All your hard work and perseverance has finally paid off. The hours spent scrolling through job boards, the numerous edits on your resume and unsuccessful job applications have all been leading up to this moment: You have a job interview with your dream company. Congratulations!
Take a moment to savor in your victory, but make sure it’s just a moment. After all, there are still plenty of ways you can screw up this huge opportunity and lose out on the job of your dreams.
Your resume, credentials, and networking powers have gotten you this far. But now it’s time for the interview, which means a different sort of preparation. If you want to really kill it in the interview, whether that interview is in person or through online video, here are some things you need to think about.
What do you like best about working for the company? The answer to this question will tell you a lot about the company culture and yourself in general, which is important if your interviewer is also destined to become your boss. Make sure the things you name sound completely appealing to you and the interviewer, if its an organization you’ll enjoy spending your 8 to 5 everyday.
How would you describe your company culture in five words? This question might seem a bit obvious, but it’s also helpful in learning just what the company values are. The five words you choose will most likely be the most important and prevalent aspects of the company culture.
What is the growth opportunity like for this position? You want to have room to grow, learn and achieve in your new position. Asking about growth opportunity is both a good way to find out how much you can achieve and also brand yourself as a forward-thinking candidate. If the interviewer is a little light on details for how you can grow in the position or acquire additional education and training, perhaps career growth isn’t in the cards at this company.
What are the qualities of the most successful employees? This question will tell you the most important qualities you should possess in order to succeed in the company environment. For instance, maybe the ability to multitask and thrive in a chaotic environment is essential. Or perhaps the ability to work as a team and communicate clearly is key. Ensure you are well prepared to portray these ideal qualities.
What’s a common misconception about the company you would like to clear up? Almost every company is the victim of common misconceptions, whether it’s about the company itself, the larger industry, or a specific department. For instance, a start up company might seem like all fun and games from the outside, but this just covers up the long hours and high stress levels of employees. Don’t let perks like free lunch or an office gym stop you from finding out what life is really like at the organization. Your interviewer’s answer will tell you both how the outside world views the organization and also how the company views itself.
There’s plenty to remember before heading in for your important interview. If you follow this guide, you’ll probably increase your chance of killing it in your interview and finally landing your dream job.
What are some of your tips for nailing job interviews? Share in the comments.
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