journey. She saw an opportunity to elevate her career even further when a Talent Acquisition role opened up in Central Canada in 2024. Hanna knew this was her chance to shine and make a difference in a new way.