Got the call to come in for an interview? Congratulations!
Interviews can be a very stressful experience. Preparation is the key to reducing levels of anxiety and giving the best impression on the day.
Research. Research. Research
Before you attend your interview, you should spend time researching the company, owner(s) and its values. If possible, speak to existing/past employees to get a feel for the culture. Find out what type of projects they work on, so when they ask you what you know about them you can show that you have taken the time to do your research.
Dress to Impress
What you wear is not a huge deal, but be presentable. Don’t wear board shorts, sleeveless shirts, jeans or anything with holes or rips in it.
Check Your Attitude
Nobody likes an arrogant know it all. Actively listen to the questions and provide examples of how your skills and experiences will benefit the company. Don’t try to hide or sugar coat your answers, just be honest.
What to expect during an interview
Depending on the size of the company, you may be interviewed by the Human Resources Manager, admin or the owner themselves. These days, most interviewers will start by asking you to tell them a little about yourself. Not only does this make you feel at ease, but it lets the employer understand you as a person.
Typically, you will be asked a mixture of behavioural and technical skills. It’s hard to predict the questions they will ask you but you can view a list of the type of questions you may get asked so you can prepare some answers.
Get Technical
Boast about your practical experience and include technical examples in your answers. Don’t be afraid to use jargons to show that you speak the language. Where possible, choose projects you can discuss in details. Sometimes, they will ask follow up questions so you need to be able to dive deep.
Land your dream job by asking them questions.
Interviews present the perfect opportunity for you to learn more about the company and job right from the horse’s mouth. You should go in to every interview with a list of well-thought out questions in mind. You can find a list of questions to ask prospective employers here.
Good luck!
