Preparation is key
Like Henry Ford said, “preparation is the key to success”, a good preparation is important if you want to wow your interviewer. Not only does it show your motivation for a specific job, it will also ensure that you don’t risk being exposed.
Do your research
Know the company
It is important to know what the company does. If you don’t know this, you’re screwed.
Of course, you need to know more than that. Read about the company in articles or newspapers, take a look at their website, read the company blog and make sure you know and understand their values and mission.
Know the function
Knowing what you are applying for and what your responsibilities will be is the key to convincing the interviewer you’re the person for the job. If you don’t know this, you’re definitely screwed.
Prepare examples of all the different, required competences and responsibilities you master.
“One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation.” – Arthur Ashe
Know your interviewer
Knowing who sits across from you never hurts. On the contrary, it could even help you bond. And at least it will leave a good impression.
Take a look at their LinkedIn page to see how long they’ve been doing this job and what they’ve done before. Search for common ground to break the ice if necessary.
Know the dress code
Nobody likes somebody that is over or underdressed. Make sure they take you seriously!
Prepare your answers
Know what questions they can ask
Knowledge is power. If you can anticipate all questions, you’ll definitely make a good impression.
Do research, ask a recruiter, friends and colleagues which questions they’ve been asked. Use your network! Questions that are often asked are about your personality, strengths, weaknesses, interests, previous projects … But besides that, you could be asked to think rationally or solve a business case. For the latter, you can search for examples online and practice!
Prepare your answers
Knowing what kind of questions you might be asked, is of course not enough to blow away the interviewer. Your answers have the power to do that instead.
Reflect on your answer for each question and make sure you are always ready to give examples to support them. Search for examples of previous experiences to highlight your strengths and why you are the right woman or man for the job.
Be ready to be challenged
No need to say more.Prepare your questions
A job interview should be a conversation and not a one-way street. They will definitely ask you a lot of questions, but that does not mean you can’t ask them questions. On the contrary, you should if you want to show how thoroughly you’ve thought about the opportunity.
Prepare around 10 questions about your function, job content, the company’s strategy, the company’s structure, their growth plans …
Make sure you don’t ask anything that was already addressed during the interview, though!
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin
Thanks to our experts for their insights!
- Ineke Smeulders, Marketing Manager
