The Basics of a Job Interview: We’re talking about Practice

Let’s face it...interviews can be unsettling. And while many interviews are returning to in-person, all-important early stage interviews are still being conducted via video so, a refresher of sorts may be helpful...

The goal during most interviews is to make a connection and show the interviewer how you’re the candidate who will best add value to the team or organization. Most interviewers quickly validate or establish a candidate’s competencies and unique skills, shifting focus to understand how a candidate would “fit” or contribute to the pulse, culture and purpose of a team or organization. Fit is important for both organization and candidate. Not a believer? Just ask anyone who’s worked in the wrong environment or culture how important they feel culture is to a role...

With this in mind, here are several things to keep in mind when preparing for an interview.

Prepare.  Visit the organization’s web site. Understand what they do and how this role contributes to their success.  Learn what you can about the culture. Use social media and networking resources like, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and others to see who you know at the company.  If open about your search, contact your connections to see what they can share about the organization and/or manager of the role. Be sure to ask questions that show your understanding and interest in the company’s mission, the role and the team. And, be prepared to share how or why that mission is important to you.

Test/Confirm your video link, connection and environment. This came to light significantly during the beginning stages of the pandemic but, recent experience confirms it bears reminding. Dress appropriately to reflect the company culture, confirm your wifi connection in advance, turn your camera on and see what the interviewer sees including, appearance, attire, background. And, remember to position the camera so that you can look into the camera as if meeting face to face and lastly, speak clearly.

Know who you are. First impressions are real. Research says you have about 7 seconds to make a first impression. During these crucial moments, be sure to engage and be prepared to share who you are (“tell me about yourself...”) in a succinct yet compelling manner. Share a bit of your background, include something of interest and end with why you’re interested in THIS role.

Be open and represent your best self (not what you think the company wants).  Every organization has a culture...some stronger and more defined than others. Every organization also has a purpose, be sure you understand that purpose clearly...and express that you feel alignment with both culture and purpose. Be sure you’re moving to whatever’s next (not running from what’s behind you). Aligning with the right culture and purpose will pay dividends – emotional and otherwise – and will contribute to your overall success. Every role will have its challenges but, when things go sideways, being in the right culture will very likely help you persevere through challenges.

Practice.  Have a plan, ask for help, research potential questions, and be prepared for the possibility of being interviewed by a different interviewer, or more than one person.  Change happens. How you respond to that change will be of interest to the interviewer.

Be succinct.  Brevity with impact is precious. Understand your projects, be they successful or challenging. Be prepared to share the objectives, how you overcame challenges, how you measured success and learnings along the way. Be complete and share a compelling story but, be succinct.

Assume certain givens. You will likely be asked about your strengths and weaknesses, as well as your goals and career aspirations. Be prepared to clearly communicate why you’re the best candidate for this job and how will you contribute to the organization in a meaningful way. Why are you uniquely qualified for the role and the company.

Every interview is an opportunity to make a connection, learn about an organization, team or individual and to share something about yourself. You should enter each interview with a plan. Have a direction and desired outcome and think about how you should best achieve that outcome. Many of today’s interviews have become shorter so those candidates who are well-prepared, tend to be most successful in reaching their desired outcome.