How to Write a Disruptive Cover Letter [Template & Tips]
December 19, 2024
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This post was originally published in August 2021 and has been updated for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.
The interview process is worth your preparation, and you owe it to yourself to be your best at every stage, especially the beginning. An essential step of that prep is being aware of the do’s and don’ts of every aspect of an interview.
Imagine this: It’s a brisk 8 AM, and you have a job interview in the next 15 minutes. Are you feeling a little tense, anxious, or nervous? Maybe if you took more time to prepare, you could take care of that hard wrinkle in your shirt, fix that typo on your resume, or rehearse a particular interview question.
Now, let’s imagine this instead: It’s that same brisk morning, and your awaited job interview is right around the corner, but you put in the time. You look professional yet feel comfortable, and you’ve got your portfolio and interview responses at the ready.
If you’re currently preparing for a round of job interviews, there are a few common interview do’s and don’ts you should consider to avoid your behavior affecting your chances of advancing further in the selection process. Consider the following do’s and don’ts during your preparation and interview.
Preparation for a job interview is more than showing up on time and looking your best, it’s making sure that you’ve done everything you can to leave a great, long-lasting first impression.
With that said, there are a few basics on how to prep for a job interview you should cover to accomplish your goals for the meeting and set you up for success in what’s to come.
Thankfully the essential prep can be done no matter the type of interview. This includes the basic set of information you must gather before an interview that can help you prepare. The “what, when, and where” of a job interview includes:
Job position: The whole reason you have this upcoming interview is that you’ve applied for a position. Make sure you know the job description, qualifications, and type of professional the company is looking for, and that your resume is updated and reflects those needs.
Date & time: There’s nothing worse than showing up late to an expected meeting, especially one with your potential future boss. Confirm the time and date and be punctual.
Location: An interview can be held in a conference room, by video, or by phone. Always ask the interviewer or your recruiter where the meeting will take place. In fact, don’t be afraid to suggest a place or method if that’s more comfortable for you.
If you’re in a job hunt process and have been applying to different job postings, you’re most likely scheduling more than one interview. Aside from having an organized calendar with all your meetings and applications, you should review the corresponding job description to refresh the key aspects of the position prior to the meeting.
Going back to the role description will give you elements to guide your job interview prep. Even though you’ve checked it before, reviewing the job specifications, qualifications, and background again will allow you to align your profile with the ideal candidate for the company and have a general idea of the kind of questions the interviewer will ask you.
Another essential tier of information you must cover while preparing for a job interview is “who” you’ll be interviewing with and the first impression you’ll be leaving them with.
Another perk of reviewing the job description before the interview is making sure you are clear about the position’s requirements and responsibilities. If you don’t feel confident enough about a specific task or skill, do the research to get an idea of how important it is and what it looks like in the day-to-day.
Having some background information on the company you’re interviewing for can demonstrate your interest in their growth and success. More importantly, you can impress potential employers with information or ideas on how you personally could bring or make big changes to their business.
Regardless of the position you’re pursuing, you should be aware of the company’s industry and product or service. A basic understanding of the company’s environment and main offer will allow you to be more familiar with its business and customers, ultimately leading to a better interview performance.
Doing some brief research on their mission and culture may even provide you with your own interview questions for the hiring manager. Focus on asking about aspects that will make you feel confident you’re making the best decision if you get a job offer and choose to accept.
A well-crafted resume is a good start as far as how to prep for a job interview goes, but go the extra mile and bring a list of references, your portfolio, and a notebook for questions or feedback. A bottle of water or a mint may also come in handy for comfort.
Consider your physical presentation beforehand. Don’t debut a new hairstyle or outfit for your job interview without testing it out first. Prepping an outfit and overall looking ahead of time will reduce the stress associated with rushing or getting ready at the last minute. It may even be beneficial to have an outfit on standby just in case there’s a stain you missed or an uncooperative crease.
Make a first impression where you’re at your most comfortable, but without lacking professionalism.
This tier of information focuses on the types of interviewing companies use. There are so many different ways to interview, not to mention many types of interviewing out there. Don’t hesitate to ask what style or type of interview you’ll be having because preparation may differ depending on the response.
First things first, stay hydrated, open-minded, and ready to face anything! There are some similarities in preparing for an in-person interview rather than a phone or video interview. For instance, a spotty internet connection may not affect an in-person interview. Still, distracting surroundings or really any interference at all can throw a wrench in the mix of a successful interview.
Regardless of the interviewing method, make sure you’re well-prepared for every situation.
Start by knowing who your interviewers are, and be ready in case there is more than one. You don’t have to know all of the company’s playmakers by heart, but it’ll do you good to know some names at the top, especially if they’re the ones who are interviewing you.
The interview environment or setting can affect your communication style, and may even offer space to display teamwork, empathy, and drive. For example, in a more formal setting, such as a one-on-one job interview, you can take the time to go over your experience and accomplishments because you have the interviewer’s entire focus. In a less formal setting, such as in a group, you may need to manage when to engage and interact to avoid being overshadowed by others.
The greatest fear when it comes to interviews is not knowing what will be asked. Now, there may be a list of commonly asked interview questions and maybe even answers you can plug in, but these are never a guarantee. There may even be interviews where questions are less about your experience and work history but are more open-ended and guide the interview more like a dialogue rather than an exam.
Though you may not know or get to choose the interview format or every step of the process, being able to recognize the different styles and methods may help you relax and approach your job interview more thoughtfully. If you are working with a recruiter, they may be able to ask in advance which type of interview you’ll be having or coach you to manage all types.
Depending on the role and course of the meeting, the hiring manager may ask you about different aspects of your profile and objectives related to your career and the position. A key ingredient to feel confident with your job interview preparation is practicing and knowing how to answer common questions.
Hiring managers want to know your story, not only professionally. Structure your response into a three-phase story that highlights your growth and makes a compelling case for how good you are for the role.
You must understand the company you’re applying for and how it fits your career path. Your response will let the interviewer know if you took the time to research the company’s values, history, etc., so make sure to mention the appealing highlights that align with your goals.
This interview question tests your self-awareness as it inquires about your inner drive and how it adapts to the company’s objectives. You must be conscious of your why and give your interviewer real examples of why your motivations match the role.
Practices makes perfect, so if you want to take your job interview prep a step further, aside from having pre-tailored responses and information about the company, interviewers, and position, you need to rehearse your answers in a scenario as realistic as possible.
Among the applications of using AI tools in your job search, such as ChatGPT, you can conduct a mock interview that allows you to practice before meeting the hiring manager and get feedback on your performance and answers. On top of this and depending on the tool you’re using, you can also get analytics on your tone, vocabulary, and body language to sharpen your interviewing skills.
On top of covering the above preparation points, there are other actions you can try to put your best foot forward in the meeting. Depending on the type of interview you’ll undergo or the stage of the process you’re into, here are some pro tips to complement your job interview prep.
Take a deep breath. You got this! But if you still want the guidance of an expert, contact one of our recruiters to increase your chances of acing your job interview and getting an offer.
Contributed by Mary Dominguez and Luis Arellano
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