How to prepare for a job, the right way!
We all know this is true – you must prepare to perform well in your job interview.
Yet every time I post a video, someone’s sure to say:
“I don’t need to prepare. I just wing it and do fine”
Sure, some confident types think they can just wing it. Recruiters can usually spot them from a mile away. But if I were interviewing for that ideal job, I’d probably invest more than a cursory glance at the job posting.
But interview preparation can be daunting, and there’s a fine line between prep and over-preparation. So, I’m here to share how to prepare for a job interview (the right way).
Now, let’s dive in.
How to prepare for an interview
Tip #1: Read the job posting carefully
So much magic happens in the job posting. Think of it as your personal cheat sheet.
All the details you’ll need are stored there – so make sure you’re paying close attention to what’s listed.
As you dissect the posting, carefully consider any relevant keywords, phrases, or technologies. These will give you insight into how the company does business.
You don’t want to be caught off-guard not knowing certain terminology or being incorrect about something. It’s better to say you don’t know than to flub an answer.
And be sure to look for competencies, as those could be used in interview questions. If you want to know how to prepare for an interview, the job description should be your best friend.
Tip #2: Check LinkedIn
LinkedIn is also an important component of your interview prep – especially for professional jobs (vs blue-collar). You can learn company news, press releases, and employee engagement activities.
And perhaps even more importantly, you’ll be able to see who’s in which role. Be sure to look up your interviewers and be familiar with their profiles. Note how long they’ve been there, what they do, and where they came from.
You’re looking for commonalities – those oh-so-important icebreakers. And it will give you some insight into why they are even interviewing you to begin with.
If you’re particularly motivated, you can contact former employees to see if they can spill the beans. You may end up with some insider details that can help you impress.
