Step by step: How to prepare for an interview?

Why is the job interview so important?

The interview is a crucial stage of recruitment, during which the recruiter assesses your skills and experience. It is on the basis of this conversation that he decides whether to offer you a job, which is why it is so important to prepare well for it.

The course of the interview may vary depending on the company and the position you are applying for. Nevertheless, there are some universal rules that are worth knowing.

How to prepare for an interview step by step

1. Review the company profile 

One of the most common questions you may hear at an interview is: “What do you know about our company?”. Therefore, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the company profile in advance. Check out her website, social media, as well as information available online. Find out what the company does, what its values and goals are. It is also a good idea to check out the latest news about the company in order to stay up to date with its activities.

2. Read the job offer 

Before the interview, read the job offer carefully again. Pay attention to the requirements and expectations of the employer. Prepare specific examples and answers to questions about the skills and experience that are required for this position. For convenience, take notes. Thanks to them, you will quickly remember what you wanted to say even in high stress.

3. Prepare questions for the recruiter 

During the interview, the recruiter usually asks the candidate if he has any questions. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the company, the position and the expectations of the employer. Prepare a few questions that will show your interest and commitment to the recruitment process. It is worth asking about the possibility of remote work, the career path in a given company, the rules for the use of tools or the financing of training. You can also discuss the topic of your future team - how to manage, model of cooperation or knowledge sharing. If the company provides many services, it is worth asking about how the cooperation between different departments looks like. These questions will show that you are interested in the company and have solidly prepared for the interview.

4. Think about the answers to the most common questions 

Nand at the interview you can expect a variety of questions about your knowledge, experience and skills. Be prepared for questions such as: „Tell me about yourself”, „Why do you want to work in our company?” , „What are your strengths?” , „How do you deal with stressful situations?” , “Why do you want to change jobs?” Prepare specific answers that will show your skills and experience related to the position in question.

5. Dress appropriately for the occasion 

Before an interview, think about what style to dress for a meeting. Choose the right outfit that will be appropriate to the culture of the company and the position you are applying for. Try to be neat and elegant, but do not overdo it with formality. Give up flashy outfits and too bold colors - unless you are applying for a job where creativity is very highly valued. Also, do not overdo it with makeup. Be guided by the principle “the less, the better.” 

6. Come ahead of time 

Punctuality is the basis. Be sure to make sure that you appear at the meeting at the appointed time, or even a few minutes earlier. This extra time will allow you to relax and mentally prepare for the meeting that awaits you. Punctuality is a sign to the employer that you are a responsible person and respect the other person's time.

7. Take your printed CV and references with you 

Prepare several printed copies of your resume and references. It may happen that the interlocutor will want to have them in front of him during the conversation. In addition, you will be able to refer to specific information if the need arises.

8. Try to control your nerves 

Stress before an interview is completely natural. However, try to keep calm and do not get carried away. Proper preparation will allow you to control your nerves. Do not forget about the notes - with them you will surely touch on all important topics. Also bring a pen with you, which can help you master nervous gesturing. Remember that the recruiter is also looking for a suitable candidate, so try to show your strengths.

Feedback after a job interview — when to expect it?

After the interview is over, it's a good idea to ask the recruiter about when you can expect feedback. Mark that you will wait to be contacted regardless of the outcome of the interview. Knowing that another candidate turned out to be more suitable for a given position is also a valuable thing. Recruiters usually take a few days, sometimes a week, to decide whether to work with a candidate.

Preparing for an interview is a key component of recruitment success. It is worth taking the time to familiarize yourself with the company, think through your answers and maintain the appropriate style during the meeting. Remember that an interview is a chance to show your skills and convince the employer why you are the best candidate for the position. Good luck!